B Cele: Okhombe and Thonyelane Bridges opening during Transport
Month

19 October 2007

All protocol observed

The provincial Department of Transport is on a mission to build pedestrian
bridges all over the province. Yesterday we were opening the access road at
Msinga and on Tuesday we made a sod turning for the road upgrade at Mzumbe. At
the same time, yesterday, we also launched our 'Operation Kushunquthuli'.

In this operation we are strengthening our commitment to bring hope to those
communities most in need so that they too can have just cause to celebrate a
better life for all. We are changing people's lives through the construction of
pedestrian bridges from the south to the north and from the east to the west. A
study we conducted reveals that we need 146 pedestrian bridges, but the
Department of Education has added 100 more. These are needed to help our school
children whose lives are often in danger as a result of flooded rivers and are
forced not to attend school during the summer months, especially when it
rains.

This operation means that no one, neither individuals nor organisations,
will stop us from restoring the dignity of teachers who have to undress when
they cross rivers. Today we are here at Bergville to officially open two
bridges, Okhombe and Thonyelane River Bridges that have been constructed at the
tune of R3,4 million and R6,8 million respectively. These bridges will serve
the community residing on both Okhombe area and Sandlwana area. The areas
consist of two primary schools with approximately 500 across the Tonyelane
River.

There are approximately 240 households across the Tonyelane River Bridge and
there has been no commercial activity on the community's property. The taxi
operators are now able to alight their commuters next to their households.
Teachers are no longer going to half undress in order to cross either of the
two rivers to get to school and begin their teaching duties; also there should
be no more absenteeism for both educators and pupils because of flooded
rivers.

Women who are in labour they will now be able to reach medical treatment
through either mobile clinic or nearby clinics and hospital, other than to die
in labour which used to happen before. The development of access roads and
pedestrian bridges and the promotion of labour intensive construction methods
are important focus areas that enable our government to provide the much needed
infrastructure in remote rural communities and ensure that jobs are created
where they are needed the most.

Very few, if any, governments in history have been able to tackle manifold
challenges such as we do in South Africa. The combined oppression of
Colonialism and Apartheid left our communities on the verge of disintegration,
stagnation and doom. Our rural communities, in particular, were facing a social
and economic crisis in spite of their potential in terms of agriculture and
tourism. Therefore, the challenge for our democratic government is not only to
address imbalances of the past but also to face new challenges imposed by
crime, AIDS and poverty. It is in this context that we set our self a goal of
achieving a better life for all.

As government we will continue to do everything possible to assist our
communities in whatever challenges they face in their areas. But my appeal is
that you use proper structures that we have put in place in all three spheres
of government. My department is always ready to assist municipalities with
capacity where necessary as part of the integrated development plan. What we
want to avoid is using political affiliation at the expense of our people.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to congratulate the community of
uThukela District on all road and bridge projects they have received and yet to
receive. Our goals are indeed centred around the lives of our people.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison,
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
16 September 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za)