PRESENTATION BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL MEC FOR TRANSPORT MR S'BU NDEBELE DURING THE DEVELOPMENTAL IMBIZO AT NQUTHU ON SATURDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2004

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport regards the provision of roads infrastructure as a fundamental component of economic reconstruction not only for our Province but also for the entire country.

It will be remembered that before the commencement of our Community Access Roads Needs Study it was estimated that the backlog of community access roads in the province was 17 000 kilometres.

However, after receiving applications for access roads the total length of roads applied for was 11 421 kilometres which became our target as the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.

It is with great pride to state that our Department is really moving to meet the above-mentioned target. For instance, since 1995 to the last financial year we have already constructed 6 852. 3 kilometres.

Here at Nquthu there are several Projects that the Department of Transport has been involved in. An investment of R3, 3 million has been made this financial year (2003/04) towards the creation of Community Access Roads (Local Roads) which in turn has created jobs for the local people to better their lives. We have invested R3, 3 million to create access where there was no access before.

In the next financial year (2004/05) we will spend R3, 5 million on Community Access Roads in Nquthu.

We have identified women-headed households (Zibambele Contractors) to maintain these local roads. In 2003/04 R2, 78 million was allocated specifically to reduce poverty levels in this area through our Zibambele contracts.

In the coming financial year (2004/05) we have allocated R3, 03 million to improve the lives of our people through our Zibambele contracts.

NEW ROADS CONSTRUCTED

1. Extension to L 100 to link up with D 1348. This is a local road, which will open access to Blood River Monument or Ncome Zulu Monument. This road was constructed during 2002 at a value of R 1, 5 million.

2. Nodwengu road. This is a local road off P 36-1. This road was constructed during 2003 and is 7 kilometres long.

3. St. Johns road. This is a local road off the Nquthu-Nondweni Road (P36) joining St. Johns School with P 54. This road will be constructed during the 2004/2005 financial year at a value R1 million.

UPGRADES FROM GRAVEL TO BLACK TOP

1. P 54, linking Nquthu with Vryheid, was upgraded to black top standard by our own construction unit and Horst Plan Company. The total length of this road is 40 kilometres. This project was completed in 2002.

2. The Nquthu-Nondweni Road (P36) will also be surfaced this year (2004) and the money that will be invested here through this project will be approximately R18 million. It will better the lives of our people and facilitate the provision of efficient public transport services from Nquthu to Nondweni and Vryheid. Three bridges and causeways on this road will also be upgraded at a value of R 4, 5 million.

NEW BRIDGES

1. The Jojozi Bridge over the Jojozi River is under construction and will be completed this year (2004) at the value of R 4 million.

MAINTENANCE PROJECTS

1. Over and above the normal blading of roads, maintenance of road verges, black top patching and sign erection, line marking and installation of road studs were done on sections of P 36-1, P 291 and P 54.

SUMMARY

• During the current financial year (2003/04) alone we have spent more than R21 million here in the Nquthu area only on road infrastructure projects.

• The budget allocation for the Nquthu Rural Road Transport Forum (RRTF) this year will be increased to R23 million.

• A further injection of R15 million over the next three years (R5 million each year) will also be made for the construction of the Nquthu-Nondweni Road.

• The total budget allocation for the Nquthu RRTF for 2004/05 will therefore be R28 million.

This Developmental Imbizo happens within the background of colonial deprivation of the people of Nquthu dating back to the late 19th century when colonialists attempted to create divisions among Zulus and the Molefe people who had lived harmoniously with the Zulus.

It is also well known that the above Projects will link communities with some of the historic sites like Ncome and Nodwengu. These sites are very important to all the people of KwaZulu-Natal and indeed the whole of South Africa.

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