Pigg’s Peak needs E31 million to complete ongoing projects

By Delisa Magagula

Pigg’s Peak Mayor, Councillor Sipho Shongwe, has announced that the town requires E31 million for the 2025/26 financial year to complete ongoing projects and start new ones.

Speaking during a council session, Shongwe outlined that the funds would be directed towards key infrastructure upgrades, including the revamping of town roads and the rehabilitation of market spaces for local vendors.

“The money will be used to complete projects that are already underway and to roll out new projects which are important for the development of Pigg’s Peak,” he said.

The Mayor explained that the focus was on improving basic services that would support residents and businesses alike. Among the priorities mentioned were the upgrading of access roads to ensure better connectivity, as well as modernising vendor markets to provide a safe and orderly space for small businesses.

Shongwe also emphasised the need for inclusive economic participation. He highlighted that youth engagement remained a pressing issue in Pigg’s Peak, where an estimated 67 per cent of young people are currently unemployed.

“We are engaging the youth to start businesses and take part in the local economy. This is one way of tackling the high unemployment rate in the town,” he stated.

The Mayor noted that creating opportunities for young people would reduce dependency and encourage innovation within the community.
Shongwe further said the town council was looking at partnerships that could boost entrepreneurship.

He explained that youth initiatives would be integrated into the council’s broader economic development plans to ensure sustainability.

According to the council, discussions are already underway with stakeholders on how best to source the E31 million. The Mayor expressed optimism that once secured, the funds would have a direct impact on improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for residents.

Pigg’s Peak has in recent years been implementing development projects aimed at improving service delivery, though some remain incomplete due to budget shortfalls.

The 2025/26 budget request is expected to determine how quickly the town can address the backlog of projects and meet its development targets.