B Cele: Official opening of Mbalane Bridge

22 February 2009

Protocol observed

On 13 January we were here at Umsinga for the sod turning of P368. I was
happy on that day when Inkosi Mchunu made his remarks and emphasised what I
have always reiterated that people must not confuse government work with party
politics.

But I am aware that such confusion has surfaced in relation to the project
at Umhlangana which has resulted in the project liaison committee being
dissolved (a social responsibility structure). Today I want to put it clear
that the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has a legislative mandate to
manage the transportation system in the province.

This includes amongst other things, the construction, upgrading, maintenance
and control of the provincial road network. Therefore, we do not necessarily
depend on someone to tell us when we can do road infrastructure. However, this
department is prepared to assist municipalities with capacity when planning
their road infrastructure.

We all know that Umsinga is one of the areas in the province that have been
declared as priority areas for service delivery due to the high rate of poverty
and unemployment. We also know that the people of Umsinga were victims of
apartheid government strategy of pushing people to areas not conducive to
farming, which resulted in a fierce competition over land and other important
resource.

This led to misunderstanding between communities and, ultimately to wars
fuelled by apartheid's divide and rule tactics. But when the democratic
government took over in 1994, the challenge was not only to address historical
imbalances but also to face new challenges such as crime, diseases, poverty,
unemployment etc.

It is in this context that we set our selves a goal of achieving a better
life for all. As a democratically elected government we have an obligation to
serve our people irrespective of which political party they belong to. We say
everyone has a right to a better life.

However, a better life will not just float in a foundation less space. It is
based on certain fundamentals and preconditions which include peace, democracy
and development. Therefore, as communities you must not allow yourselves to be
used by politicians for their political gain.

To this end, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has invested more
than R258 million in this district to deal with the challenges of road
infrastructure. We have injected cash in projects such as Dicky Bridge,
Sphongweni Road, Nxamalala Road, Nyonini Road, Ezingulubeni Road, Mbalane
Bridge, Matimatolo Road, Nhlesi Road, P32, P368, Zonyama Road and KwaLeje
Pedestrian Bridge, among others.

I am extremely delighted to be part of the opening ceremony for Mbalane
Vehicle Bridge and KwaLeje Pedestrian Bridge. The vehicle bridge was
constructed at the cost of R10,5 million and the pedestrian cost about R4,1
million.

During construction, the concrete work for the deck, approaches, pier
protection work and earthworks for the approaches was done by contractors on
the Vuk'uzakhe database of the department. A large number of labour was engaged
during the construction of these bridges.

This resulted from our policy that says the cost of the project must remain
an economic benefit to the communities it will serve where contractors are
compelled to source all materials from the area and employ all artisans and
labour from the nearby communities.

These projects are of uttermost importance to the local community because
they provide:
* safe vehicular access to the community’s property
* safe access for pedestrians especially school going children
* commercial opportunities to the community
* agricultural development opportunities to the community
* access to the nearby commercial centres, for example Greytown

Pedestrian bridges are central to the provision of access and the
improvement of the quality of lives of people. Indeed in communities where
these were constructed, people bear testimony of how much improved their lives
have been.

The figure for pedestrian bridges to be built in KwaZulu-Natal has increased
dramatically to more than 400. Unfortunately, the problem of limited funding
continues to face us, hence we are unable to deal with our backlog as quickly
and expediently as we would want to.

In conclusion, may I take this opportunity to congratulate the community of
Umsinga on all road and bridge projects they have received and yet to
receive.

I want to assure you that this government is ready for another term of
office to ensure that together we can do more to defend the week.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
22 February 2009