Spin-offs will include employment, Eco-tourism and economic development.

The construction contracts on the green-fields portion of the new N2 Wild Coast route are projected to spend over R400-million in wages and create approximately 8 000 direct jobs from the main contractors.  

With almost R3-billion projected to be spent on SMME suppliers and sub-contractors as well as the turnover effect of wages, a huge boost in indirect jobs in the local region can be expected.  

The new route will bring:  

1. Regional economic development 

• Significantly faster delivery times and lower transportation costs between KZN and EC; 
• Shorter and flatter route will result in a 1½ to 3 hours saving in travel time, particularly for heavy vehicles; 
• About R1.55-billion per year in time cost savings to the economy.  

2. Local economic development 

• Positive impact on the local economies of Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Mzamba, as well as Flagstaff, Bizana and Holy Cross.  

3. Major eco-tourism and conventional tourism opportunities 

• Over 600 000 additional tourists over 10 years projected;  
• Wild Coast will be a viable weekend destination for KZN residents;  
• New route will open a potential tour bus or self-drive route from Port Elizabeth to Durban;  
• Strict environmental legislation will ensure only a limited number of coastal nodes can be developed commercially and will ensure that the Wild Coast will remain ‘wild’;  
• The two mega bridges, particularly the Msikaba cable stay bridge, will be tourist attractions in their own right. A tourism visitors centre is planned for the Msikaba bridge;  
• The numerous spectacular waterfalls between PSJ and Port Edward can be developed into a ‘waterfall route’.  

4. Local socio-economic development 

• Improved access to healthcare, education and other social and economic opportunities;  
• Improved access to agriculture and other local economic activities.