Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has urged the leaders and people of Pondoland and the Eastern Cape to support Sanral’s multi-billion rand N2 Wild Coast Road Project.
He was speaking at the handover ceremony of the recently completed rural access roads to the communities of Sigidi and Makwantini in the Alfred Nzo Municipality.
“The N2 Wild Coast Road Project is the economic artery that is going to bring the Eastern Cape alive,” the Minister says.
He adds that it is a strategic project that will provide a national route to improves access to the east coast region of South Africa while reducing road-user costs and optimising safety, comfort and socio-economic benefits.
The Minister says more than 6 000 jobs are expected to be created during the project.
“Development must be community driven – that is why we are involving women and youth from local communities in the building,” Mbalula told community members.
The community of Xolobeni meanwhile surprised some people after gathering in Sigidi to welcome the Minister.
The residents have been at loggerheads with the Department of Mineral Resources over the issuing of mining rights to an Australian company without the community’s consent.
Their peaceful gathering was, however, marred by a heavy police presence, which some South Africans have slated.