Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Nhlangano Town Council has officially handed over the Phepha Street construction site to Ignite Construction and Electrical Contractors, marking the start of a major road upgrade in Ward 4, Mathendele.
Valued at E3 476 446.94, the project will deliver a 350 metre concrete road, five metres wide, complete with an integrated drainage system. The planned infrastructure includes side drains and mitre drains designed to improve water flow, strengthen durability, and protect the road against weather damage over time.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Nhlangano Town Mayor Mandla Gift Sibandze said the initiative reflects the Council’s commitment to delivering lasting infrastructure that meets community needs. He acknowledged long standing concerns from residents over the condition of the road.
“This road was in a truly poor state, and residents have frequently raised valid concerns regarding its condition,” he said.
Sibandze said the contractor is expected to uphold strict quality standards and complete the project within the agreed timeline. He noted that, barring disruptions caused by rainfall, the works should be completed within three months.
Construction is expected to begin in April 2026, following the Easter period. Sibandze added that Council officials will closely monitor the progress to ensure accountability and quality delivery.
“This is the first project of its kind in our town. Its success will demonstrate the viability of this construction method, allowing us to roll out similar concrete roadworks across more streets in the future,” he said.
Ward 4 representative Nkululeko Mavuso welcomed the development, saying it addresses long standing transport challenges faced by residents due to the poor condition of the road.
“We are grateful to be remembered. This road will be a great help as the previous conditions were dire,” he said, urging that the project be implemented in a way that promotes unity and avoids conflict.
Nhlangano Town Council Chief Executive Officer Babsy Mavuso said the project signals the beginning of a wider infrastructure development programme aimed at modernising the town and improving service delivery. She noted that several additional projects are already being prepared.
Representing Ignite Construction and Electrical Contractors, Manager Sihle Shabangu expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to deliver quality work within the set timeframe.
“We thank the Nhlangano Council for trusting us. We promise to deliver the required quality within the time given,” said Shabangu.
The Phepha Street upgrade is expected to ease mobility challenges for residents of Ward 4 while setting a benchmark for future concrete road developments across Nhlangano.
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