This is the time for the people of KwaZulu-Natal to stand together and use transport as a catalyst for the growth of all sectors of the economy.
The official opening and launch of Phase One of the upgrade of the N3, the road between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, marks a new chapter characterised by prosperity over the next 50 years.
We thank the national government for the support and guidance as we turn KwaZulu-Natal into a construction site.
The visit by the Minister of Transport, Barbra Creecy, for the official opening is a clear indication of the enduring support that is changing the face of this province.
All spheres of government are working together to ensure an efficient and integrated public transport system.
As announced by the Minister, there are 15 corridors with a budget of R33 billion. Today we have launched three, and we spent R6.8 billion on them. Hundreds of young people have been employed with emerging local companies in the construction industry, benefiting.
The national Department of Transport, through SANRAL, is decisively augmenting our efforts, focusing on ensuring that we remain a leading logistics hub. We are facilitating the movements of goods through our ports for exports and imports.
Around March, we all witnessed the delivery of 20 straddle carriers at the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 (DCT2). Part of the 40 forklifts that were delivered at our Durban container terminal and Cape Town.
Job opportunities have been created in this country’s largest container terminal, which is handling 72% of the Port of Durban’s throughput and 46% of SA’s port traffic.
For our part, as the KZN Department of Transport, this financial year, we have invested more than R13 billion in constructing new roads and bridges.
We maintain more than 34,000 kilometres of road networks in all corners of KwaZulu-Natal. Critically, we want ordinary members of society not to be isolated.
Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Sibonisi Duma
