President Zuma says major infrastructure projects are underway in the Eastern Cape

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

President Jacob Zuma says several major infrastructure projects are underway in the Eastern Cape.

Delivering his state of the nation address on Thursday he said construction is underway to develop the port of Nqura as a major new trans-shipment hub.

He outlines other major developments underway in the Eastern Cape.

"The Umzimkulu dam is critical for rural development and rural livelihoods, preparatory work has commenced for the construction to begin next year. The upgrading of Mthatha airport runway and terminal and the construction of the Nelson Mandela legacy road and bridge are currently underway" Zuma said.

Meanwhile the president also said government was continuing to wage a war against corruption.

He said the capacity of the Special Investigating Unit had been increased from an initial 70 staff members, to more than 600 at present.

Zuma said since 2009, he had signed 34 proclamations directing the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption, fraud or maladministration in various government departments and state entities.

"Criminal investigations were initiated against 203 accused in 67 priority cases under investigation by the end of September 2012. In total pre-trial proceedings have been initiated against 191 persons" he added.