B Cele: Opening of Sqandulweni Pedestrian Bridge

1 July 2007

All protocol observed

* Our gathering here today once again bears testimony to our government's
commitment to ensure that we create a balanced road network.

* In South Africa and in KwaZulu-Natal in particular, a large portion of the
population who reside in rural areas can only access community facilities like
clinics, schools, pension pay out points, home affairs offices, etc, by bus,
taxis or on foot.

* It is for that reason that the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport
commenced constructing pedestrian bridges at river crossings more than five
years ago. Despite our attempts to reverse the backlog, there has been an
increase in the demand for such structures from numerous communities.

* Today we are opening the bridge that will save lives of our school
learners and the community members of Sqandulweni area who always put their
lives in danger when they cross Umkhomazi River.

* The construction of Sqandulweni Bridge started in November 2005 and was
completed in April 2007 at the tune of R3,53 million. As it is our policy the
contractor made extensive use of local labour as his entire workforce with the
exception of a foreman, two semi-skilled labourers and two specialist
sub-contractors were drawn from the local community.

* I am told that this bridge is the first pre-stressed concrete ribbon
bridge built in the country and its clear span of 150 meters equals the world
record for this type of footbridge.

* I am pleased to say that our Department is in constant liaison and
consultation with all communities through our Rural Road Transport Forums
(RRTFs), Community Road Safety Councils (CRSCs), the local municipality and
other civil society structures.

* This process of on going consultation facilitates the identification of
transport needs which is then prioritised for the benefit of all the people of
our province.

* The following roads and causeways have been built in the Ixopo area during
the last financial year:

a) Zweliyabuya Road to the value of R667 000
b) Ncakubane Road to the value of R580 000
c) Siphephelengweni Road to the value of R467 290
d) AmaNyuswa Road to the value of R875 710. This is due to be completed this
month of July
e) Ncakubane Causeway to the value of R422 894.

Total: R3 012 894

* The projects for the 2007/08 financial year are as follows:

a) Nakubane Road to the value of R580 000, this is another phase
b) Nhlewukeni Road to the value of R805 530
c) Mahlubini Road to the value of R536 250
d) Nomabhunga Causeway to the value of R402 500
e) replacement of damaged causeway on D483 to the value of R500 000
f) replacement of damaged causeway on D2156 to the value of R500 000
g) Umzimkhulu Pedestrian Bridge to the value of R4 700 000
h) reseal and rehabilitation of P68-1 to the value of R3 907 709

Total: R11 931 989

* In addition to the above, in this financial year this area will also
benefit in respect of the following:

1) safety maintenance to the value of R1 102 064
2) routine maintenance to the value of R2 775 761
3) Zibambele contracts to the value of R6 392 912
4) re-gravelling to the value of R4 751 091

Total: R15 021 828

* Therefore, in addition to the construction of the Sqandulweni Pedestrian
Bridge and other above mentioned projects during the last financial year, the
lives of the residents of this area will be improved through other road
infrastructural projects to the value of nearly R27 million.

* So today's bridge opening does not only seek to pave the way for linking
communities to social, cultural and economic amenities but this project also
ensures our commitment to "create a better life for all", as well as "defend
the weak and protect the vulnerable."

* Finally, there can be no doubt indeed that the KwaZulu-Natal Department of
Transport is advancing well towards achieving its objective of creating an
equitable and sustainable transport system in KwaZulu-Natal.

I thank you!

Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison,
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
1 July 2007