THE R9 billion that the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has put aside for the green fields portion of the N2 Wild Coast Road Project in the Eastern Cape will go a long way towards improving the lives of people in the Mpondoland area of the province.
That’s according to the agency’s Craig McLachlan, speaking to leaders of government, business, traditional leaders and community organisations at a recent ‘Taking SANRAL to the People programme’ in Lusikisiki.
The programme aims to share information and forge partnerships with the affected communities and other key stakeholders on the project that will link the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
“SANRAL will continue in its endeavours to be a developmental partner for the O.R. Tambo and Alfred Nzo district municipalities, and we will continue to keep the different stakeholders in the region abreast of the project’s developments,” McLachlan said.
According to Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager, the agency will open a regional office in nearby Flagstaff.
“We make every effort to promote transformation by ensuring that SMMEs are exposed to work experiences that were previously not possible.”
Peterson said the opening of the Flagstaff office would make it easier for SANRAL to be reachable to the communities of O.R. Tambo and Alfred Nzo district municipalities.
The town was identified as the most central area for the entire green fields section of the project. That also means local SMMEs do not have to travel to Port Elizabeth to collect and submit tenders.
“The Flagstaff office will be the point where local people can contact SANRAL directly. There will also be a tender office where tenders for SMMEs can be collected and submitted and tender briefings can be held.
“There will also be temporary work space and meeting facilities for project managers attending project meetings and site visits,” added Peterson.