KwaZulu Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr. Mxolisi Kaunda, today handed over two major infrastructure projects valued at approximately R400 million to a delighted uMsinga community in the uMzinyathi district.
The much awaited P373, which is 22,2 KM long, located under iNkosi Mchunu, came as a great relief to the community, which has long experienced challenges connecting to areas of destination for daily socio-economic and educational needs. The road alone is valued at approximately R135,7 million. P280 which falls under iNkosi yaBathembu, has a stretch of four KM completed at an estimated investment of R95,4 million. The completion of this road, which will be 16 KM long, will cost approximately R250 million.
These roads will also bring immense comfort to motorists using both passenger cars and public transport, who will have easy access to amenities such as eMhlangana Provincial Clinic and schools such as Mabizela, eMhlakothi, eMashunka, eJolwayo and eMangaliso amongst others.
“Importantly, the surrounding communities have been given job opportunities to improve their standard of living and necessary skills have been imparted to the youth to enable them to start working for themselves. Today we are fulfilling our government’s commitment to improving the lives of the people in rural areas for the better by delivering critical road transport infrastructure,” said Kaunda.
He explained that government has set aside R430 million in the R2018/19 financial year for the construction of capital projects in the entire uMzinyathi District. Such was as a result of a national survey which depicted uMsinga as one of the most under developed and impoverished areas in the province and in the country. Kaunda further encouraged members of the community to participate in all the new emerging developments and avoid migrating to towns and cities for job opportunities. He also encouraged them to safeguard the infrastructure and avoid damaging it when engaging in public protests.
“Providing the public with a safe, integrated, affordable and accessible transport infrastructure is the essence of our mandate. With these capital investments, we intend to expedite service delivery thus creating sustainable job opportunities for our people. We understand the frustration you endure to due to delays in service delivery but destruction to infrastructure should be avoided at all cost,” he asserted.
The KZN Department of Transport has already built an expansive, multi-million Rand network of blacktop and gravel roads throughout the Umzinyathi District in a major development investment that has created a number of direct, local jobs. The department also aims to ensure that the youth, women and military veterans are sub-contracted in all major projects that are awarded by the department.
Today’s handover also underpinned the culmination of a packed October Transport Month of activities where the department showcases its work and also monitors and evaluates work that is still underway.
Kaunda has also participated in Integrated Multi-disciplinary road blocks throughout the province. He urged all road users to be vigilant and extra cautious on the road. He further called upon community members to work closely with the police and safety structures to eliminate crime within communities.