Scenic R-102 through Blaaukrans Pass could re-open if....

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters says the reopening of the R-102 through the Blaaukrans Pass will depend on whether the Eastern Cape can access funds from National Treasury in 2015/2016 from the new combined infrastructure grant.

Replying to a written question in the National Assembly, the Minister said the scenic road was closed to the public several years ago because of the dangers it posed to motorists.

She said subsequently, the Western Cape Government has been able to source the funding to repair the Western Cape side of the pass.

But, because of the extensive backlog of capital projects as well as limited funding for road projects, the Eastern Cape Department of Roads has not been able to repair its portion of the pass.

She said that as a result, repairs to the Blaaukrans Pass on the Eastern Cape side had not been put on the list of plans by the Department of Roads and Public Works for the next three years.

Peters added that if the Eastern Cape was successful in sourcing the funds, rehabilitation of the road would be placed on the capital budget from the 2016/2017 financial year.

(Source: Metro Minute to subscribe mail metminutes@iafrica.com)