EC road upgrades to address SAHRC concerns

Tags

---

18-02-2025
Read : 58 times
Algoa FM
Source

Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha says major road infrastructure investments will help address concerns raised in a recent South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) report. The report highlighted the poor state of roads in the province as a human rights violation.

One of the most critical issues identified is the province's severe road infrastructure backlog. Currently, only 9% of Eastern Cape roads are paved, far below the national average of 25%. This shortfall is compounded by insufficient funding over the years.

The provincial government and South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) have committed substantial resources to upgrading roads, effectively turning the province into a construction hub.

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport is focusing on rural roads, maintaining the existing network and upgrading several key routes from gravel to tar. Among the latest projects is the upgrade of Clarkebury Road, which connects the R61 near Engcobo and the N2 near Dutywa.

Other roads in various stages of development include the Willowvale to Dwesa route, the R61 to Hluleka Game Reserve, and the R72 to the Hamburg coastal resort.

SANRAL has also invested billions of rands in road construction projects across the province, including the upgrade of the R63 from Bhisho to Qumrha.

The majority of these investments are concentrated in the eastern region of the province, where deteriorating or non-existent road infrastructure has been a long-standing issue.

MEC Nqatha acknowledged the SAHRC report and reiterated the province’s commitment to improving its road network.

“We acknowledge and welcome the report by the SA Human Rights Commission, and we wish to assure them that we as the province, working with SANRAL, are working tirelessly to change the picture and improve our road infrastructure network.”

He said the work by SANRAL complements the investment that the as province continues to make on roads, to not only change the face of the province but to set it on a clear economic growth path.

He also emphasized that while the demand for better road infrastructure remains high, progress is being made.

“We know that the demand for road infrastructure is massive, and we acknowledge that our strides are perhaps not to everyone’s satisfaction. But our pledge is to continue to invest towards an improved road infrastructure for everyone in the Eastern Cape,” said Nqatha.

Beyond improving road conditions, these investments are also creating job opportunities for local communities during construction. Once completed, the upgraded roads are expected to enhance connectivity, economic growth, and the overall quality of life for generations to come.