X Qayiso
For millions of South Africans in rural areas, roads and bridges provide access to markets, employment opportunities and social services.
We therefore welcome the announcement that the Eastern Cape is set to receive a major economic boost with the appointment of a contractor to build the long awaited Mtentu Bridge, which forms part of the N2 Wild Coast Road Project, as well as the rehabilitation of the R56 from Matatiele to the east of the Cedarville project.
The South African National Roads Agency SCO Limited (SANRAL) made the announcement last week, after completing all procurement processes following the May 2022 cancellation of bids.
In addition to these two projects, strategic roads such as the R61 from Magusheni to Mzamba, R58 Cala to Engcobo also known as Satansnek and the R411 from Mqanduli to Coffee Bay have been awarded. An announcement will be made in due course about the N2 from KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) to Ngcweleni River project.
These two projects will bring the much needed socio economic development to the province, providing job opportunities and address the triple challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty.
The announcement of these critical road infrastructure projects increases public sector investment in the province by almost R7 billion.
