Safety and Liaison, Bheki Cele at the Sod Turning of the Obivane River
Bridge
21 October 2007
Protocol observed
On Thursday, we launched 'Operation Kushunquthuli' in which 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 access roads and
bridges from the south to the north and from the east to the west. There is no
one, neither individuals nor organisations, who will stop us from bringing
infrastructure to our people.
I know that some people are saying we do many sod turnings, perhaps to score
political points. But I think it's them who try to score political points by
misleading people who have waited so long for this development because we do
follow-up on our commitments.
This is not the first time we have government in the history of South Africa
and KwaZulu-Natal in particular. But our people have only begun to see change
in their lives through our democratic government's development programmes.
We have come to the Zululand District many times to invest in infrastructure
that unlocks local economic development, links communities with social and
economic services, and ensures that the quality of life for rural communities
is improved.
Today we are here at Ophuzane for a sod turning ceremony to facilitate the
construction of the Obivane River Bridge with an estimated cost of R5,7 million
over a period of 14 months. The purpose of this project is to provide vehicular
access across the Obivane River between Ophuzane community to the north of the
river and a school and various isolated communities to the south of the
river.
The Obivane River is frequently flooded during summer months, preventing
vehicles from crossing the river. The proposed road bridge is positioned in
close proximity to the recently constructed pedestrian bridge.
A study we conducted reveals that we need 146 pedestrian bridges, but the
Department of Education has added 100 more, bringing the total number of
pedestrian bridges that are needed in the province to 246.
These footbridges 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.
May I take this opportunity to congratulate the community of Zululand
District on all the road and bridge projects they have received and yet to
receive.
Here I am talking about, among others, D1820, P487, P700, P432 P235 / P49 /
P52, P234 Qwasha River Road Bridge, Mpembeni, Sikhwebezi Pedestrian Bridge,
Thombothi River Bridge and Wela River Bridge.
There can be no doubt that the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is well
advanced towards achieving its objective of creating an equitable and
sustainable transport systems in KwaZulu-Natal and defending the weak.
I thank you
Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison,
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
21 October 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za)
