N2 Wild Coast route projects will benefit the economy

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

The N2 West Coast road aims to connect Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal and create economic opportunities for the communities living on the Wild Coast.

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.  
  1. Local economic development 
  • Positive impact on the local economies of Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Mzamba, as well as Flagstaff, Bizana and Holy Cross.  
  1. 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’.  
  1. Local socio-economic development 
  • Improved access to healthcare, education and other social and economic opportunities;  
  • Improved access to agriculture and other local economic activities.