MSIKABA BRIDGE – The Eastern Cape MEC of Department of Transport, Xolile Nqatha and the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) Political Oversight Committee (POC) paid a two-day visit to the site, accompanied by the MEC for Public Works and infrastructure in the province Ntombovuyo Nkopane, the Executive Mayor of O.R Tambo District Municipality, Mayors of Ingquza Hill, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Port St Johns local municipalities, SANRAL Board Members and SANRAL CEO for a programme on 13-14 July in Lusikisi.
This programme had three sections; a brief session by the POC regarding their oversight work, a visit to Msikaba Bridge to check on progress at the site and an engagement session with stakeholders, including traditional leaders, business women and forums and the N2WCR Project Liaison Committee (PLC) members.
“We are assessing progress made since our last visit in October 2022. I am happy with the progress we’ve seen addressing concerns raised by stakeholders”, said MEC Nqatha.
Additionally, Nqatha is thankful for the great work done by SANRAL as a whole as Msikaba Bridge project benefitted and accomodated everyone, including the jobs and training created for the community. Furthermore, more will added on the 30% subcontracting”.
SANRAL Board Chair, Themba Mhambi said that it is SANRAL’s responsibility to deliver a world-class road infrastructure to the Eastern Cape and to ensure a part of the economic benefits are given to the SMMEs within the affected municipalities.
MEC Nqatha said there is no need for consultation as the project has to run smoothly with the consultative and intergovernmental approach applied to the N2WCR Project.
He added by saying there is absolutely no need to stop work when there are concerns, work must continue while leaders try to resolve the issues raised. SANRAL CEO, Reginald Denama applauded the project, “Let us continue to successfully complete the project”.
Stakeholders appreciate the interventions made to resolve their griviences. Mayor of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Cllr Nonkosi Pepping urged the stakeholders to orderly prepare their worker to benefit from the projects.
Chairperson Mhambi added that transformation is a top priority for the SANRAL Board. “We are committed to ensure that the black economic empowerment policy is realised, with that said, R4 billion in the N2WCR Project is set aside for job opportunities, skills development and training”.
Lwandile Gcume of the Wild Coast Business forum said the local business fraternity appreciates the project’s impact, “however, we would like the project leaders to address the potential delay that could be caused by the Amadiba group insisting on an alternative route”, whereas
Sigqibo Notshaya from the Ingquza Hill Business Chamber pleaded with the public for peace in order for a successful completion of this project. Nkosi Sonwabile JAMA of KwaKhanyayo Village in Flagstaff cautioned locals from interrupting this project, “we must ensure disputes among us are resolved by dialogue”.
In 2011, construction and improvement on the N2WCR was established. Same year, the stretch of road from East London to the Mtamvuma River on the border of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal began, and construction of the greenfield portion of Port St John’s and Port Edward started in 2016.
Forming part of the government’s 18 Strategic Intergrated Projects (SIPS) , it is endorsed by the Presidential infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC). The N2WCR is SIP3, South-Eastern node and Corridor Development with the purpose to improve and uplift the economy of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal.
This project also consists of two mega bridges at Mtentu and Msikaba.
Construction will create 8000 full-time jobs with R750 billion and 21300 and 28100 indirect jobs. After completion, 900 direct jobs and 18900 jobs indirect.
