Mthatha to get upgraded pavements and improved lighting

The King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipality is investing about R15m in new pavements and high-mast lighting as part of efforts to modernise Mthatha, improve safety and enhance the town’s image as one of the Eastern Cape’s major economic hubs. The municipality has allocated about R10m for the third phase of its Mthatha pavement project and a further R5.4m to install high-mast lights in crime-hit residential areas. Newly elected mayor Nkosi Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo recently announced the projects, saying they formed part of the municipality’s broader programme to improve infrastructure and public spaces.

Municipal spokesperson Sonwabo Mampoza said the pavement project, expected to be completed within 10 months, would include the removal of damaged pavements, construction of new 60mm paving-block walkways, drainage improvements, installation of dustbins and benches, tree planting and landscaping. “The project forms part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to modernise urban infrastructure, improve the pedestrian environment and contribute to the overall beautification of Mthatha,” Mampoza said. The project will cover parts of wards 6 and 7 and is expected to create at least 40 temporary job opportunities for local residents.

The latest works form phase three of the municipality’s ongoing programme to upgrade pedestrian infrastructure in the town. The investment comes as KSD continues efforts to strengthen its economy after its bid to be upgraded from a grade 4 municipality to a rural metropolitan municipality was rejected by the Municipal Demarcation Board in 2024. It also found that expanding the municipality by incorporating surrounding areas would increase service delivery backlogs and place additional strain on municipal resources.

[paywall]

Despite the setback, former mayor Nyaniso Nelani told the Daily Dispatch during the municipality’s 2025 strategic planning session that KSD had not abandoned its ambition of eventually becoming a metro. “We will never abandon the dream of the people of KSD to see their municipality become a metro,” Nelani said.

[/paywall]