Eastern Cape Premier, Phumulo Masualle, said that the envisaged N2 Wild Coast road will be a major catalyst for economic growth, job creation and expanded opportunities for the people of the Eastern Cape.
Premier Masualle was commenting on the announcement by SANRAL on Thursday that it had awarded a R1.6 the tender for the much anticipated Mtentu Bridge, which forms part of the N2 Wild Coast Toll Road (N2WCTR) project.
Masualle said that the decision to start with the construction of the Mtentu Bridge is a critical next step in the broader programme to unlock the economic growth potential of the Eastern Cape through investment in infrastructure.
“A world-class highway is critical to the successful implementation of our 2030 Provincial Development Plan,” said Masualle.
“This strategy focuses strongly on tourism, agriculture and the growth of the oceans economy and requires a reliable road network to attract new investment.”
The people of the Eastern Cape will benefit significantly from an upgraded road that stretches from East London to the province’s north-eastern border. Communities that were cut off from opportunities through apartheid spatial planning will now become connected to the mainstream of economic activities.
Premier Masualle said “there should be no doubt that the N2 Wild Coast development enjoys widespread support among the people of the Eastern Cape. This has been confirmed by a survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council which showed 99% local support for the road.”
There has been extensive consultation with communities and interest groups as well as environmental impact assessments by professionals and all these views were taken on board during the planning and design phases of the project.
“We welcome the commitment by SANRAL that local business, SMMEs and local labour will benefit greatly from the construction activities. Local suppliers will be first in line to provide goods and services to the project and the training and skills development programmes associated with the construction will enable many local entrepreneurs to become fully-fledged contractors and create more local jobs.
“We are only two months away from the start of the construction of the Mtentu Bridge and we are confident that it will be a powerful symbol of a province that is on the rise,” said Premier Masualle.
