For nearly 30 years, the community of Mount Elias in Umshwathi Municipality has been cut off from nearby towns due to a lack of proper road infrastructure. This isolation has severely limited residents’ access to essential services, including healthcare and education, while stifling job opportunities and forcing many to leave in search of better prospects.
Now, a new R350 million road construction project promises to transform the area, reconnecting it with neighboring regions and revitalizing the local economy.
Decades of Neglect
Residents say the poor road conditions have made daily life a struggle. With no reliable transport links, children face long journeys to school, and many skilled professionals have left the area. “We’ve got well-educated people here, but they were forced to relocate because the area was underdeveloped,” said one community member.
The lack of infrastructure has also hindered economic growth. Young people report few job opportunities, leading to an exodus of talent. “The construction of this road will attract locals who left to come back,” a resident added.
Plea for Better Education
As the finance minister prepares to table the national budget, the community is also calling for improvements in education. A nearby school, described as old and in need of refurbishment, forces students to travel far for quality education. “We want our children to have better opportunities without leaving home,” a parent explained.
Community Participation Key to Development
Local leaders have welcomed the road project but stressed the importance of community involvement in government discussions, such as budget consultations. “Our people don’t participate in the census or other government discussions, so we miss out on needed funding,” a leader said. “We must engage to ensure our needs are met.”
Economic Boost Expected
The new road will serve as a crucial transport corridor, linking areas under two municipalities and supporting local agriculture, particularly sugarcane farming, which dominates the region. A nearby milling plant is also expected to benefit from improved connectivity.
The project has already created over 100 jobs for local youth, offering a glimpse of the economic revival residents hope to see. With construction underway, Mount Elias may finally be on the path to long-awaited development.
