Mthatha - Work is underway on a project that will see a new community created in the Eastern Cape by the end of the year.
Four informal settlements outside Mthatha - Mandela Park, Chris Hani Park, Polar Park and Slovo Park - will be consolidated into Mthatha West, complete with tar roads and better services.
"The upgrading of the area is part of a service delivery programme to develop Mthatha West. Once the programme is complete in December 2012, residents will benefit from improved services and the creation of job opportunities," said King Sabatha Dalindyebo executive mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa.
She said the contractor was currently working on constructing 16km of tar road that will link Mthatha West to Mthatha.
"The roads that are being upgraded are the main taxi collection routes. Residents that live in those three areas will now be able to travel safely and smoothly to Mthatha," said Ngqongwa.
She said the project, which will cost an estimated R4.4 billion when complete, will be officially handed over to the municipality in December this year.
The project is expected to lead to the creation of nearly 90 temporary jobs. - SAnews.gov.za
