JZ opens new Limpopo bridge

President Jacob Zuma yesterday opened a multimillion-rand bridge in Limpopo shortly after announcing his controversial Cabinet reshuffle.

About 4 000 people gathered to see Zuma unveil the Botlokwa Bridge, in Ga-Mmatshaka, outside Polokwane.

Delivering the keynote address after the opening, Zuma praised the Limpopo provincial government, under the stewardship of premier and ANC provincial chairman Stanley Mathabatha, and Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi for prioritising the construction of the road, saying it would help curb road accidents that claim the lives of so many people.

Zuma said the road was not only important for saving lives but for also growing the economy of the province.

“The handing over of this massive project has demonstrated without any shadow of doubt that the three spheres of government can work together to improve the lives of our people,” said Zuma.

“The N1 road on which this beautiful bridge is built is part of the 22 000km of roads in the country built by Sanral.

“This road stretches from the Musina border post with Zimbabwe and also serves as a gateway to north African countries like DRC Congo, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria.

“The road is expected by the Limpopo government to help stimulate economic growth through the so called Trans-Limpopo special initiative.”

Chief executive of Sanral Skhumbudzo Macozoma said the bridge was state-of-the-art for vehicles.

There are also two smaller pedestrian bridges.