SMME training and development forms an essential component of most SANRAL projects. We are well aware of the challenges facing some rural Eastern Cape communities. We have put a lot of time and many resources into ensuring that our community development programmes are both relevant and accessible.
Over the past two years, 35% of our training programmes took place in the Eastern Cape. The recent projects on the R61 Mthatha to Nqgeleni, Komgha River to Grahamstown and Keiskamma Pass to Keiskamma River, each had very successful training and development programmes attached to them. More than 800 local community members benefitted from various forms of training opportunities.
This year, 71% of training and development programmes will be concentrated in the Eastern Cape.
SANRAL Southern Region has a comprehensive set of infrastructure development projects underway in the Eastern Cape. Many of these are tied to a master plan for other long-term mega projects that are focused on bringing socio-economic growth and greater prosperity to the region.
One of our flagship projects for the Eastern Cape is the much anticipated N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR). Construction on the first mega-bridge, the Mtentu, began in January this year. The tender for the R1.63bn-bridge was awarded to the Aveng Strabag Joint Venture who are expecting to complete construction in May 2021.
The second tender, for the Msikaba Bridge, went out in late 2017. Construction is expected to commence later this year. These two bridges will form the backbone of the N2WC road which will open the Eastern Cape up to a range of economic
and social development possibilities. In addition, SANRAL is finalising designs for the new section of the N2 that will run from Port Edward to Port St Johns. This greenfields project will also have a significant training and development component that will benefit local SMMEs and communities.
Road safety is a key priority for SANRAL and we are always looking at ways to improve and advance the safety of our road users. As part of our safety strategy we have a consistent routine road maintenance programme in place across the country to ensure that our roads are well maintained.
Our Road Safety Management System (RSMS) also helps to ensure that road safety is at the forefront of any decisions that are made when it comes to the construction, maintenance, operation and management of our road network.
At the moment there are 18 routine road maintenance projects underway in the Eastern Cape, all of which are focused on keeping you and your loved ones safe.
Skhumbuzo Macozoma is SANRAL’s CEO
WITHOUT the development of road infrastructure, the safety of road users and the economy of the Eastern Cape province would suffer. Investing in state-led infrastructure development will create thousands of employment opportunities while improving the quality of life of many people.
During the 2016/17 financial year, the Southern Region managed 18 routine road maintenance contracts covering 4 963km of road, including 342km that were added during the financial period, on request of the Premier. It is through these road infrastructure projects and the training that is offered that communities living close to the major road networks can benefit.
There are several major road infrastructure projects in the province which are currently ongoing, or have been concluded in recent years. One of the province’s major projects is the N2 Wild Coast Road bridges which has a huge SMME development focus.
The socio-economic impact of the project will offer a significant injection for the local communities. It is estimated that income for the local industry will increase by R360.4m. Construction work will create 6 800 direct jobs, and between 21 300 and 28 100 indirect jobs. Operational work is anticipated to create 900 direct jobs and between 18 900 indirect jobs.
Other major SANRAL projects benefitting local communities and industries include the R550m Mthatha Sprigg Street to Ngqeleni road infrastructure development and safety programme, which was finalised in September 2017.
More than 200 people benefited from the N2 from Komgha River to Grahamstown and Keiskamma Pass to Keiskamma River roadworks project. This R96m project concluded last year.
Another major road infrastructure project under construction is the R980m N2 upgrade between Grahamstown and Fish River Pass.
Phases 2 and 3 of the upgrade and rehabilitation project of the N2 from Green River (near Bulembu Airport) to Breidbach (east of King Williams Town) and the R63 from Alexandra Road to Bhisho, are expected to commence in mid-2018.
The R75 rehabilitation project between Port Elizabeth and Despatch is set to create significant opportunities for SMMEs in Nelson Mandela Bay. The project is expected to conclude in 2019.
During 2016/17, R12 368.9m (2016: R10 587.8m) was spent directly on non-toll roads, with capital works absorbing R6 276.4m and maintenance
R6 092.5m.
Thandiswa Marawu is the MEC
of Roads and Public Works