Durban- MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka launched two major infrastructural projects valued at R27 million under uThukela District on Saturday.
Hlomuka introduced the contractor who will oversee the reconstruction of the section of the R74 road in Bergville which was washed away in the floods.
“This section is critical in connecting KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. The R74 was damaged by floods, which resulted in the Armco pipe being washed away. This caused failures on the road which forced the road to be reduced to one lane.”
He said the R74 in Bergville is strategic as it provides an alternative route to the N3, linking KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.
“The road is also important for tourism development in the Drakensberg area and provides links to local schools and businesses. The road is also important in transporting agricultural produce.The contract value is R15 million.”
Holmuka later in the day handed over the R12m project for the construction of the Inkunzi vehicle river bridge to the contractor. The bridge was washed away during the April floods.
“The bridge is essential in connecting the people of Alfred Duma in Ladysmith. These two projects are important to the people of uThukela District in different ways. The R74 is significant for tourism and economic growth. Equally, Inkunzi vehicle bridge will provide safe crossing to the local community.”
Hloumka added that the investment of more than R27m will go a long way towards the creation of jobs, mainly for young people and women.
“Emerging contractors will also benefit from these two projects. As the department, we remain committed in prioritising infrastructure delivery and we continue to roll out strategic infrastructure projects as part of rebuilding the province after the devastating floods.”