The R275 million tarring of a 22 km stretch of gravel road in Paulpietersburg in KwaZulu-Natal is set to create 150 jobs and provide easier travel for citizens, school learners and teachers in the area.

Eleven local schools and two clinics will directly benefit from the project says MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu. Mchunu says the investment in road infrastructure in traditional authorities and rural, underdeveloped communities is aimed at bridging inequality in society, creating jobs and addressing poverty.

“Learners from across the 11 schools in the area will benefit from the construction of this road (D-1880). This upgrade will improve easy access to education and will attract a safe and reliable public transport system. The investment of more than R275 million in this project indicates the willingness by the KwaZulu-Natal government to intensively drive infrastructure development, poverty alleviation and job creation.”

Mchunu also announced that more than R488 million has been invested in the Zululand district to construct new roads, bridges and maintain the existing infrastructure. Other transport projects underway in eDumbe include the construction of the 14km P-271 at the value of R91 million and the construction of the Msoco local road at a value of R1.45 million.