Eastern Cape Transport MEC, Xolile Nqatha, has commended the steady progress on the Msikaba Bridge project, while raising concerns with the slow progress on the Mtentu Bridge.
Both bridges form part of the multi-billion rand N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) project being implemented by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).
Nqatha hosted and chaired the N2 Wild Coast Development Political Oversight Committee at the Wild Coast Sun Hotel in Bizana last week.
He warned all those involved in disrupting the progress, saying such disruptions were too costly for the government and the entire populace, while appealing to all stakeholders to work collaboratively in the protection of these mega projects.
In a report presented during the two-day session, SANRAL revealed that the N2WCR project had generated more than 3 000 local jobs to date.
This is according to SANRAL Southern Region manager, Mbulelo Peterson, who said that 3069 jobs had been created for locals, excluding the site staff and team of professionals working on the project.
“The N2 Wild Coast Road project has created opportunities for participation by more than 418 emerging enterprises and, over and above this, we have realised indirect benefits from the provision of accommodation, supply of fuel, catering, and hardware, to many other economic spinoffs,” said Peterson.
He added that 2 906 locals had undergone various skills development training programmes, including welding, brick and block laying, computer skills, catering, community training, and crop production.
Additionally, CSDG (Construction Skills Development Goals) training has been provided to more than 53 beneficiaries.
According to SANRAL, the project is progressing well with the construction of the Mtentu Bridge having recently commenced, and the Msikaba Bridge pylons having exceeded the 80 percent mark at 86.2 metres, out of a 126.7 metre height.
Nqatha said that the construction of the two bridges was set to make history in Africa and beyond.
He said that the current government leadership should lead by example, as it is tasked with ensuring that the project succeeds as part of its legacy, and for the benefit of future generations.
“It is important for the local business fraternity and community to unite and speak with one voice. Your unity and collective power are important to the success of this project,” he said.
The traditional leadership, business fraternity, municipalities and Project Liaison Committees also applauded the work of SANRAL, while registering challenges presented by the project.
“SANRAL has put women on the map. I am so passionate because I am one of them. It is difficult to be in this space, and we need the support, but women must make a difference,” said Bizana Business Chamber secretary, Belekazi Sikutshwa.
The R20 billion N2WCR project is strategically positioned on the N2, which connects four provinces, the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, and traverses the major towns of Cape Town, George, Gqeberha, East London, Mthatha, Durban, and Ermelo.
It entails the construction of two megabridges at Msikaba and Mtentu, and is set to reduce travel time between the Eastern Cape and KZN by about two hours.
