KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Mr Willies Mchunu launches eighth bridge in two months
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr. Willies Mchunu officially opened the R7.5 million Dayingubo vehicle bridge in UMvoti today (25 February 2014).
This marked the eighth vehicle bridge to be opened by the MEC since the beginning of the 2014 calendar year, highlighting the escalated service delivery focus as part of the government’s 2009 commitments.
An estimated 4 000 people will benefit from the use of the new bridge that now provides easy access between UMvoti, Tongaat and Durban. The construction of the bridge created 48 job opportunities for local people. Addressing thousands of community members who came in numbers to witness this milestone, MEC Mchunu said the completion of eight bridges indicated that the government was extremely focused on changing people’s lives for the better.
“The people of UMvoti will now move seamlessly to areas including Tongaat and Durban as they seek to access socio-economic opportunities in the province’s fast growing economic centres. Moreover, they will enjoy easy access to schools, clinics and other amenities. On my part I’m especially proud of this development which truly signifies the great strides we have made over the last 20 years of our freedom and democracy positively changing people’s lives through targeted investment and intensified service delivery,” said Mchunu.
Over the past four years the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has constructed 49 pedestrian bridges and 25 vehicle bridges. The department has invested a total R3.4 billion in the UMzinyathi District during the same period, expanding road infrastructure including new access roads in rural areas. In the process, it generated more than 5 050 jobs for local people.
Media contacts:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462 or 079 699 5755
E-mail: Kwanele.Ncalane@kzntransport.gov.za
Nathi Sukazi
Cell: 081 018 0518 or 082 565 0205
E-mail: Nathi.Sukazi@kzntransport.gov.za
