Umlazi has seen significant activity in civil engineering and infrastructure development, with several projects aimed at improving the area’s livability and connectivity. One major initiative is the construction of civil engineering infrastructure for 1,000 sites in Umlazi Area 1, located south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, with an estimated project value of R116 million[1]. Additional civil infrastructure development is also taking place in Umlazi Zone 2, further contributing to the area’s urban growth[4].
Companies such as Umzali Civils play a prominent role in these developments. Umzali Civils has operated for over 28 years and offers the full spectrum of civil engineering services. Their expertise spans large-scale earthworks and infrastructure projects, road construction, road rehabilitation, residential and commercial developments, and utility installations. The company takes pride in completing projects on time, within budget, and to high quality standards, supported by experienced management teams and a substantial fleet of construction equipment[2][3].
Notably, infrastructure upgrades in Umlazi have included pivotal projects such as the Emansomini pedestrian bridge over the eZimbokodweni River, aimed at improving safety and connectivity for local residents, particularly in Wards 86 and 94. This R30 million upgrade reflects the area’s focus on both transportation improvement and resident well-being[6].
However, the construction sector in Umlazi and broader South Africa has also faced challenges due to the rise of so-called ‘construction mafias.’ These groups first emerged in the Umlazi Township in 2014, initially advocating for local job opportunities on building sites but evolving into extortion rings targeting diverse infrastructure projects. Their activities have resulted in significant disruptions, project delays, and financial losses for the industry, prompting both state and national interventions to protect vital infrastructure development[5].
References
- [1] Project: Umlazi Area 1 – Civil Infrastructure | L2B – Leads 2 Business
- [2] Umlazi Civils – Construction Connection
- [3] Umzali Civils – An industry leader in Civil Engineering Road …
- [4] Construction of civil infrastructure for Umlazi Zone 2 … – Easy Tenders
- [5] A piece of the pie: Extortion in South Africa’s construction industry | GSI
- [6] LOOK: R30 million road upgrade in uMlazi, following devastating …
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