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IOL News
a day ago
- General
- IOL News
Melmoth housing project finally making progress after decade-long delays
SOME of the challenges that faced the decade-long delayed Thubalethu housing project in Melmoth was the hilly terrain where the houses are built. However, retaining walls were erected to mitigate against flooding THE Thubalethu housing project in Melmoth in the background with some of the water infrastructure built since the provincial government's intervention in the delayed project. KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma inspected progress of the project yesterday KWAZULU-NATAL Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma accompanied by the department's officials inspects the Thubalethu housing project in Melmoth which has faced decade-long delays THIS was how some of the houses for the Thubalethu housing project, in Melmoth looked like after vandalism, illegal occupation and delays before the provincial government had to step in. TRIBUNE REPORTER THE beneficiaries of a housing project in Northern KwaZulu-Natal have regained hope of occupying the houses that have remained unoccupied and incomplete for many years, with many being vandalised in the process due to delays and a plethora of other challenges. The R168 million Thubalethu housing project in Melmoth has been beset with challenges of delays, cost overruns, vandalism, illegal occupation, and lack of power and water supply since 2012, leaving many beneficiaries destitute and living in informal settlements. The project is a national government initiative under the Human Settlements' Breaking New Ground (BNG) programme and was meant to be an extension of Thubalethu township. The project was initially for 512 units, but the final number was adjusted to 751 due to the land's topography. A total of R168 million was allocated for the project. Yesterday, Human Settlements MEC for KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, returned to the Thubalethu community to monitor progress on the project following an April 29 visit earlier this year, accompanied by the Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who both committed to seeing the project to its finality and exerted pressure for its speedy progress. 'We remain convinced that only hard work and commitment to serve the people will end the prolonged construction of houses in Thubalethu township."We want to ensure that there is no maladministration and that there is accountability for every cent spent,' said Duma yesterday when he undertook Operation Sukuma Sakhe Cabinet Day work in the township. He monitored and inspected the work involving the department, Mthonjaneni, and King Cetshwayo municipalities. The Human Settlements Department has made available R38.5 million for the construction of the retaining walls to mitigate against flooding. Some of the houses are in hilly terrain, which maximises the risk of flooding. R61 million has been provided for the installation of bulk water services, and another R19 million for the construction of water infrastructure in the area. There's also a plan to erect water tanks and upgrade sewer and septic tanks. One of the many challenges facing the project was plumbing and sanitation. In the early stages of the project, there were reports of political bickering between the Mthonjaneni Local Municipality and the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, which further complicated the project's progress. The provincial government had to step in to nip the bickering in the bud.
Chicago Tribune
09-06-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Today in Chicago History: Captain Bill Pinkney becomes first Black person to circumnavigate the globe solo
Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 9, according to the Tribune's archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) 1919: Under headline 'TRIBUNE HAS TREATY,' Tribune scooped the world with details of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. It was the Tribune who presented the U.S. Senate with the original copy of the treaty, setting the newspaper apart from other publications at the time. 1930: As Tribune police reporter Alfred 'Jake' Lingle walked toward the stairway to the Illinois Central Railroad station at Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue — clutching a copy of the Racing Form that he bought at the adjoining newsstand — he was shot in the head and fell over dead. Splashed across the Tribune's front page the next morning, was the headline: 'OFFER $30,000 FOR ASSASSIN.' But as details of Lingle's life subsequently dribbled out, the narrative changed dramatically, leading to a quite different headline: 'Tribune reporter was on the take, big time.' 1992: Chicagoan Bill Pinkney sailed into Boston Harbor having circumnavigated the globe all by himself, the third American and the first Black person to have accomplished the feat. Armed with a satellite phone, an array of prepared foods, a stack of books and a Sony Walkman, Pinkney traveled from Boston to Bermuda and then to the British Virgin Islands, Brazil, Cape Town, South Africa, and across the Indian Ocean to Tasmania. After that, he sailed across the South Pacific around Cape Horn to Uruguay before turning north again to Bermuda. During his voyage, Pinkney experienced some harrowing moments, but no brushes with total disaster. 'I have not had any near-death experiences, thank goodness,' he told the Tribune in 1992. 'I was caught in a lightning storm between Argentina and Uruguay. For four hours, the lightning was hitting like mad all around me. I was the tallest thing.' It took Pinkney 22 months to complete the 27,000-mile circumnavigation. 2010: Patrick Kane sealed the Chicago Blackhawks' first Stanley Cup since 1961, with a goal 4 minutes, 6 seconds into overtime of Game 6 against the Philadelphia Flyers. WGN-AM 720's John Wiedeman made the radio call: 'It's in the back of the net! The Hawks have won the Stanley Cup! Blackhawk fans around the world, you've endured 49 years of frustration, but your patience has finally paid off! Sweet Home Chicago!'' Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago's past.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AL.com's Bob Carlton looks back on 46 years covering food across Alabama as he heads for retirement
