Cape Town - The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has welcomed Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle's support for the N2 Wild Coast project.
“Sanral welcomes the province’s support for the project, which also has overwhelming support from local communities. The fact that it was mentioned during the State of the Province Address indicates that it is considered strategic to the province’s development agenda,” said Sanral spokesperson Vusi Mona.
Work is expected to start within the next six months and the project should be completed by 2021.
Monsa said upgrading the Wild Coast road would help unlock the Eastern Cape’s economic potential and contribute substantially to job-creating sectors such as eco-tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. The upgrading of the 410km stretch will cut the travelling time between East London and Durban by up to three hours.
“A world class freeway is of the utmost importance for the implementation of the province’s development strategy. These sectors need a reliable road network to attract new investments,” Mona said.
Poor communities along the Pondoland coast will benefit from better access to towns, shorter travel times and lower travel costs. In a survey by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in 2015, 99% of the residents supported the project.
Mona said a comprehensive impact study had been done and conservation experts have been assigned to protect the biological diversity and natural heritage of the Wild Coast.
Two bridges on the route, those over the Msikaba River and the Mtentu River just outside Xolobeni, will be among the biggest in Africa.
The project will create 6 800 direct and about 28 000 indirect job opportunities during the construction phase, Mona said.