Honourable MEC Gqobana
Executive Mayor Maphazi and Councillors
Government officials
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
We are here today to mark the start of a process of accounting to the heroic masses of our people on the renewed mandate, which includes amongst others:
* the acceleration of infrastructure development to improve economic growth.
* improved collaboration between various spheres of government to enhance service delivery
Hence today, we are here in the Nelson Mandela Bay as part of the Executive Council’s first Outreach Programme.
The stretch of road that we are officially opening today from the N2 to Maku Street, here in Motherwell is a clear indication of our intentions as government to improve the condition of the road from Motherwell to Addo, which is one of the priority projects earmarked for reconstruction in this region at an estimated cost of R300 million.
This new 5,3 kilometres four lane dual carriageway road forms part of the Department of Roads and Transport's 2010 Infrastructure Projects and will improve access to the Coega Industrial Development Zone and deepwater port, Markman Township, General Motors, the residential areas of Wells Estate, Ikamvelihle and Motherwell as well as to Uitenhage and the Addo National Elephant Park.
We are anticipating an influx of tourists during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and R30 million has been made available during this financial year for a light rehabilitation of this route to make it trafficable during the tournament.
The project aims to:
* provide suitable access to the above – mentioned areas
* provide stress free passage
* minimise road accidents
* provide suitable pedestrian facilities
It has already had an indelible socio-economic impact, which included:
* R83 500 that was spent on training, including 70 persons who were sent for formal training and 71 locals who were trained on the Job
* 259 male, 52 female and one disabled, who were employed
* five small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been employed at a cost of R4 777 518
* R3 132 076 has been paid to local labour.
After the tournament, we are going to have a major reconstruction of the road, which will create thousands of jobs for local people.
Pedestrian overhead bridge
As the government of the people, we have responded to the request of the community to intervene in combating road carnage that has been experienced for some time on this road.
The upgrading of this road further warrants government to improve the safety of pedestrians, especially learners, who use this road everyday between Motherwell and Kamvelihle.
Through our collaboration with the municipality, we are going to witness the start of the construction of the overhead bridge between Maku and Noluthando Streets along Addo Road in September 2009.
The estimated cost of the bridge is R15 million and R12 million will come from the Municipality and R3 million from the Department of Roads and Transport. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to co-operative governance to improve service delivery.
I would like to categorically state that we have attached conditions to the departmental contribution of R3 million to this project as we want our money to be spent on construction only. This will ensure that local people benefit from the project in terms of job creation and skills transfer.
Other 2010 strategic projects
As we speak, work is progressing well on the R72 between Fonteinskloof and Nanaga, which is costing R180 million together with the construction of the three bridges on the R72 near Kariega and Bushman's River, but motorists are experiencing delays as a result of the stop/go occurring through a single lane. This will allow wider lanes over the bridges on the R72 in preparation for the widening of the Road pavement.
Work is underway on the Main Road 397 through Baviaanskloof Reserve at a cost of R5 million. Reseal projects are expected to commence soon on the roads between Hankey and Patensie, R18 million; Witteklip to Uitenhage, R17 million; Addo to Paterson, R18 million; Kirkwood to Addo, R18 million.
In conclusion, I would like to recommit the Department of Roads and Transport to the partnership that we have with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
We are looking forward to continue to work together with our people to ensure that we improve our infrastructure, while simultaneously creating decent work and fighting poverty.
I thank you.
Enquiries:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Tel: 043 604 7584
E-mail: nossy.mzini@dot.ecprov.gov.za
Issued by: Eastern Cape Provincial Government
15 July 2009
