Langkloof Open Field, Okhahlamba: Today marks the beginning of the construction of Main Road P340 (alternative of the N3 Route) with a budget of more than R340 million.
This road, also known as the R74, stretches from Stanger under KwaDukuza Local Municipality.
This forms part of our enduring commitment to accelerate the construction of safe and all-weather access road networks throughout the corners of the province.
Critically, we have ensured that a total of R15 milion is set aside to pay salaries for skilled and semi-skilled workers recruited from Ward 10 and Ward 06 under Okhahlamba Local Municipality.
Each week of the month, we are determined to create jobs for local communities.
For this project under the AmaNgwane Tribal Authority under the Regent (Ibamba Bukhosi) Nontobeko Majola and Inkosi Njabulo Miya of eMazizini Traditional Council we also want to create opportunities for emerging local entrepreneurs.
The breakdown is as follows:-
Companies owned by Women | R17.5 million
Companies owned by Youth | R20.4 million
Companies owned by People with Disability | R2.9 million
Companies owned by Military Veterans | R5.8 million
Other Companies | R11.6 million.
Total R58.3 million
We are targeting the most impoverished households that are living below the poverty line.
In addition, through the construction of this road, a total of 30 students will acquire in-service training and much needed skills.
We want to prepare them to take charge of the rollout of infrastructure throughout the corners of KwaZulu-Natal.
P340 is a very strategic tourism corridor and will facilitate the movement of national and international tourists to the Drakensberg Mountain, our World Heritage Site.
Through this investment we want the Department of Transport to be a serious catalyst for the growth of other sectors of the economy.
We will drive socio-economic development by ensuring the movement of people and goods from Bergville to Harrismith, Free State and Gauteng Provinces.
With August 2027 targeted for the completion of construction, we have been assured by the community of Ward 10 that they will hold hands and ensure that rogue elements are not allowed to hijack this project.
Ends.
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
