SPEECH NOTES FOR THE KWAZULU-NATAL MEC FOR TRANSPORT, SAFETY AND SECURITY MR. BHEKI CELE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF F6 ACCESS ROAD, UMLAZI ON SATURDAY, 17 JUNE 2004 AT 13H00.

The construction work carried out under this project consisted of:

• Upgrading the existing gravel track to a 5,5metre wide concrete block paved road surface with mountable kerbs on either side. The existing road geometry was improved to the standard required for a local access road. The new roadway is wider with improved gradients and smoother horizontal curvature.
• Installation of concrete pipe culverts with storm water inlets and manholes to improve control of storm water runoff and reduce risk to adjacent dwellings. 
• Ancillary works, including construction of stairs and pathways to improve pedestrian accessibility and retaining walls as necessitated by the road construction.

The completed construction cost of the project was R 3, 5 million.

The construction period was 15 months. Construction work on the project commenced in September 2002 and the road was opened to traffic in February 2004. 

• Total man hours 75 000
• Local man hours 60 000

Unit F6 is an informal settlement in F Section, Umlazi. The area was served by an informal gravel road 1, 4 kilometres long which was in very poor condition. This route was a narrow gravel track with very steep gradients and no storm water runoff control. As a result the condition of this road deteriorated quite severely and the road became impassable to passenger vehicles. During rainy weather it was difficult and unsafe for pedestrians.

It was thus proposed to upgrade this road to an acceptable standard to improve the accessibility to this area. 

The upgrading of this road will have numerous benefits to the community, including:

• Improved level of municipal services,
• Increased living standards for residents,
• Improved access leading to higher levels of development,
• Convenient access to public transport,
• Improved safety to pedestrians and motorists,
• Upliftment of individual and community spirit, and
• Improved access for emergency vehicles.

I thank you.

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