The upgrade is set to benefit the poor
Project expected to create jobs, promote tourism and turn the Eastern Cape into an economic hub
As a strategic infrastructure project and an integral part of the National Development Plan, the N2 Wild Coast is expected to unleash the economic potential of the Eastern Cape, particularly in disadvantaged areas such as the Transkei.
“The Eastern Cape in general, and the Transkei in particular, has a lot of potential but it has not been harnessed as yet,” says Sanral southern region manager Mbulelo Peterson.
“The new road will provide access to agricultural areas, beaches and important cultural features which were previously difficult or impossible to reach by ordinary car,” he says, adding that an area such as Port St Johns has the potential to be among SA’S best tourist attractions, but accessibility is problematic.
“Construction of this project is likely to facilitate the realisation of the economic potential of the Eastern Cape,” he says. “Currently economic activity is circumscribed by lack of infrastructure and a developed road network in particular.”
With few jobs available, the investment in road infrastructure will create job opportunities and develop SMMES and other entrepreneurs. “About R1.5bn of what we are spending is specifically earmarked for SMMES and service providers in the area to get maximum impact from this programme.”
While the road will attract development, it will be maintained within a corridor. Discussions have taken place at political level from the office of the premier to district and local municipal offices “to maintain the wild character of the Wild Coast.”
As a strategic infrastructure programme, all organs of state operating in the areas must come together, including the departments of transport, rural development & agrarian reform, co-operative governance & traditional affairs and others to ensure there is broader infrastructure development.
Meeting minds with communities has not been easy, particularly as the road construction will result in the relocation of hundreds of people.
There is also the issue of Xolobeni, on the route, where there has been strenuous resistance to a proposed mining operation and to the road, which is seen as a means to facilitate the mine.
“There is a small minority group that believes this, but it is not the case. Once constructed, anyone can use the road, but the projects are separate. The road is for the development of the Eastern Cape. It is important that transportation costs of goods between the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-natal are reduced as much as possible. Factories on both sides need to deliver and they incur a lot of costs getting goods from one centre to the other,” says Peterson.
Similarly, with environmental concerns, Peterson says: “We sub-