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — As longtime food and culture writer Bob Carlton retires from Alabama Media Group, he took a moment to look back on his career in a recent interview. During a recent episode of 'Tribune Unscripted,' an online show hosted by Trussville Tribune Publisher Scott Buttram, Carlton discussed his career covering the food beat for The Birmingham News and as well as some of his memories working in journalism over the years. Friday marks Carlton's last day at before his retirement, marking the end of 46 years with the news organization, which he first joined as an intern in 1979 and full-time in 1980. Watch the full interview above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Springville honors 4 officers during city council meeting
The following report was written by Terry Schrimscher of the Trussville Tribune. SPRINGVILLE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) – The Springville Police Department opened Monday's council meeting with presentations to four officers. Chief Wayne Walton made the presentations aided by Councilors Austin Phillips and Herbert Toles. First, Walton presented a letter of appreciation to Officer Dave Weal for completing Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Training. Weal was recognized for utilizing his training to assist an individual in distress. 'Your actions have not only changed one life but also inspired those around you to become more aware, more responsive to the needs of individuals facing mental health crisis,' Walton said in the presentation. 'Officer Weal's dedication to ongoing education and training ensures that we are better equipped to serve and protect all members of our community, especially those experiencing mental health crises,' Walton added in a written statement. 'His professionalism and compassion make a true difference in the lives of those in need.' Next, Walton introduced Cpl. Kevin Thompson, Officer Curtis Pippin, and Officer Carter Pardue, and recognized them for their actions during an emergency call in February which resulted in saving the life of a teen suffering from a gunshot wound. They recently completed a Stop Bleed Training which helped prepare them for the situation. Shelley Rawlings, representing the office of the city attorney, read a resolution from Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth and the Alabama Senate. The officers were recognized with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Lifesaving Award and presented copies of the resolution. Walton noted that the ALEA Lifesaving Award is one of the top five awards an officer can earn in the state. 'The dedication and professionalism displayed by Cpl. Thompson, Officer Pippin, and Officer Pardue exemplify the very best of law enforcement,' said Walton in a statement. 'Their quick thinking and preparedness directly contributed to saving a young life, and we are incredibly proud of their actions.' The council then conducted two public hearings on zoning issues. The first hearing was a discussion on an ordinance rezoning property at 135 Pine Street from a residential R-1 to business B-1. The second hearing was an ordinance to rezone 170 Mills Ferris Lane from RE to A-1. The ordinance for Mills Ferris Lane was carried over to a future meeting so council members can better evaluate the situation. The ordinance to rezone 135 Pine Street was amended to restrict the type of business and future paving requirements. The Pine Street ordinance was approved unanimously with the amended restrictions. The next meeting of the Springville City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on June 2 with a work session at 5:30 p.m. prior to the meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Leeds Creek Bank Festival postponed to May 24
LEEDS, Ala. (TRIBUNE) – This year's Creek Bank Festival & Car Show has been rescheduled to its rain date of Saturday, May 24 due to inclement weather. The event, which marks the 30th edition of the festival, will be held at Leeds Memorial Park. This year's gathering will feature all sorts of family activities including balloon art, face painting, hot dog eating and hula hooping contests, and the ever-cute Creek Bark Dog Pageant. The always-popular Cruising the Creek Bank Car Show will also return this year with proceeds benefiting two local nonprofits–Backpack Buddies and Leeds Outreach. There will also be dozens of vendors, offering everything from handcrafted items and fun gifts to festival food and frozen treats, perfect for a warm spring day. The festival will kick off its live entertainment for the day with Heath Green and Adam Guthrie, two talented musicians who are new to Creek Bank and ready to bring energy to the stage Additional performances will include singer/songwriter Lynnox Poe plus the return of crowd-favorite Terry Padgett with his popular Elvis tribute. Festival-goers can also enjoy a lively performance from the Cash Domino Killers, known for their entertaining 50s and 60s rock and roll show. Miss Leeds Area Samantha Hennings will also be part of the festival lineup. There will also be a limited supply of commemorative 30th Anniversary Creek Bank Festival shirts at the Leeds Chamber booth. For more information, email amy@ or visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
