World planners scrutinise city developments

THE uMhlathuze Municipality recently welcomed highly qualified international planners on a technical study tour throughout the region, to advise on three significant projects on the cards.

Members of the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) – an association which brings together respected planners from more than 80 countries worldwide – studied the conceptual design for the new Steel Bridge, the Empangeni Revitalization project and the Mzingwenya informal settlement intervention strategy.

The single-lane Steel Bridge at the Richards Bay Tuzi Gazi Waterfront has already been redesigned to eliminate a number of structural operational risks.

Delegates were pleased with the city’s approach to widen and upgrade the bridge, but suggested the municipality’s city development department work on a detailed ‘Waterfront Masterplan’ to ensure the structure will accommodate future developments in the popular tourist area.

The revitalization plan, which will entail the redevelopment of the Empangeni town centre to address urban decay and economic decline, also received positive responses.

Suggestions were that the city enhance informal trading policies, provide storage and cold facilities where applicable and promote densification by increasing the use of space both horizontally and vertically.

The Mzingwenya informal settlement on the outskirts of eSikhaleni was presented to the group as an earmarked restructuring zone to tackle vast challenges in the area that now has more than 4 000 households.

Not only is the site located on a flood line, with many households built under Eskom powerlines, but it is also home to waterborne sewerage issues and subject to environmental degradation.

Planners stated relocation will be the last resort considering the environmental concerns in the area, but they applauded the municipality for its amicable relationship with tribal leaders in the region.

City Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo said he is pleased the city was chosen as one of the five municipalities in KZN receiving a visit by the delegates.

‘You have come to the right place. ‘This city is the third biggest economy in KZN, but it will be the fastest growing municipality in the province.

‘We have endless opportunities as a SEZ (special economic zone), having a port that is not only the deepest in South Africa, but is also largely still in its natural state for future development,’ said Mhlongo.

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