Mbhashe Local Municipality is steadily transforming Dutywa s infrastructure, with the successful upgrade of Thompson Street one of the town s busiest roads.

The contractor broke ground on 06 December 2024 and completed construction on 16 September 2025, just days ahead of the planned deadline. The project scope included clearing and grubbing, mass excavation and earthworks, cleaning of prefabricated culverts, and the construction of layered sub-bases before paving the 300-metre stretch with durable interlocking blocks. Both the roadway and sidewalks were completed using this method, which is preferred for its resilience against potholes and surface damage.

The six-month project faced some technical challenges, particularly with connecting the stormwater system due to difficult invert levels in the existing infrastructure. Engineers revised designs several times to accommodate underground stormwater lines and electrical cables, which extended the timeline by 65 days. Despite this, the project was successfully completed with the installation of permanent traffic signs to improve safety and traffic flow.

A total of 14 local workers, including skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled personnel were employed on site, ensuring that the project also contributed to local job creation and skills development.

This newly constructed road is expected to make a lasting impact on Dutywa by enhancing mobility, improving public safety, stimulating economic activity, and adding to the town s overall beautification.