Roads leading to tourist attractions must be top priority, ask Niani residents

Traditional leaders in the Niani area welcomed the latest initiative to re-gravel roads but stressed the need for tarred roads leading to tourist attractions. They believe this will stimulate the local economy and create more job opportunities.

On Wednesday, 25 September, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba was joined by the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure (DPWRI), Ernest Rachoene, during a visit to the area. The premier addressed community members at Gumela village, outside Musina, where the department is re-graveling and blading the D3682 road, which leads to the Nwanedi Luphephe resort.

A traditional leader from Musunda village near Gumela, Vhamusanda Muvhango Rambuda, expressed his appreciation for the road upgrades but emphasised the need for a tarred road leading to the holiday resort. “We also want some young people in our villages to get EPWP jobs as they will be maintaining the roads,” he said.

Rambuda added that the Nwanedi Luphephe Nature Resort should be revitalised to create jobs for surrounding communities. “We are situated in deep rural areas, and most of the people are unemployed,” he said.

Dr Ramathuba stated that the Dikgerekgere Wednesday service-delivery initiative was making a positive impact in communities. She said that road users appreciated the work being done by the DPWRI.

MEC Rachoene said that roads leading to other tourist destinations in the province were also being prioritised. Work has commenced on the road from Gumela Village to Musunda village and the gate of the Nwanedi-Luphephe Resort.

“This special focus is one of many that will continue across the province, even beyond Tourism Month, as these road networks are critical for the economic growth of the province through tourism activities,” he said.

Date:05 October 2024

By: Silas Nduvheni

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