The first few weeks of 2018 have seen a number of important meetings between SANRAL and Eastern Cape communities to discuss the opportunities flowing from the construction of the N2 Wild Coast Road.

This consultation will continue throughout the year as work intensifies on the R9bn road project that will transform the regional economy and bring major positive spinoffs for communities served by the new infrastructure.

In 2017, SANRAL facilitated more than 100 engagements with various stakeholders – including national and provincial departments, local municipalities, councillors, traditional leaders, business chambers and community members across the region.

We kept the momentum. On 23 January 2018, SANRAL hosted political and civic leaders from Ingquza Hill, Port St Johns and Mbizana, as well as from the OR Tambo District Municipality. This was followed by a stakeholder session at the Wild Coast Sun, which was attended by members of the business chambers, traditional leaders, political leaders, Amadela Ngokubona and other interested parties.

At both meetings, SANRAL presented an update on the N2WCR and discussed the land acquisition process related to the project. Senior officials from SANRAL also highlighted the agency’s new long-term strategy – Horizon 2030 – and our recently released draft Transformation Policy.

We got overwhelming support for the Transformation Policy and its potential to transform engineering and construction in South Africa.

Stakeholders called for greater collaboration between SANRAL and the municipalities connected to the project.

SANRAL is in the process of establishing and training Project Liaison Committees (PLCs) for the Mtentu Bridge construction and the two roads packages already under design. During 2018, PLCs will be established for the construction of the Msikaba Bridge and the design phase of all the remaining sections of the road and further bridges between Port St Johns and Port Edward.

During the rest of 2018, SANRAL will hold quarterly stakeholder engagement meetings within the Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts. In February, SANRAL engaged communities in Lusikisiki and Flagstaff through its Taking SANRAL to the People campaign. This programme aims to encourage dialogue and continuous engagement on the road development and its future impact.