Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula states that the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to establishing a transport system that is secure, economical, efficient, dependable, and responsive to the demands of the populace.
On Thursday, the Minister stated this when he inspected some of the essential projects conducted by South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) in the Eastern Cape.
“Not only do substantial investments in road infrastructure support economic activity, but they also facilitate access to social infrastructure and amenities. The improvement of national route R336 between Kirkwood and Addo, a project we are reviewing today, is evidence of SANRAL’s commitment to ensure that our road infrastructure serves its economic and social purposes.
“The first phase of this project comprises the upgrading of 13.75 kilometers of National Route R336 between Kirkwood and Addo, as well as the resealing of 1.75 kilometers of the current road east of Kirkwood,” Mbalula explained.
Construction commenced in September of current year, with completion planned in June of 2024.
“The restoration measures vary over the length of the route based on the current road’s condition and breadth. It is crucial to highlight that the renovation includes safety measures such as speed restrictions, pedestrian pathways, and traffic slowing.
“Additionally, the current pavement structure has reached the end of its design life and has degraded to an insufficient degree of service to support the traffic loading,” the minister added.
The left side of the Sundays River Bridge will be enlarged to accommodate a new pedestrian promenade.
SANRAL is constructing further projects in the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality. These include the special maintenance of a portion of National Route R335 and R342 from Zuurberg Intersection to Nguni River Lodge.
“The special maintenance of another portion of National Route R342 from Nguni River Lodge to Paterson, as well as a section of National Route R75 from Kirkwood Intersection to Wolwefontein,” the Minister explained.
The project will employ between 125 and 175 individuals, and roughly 20 Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) will be hired. 14 of the projects are already underway.
“Through its Horizon 2030 Strategy, SANRAL continues to play a vital role in enhancing the socioeconomic conditions of the communities that reside in close proximity to its national roadways network.
“The SANRAL Horizon 2030 Strategy is a proactive reaction to SANRAL’s vision of a national transport system that contributes meaningfully to the realization of a better living for all,” he said.
The Minister stated that the national road network plays a crucial role in promoting economic activity and ensuring that tourism continues to play a vital part in the expansion of the economy.
Both Kirkwood and Addo are excellent tourist destinations. The main roadways to both cities also connect to national roads and ports within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area.
Kirkwood is located in the Sundays River Valley, the citrus center of the Eastern Cape. It is the epicenter of one of the major citrus-growing regions in South Africa, according to Mbalula.
It is famous for its citrus, roses, game farms, and yearly Wildlife Festival.
The Addo Elephant National Park is synonymous with the small hamlet of Addo. Gqeberha is around an hour’s drive from the town. In addition to its world-famous and gorgeous elephants, the city boasts a number other outstanding characteristics.
The Minister stated that infrastructure plays a crucial role in propelling the government’s efforts to combat poverty, unemployment, and inequality.