GREENLIGHT ON REHABILITATION OF R56 ROAD BETWEEN CEDARVILLE AND MATATIELE
EASTERN CAPE SET TO RECEIVE A MAJOR ECONOMIC BOOST AS SEVERAL CONTRACTORS ARE APPOINTED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STRATEGIC ROADS
The Eastern Cape is set to receive a major economic boost with the announcement of the appointment of a contractor to build the long awaited Mtentu Bridge, which forms part of the N2 Wild Coast Road Project, as well as the rehabilitation of the R56 from Matatiele to the east of the Cedarville project.
A statement from the Office of the Premier in the Eastern Cape said, the South African National Roads Agency SCO Limited (Sanral) made the announcement last week, after completing all procurement processes following the May 2022 cancellation of bids.
The statement said in addition to these two projects, strategic roads such as the R61 from Magusheni to Mzamba, R58 Cala to Engcobo popularly known as Satansnek and the R411 from Mqanduli to Coffee Bay have been awarded. An announcement will be made in due course about the N2 from KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) to Ngcweleni River project.
According to the statement, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane received a formal briefing from SANRAL’s Board Chairperson, Themba Mhambi, on Wednesday about the latest developments around these major projects. These two projects will bring the much-needed socio-economic development to the province, providing job opportunities and ameliorating the triple challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty. The announcement on these critical road infrastructure projects increases public sector investment in the province by almost R7 billion.
Welcoming the news, Premier Mabuyane said the province will put all its weight behind the project and support all efforts to ensure its completion. “This investment brings to fruition the commitment we made during the State of the Province Address, that of making our province a construction site.”
“We are excited that these projects spell job creation for our people and the community development projects aligned to the main project that will lift the face of these villages,” said the Premier.
“This announcement demonstrates in action our government’s resolve to improve the socio-economic conditions of our people,” added Premier Mabuyane.
The Premier has also called on Sanral, the Department of Transport in the Eastern Cape, as well as Alfred Nzo and O.R. Tambo district municipalities to immediately intensify social facilitation processes, ensuring that communities appreciate the positive impact of this project. Infrastructure development forms part of the province’s five-point plan to propel economic recovery.
