The opening of the Libode Interchange Bridge along the R61 by Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters signified the close of this year’s October Transport Month, the Department of Transport said.

The opening ceremony was preceded by a breakfast where the Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Wesiwe Tikana announced Airports Company South Africa as the recently appointed operator and managing company for Mthatha Airport.

The bridge was part of the South African National Roads Agency’s (SANRAL) construction project to upgrade the R61.

The opening ceremony took place on Sunday 30 October in Libode in the Eastern Cape.

National Transport Awards

The annual National Transport Awards also took place later that day where Minister Peters presented awards to those who made notable contributions to the transport sector within the year. The theme this year was “Inspiring excellence and innovation for a sustainable transport sector”.

The transport department said that the objective of the awards evening was to:

• Promote a new culture of professionalism, dedication, integrity and service delivery by encouraging collaboration among transport officials at national, provincial and municipal level as well as public entities
• To celebrate the success of individuals, teams and institutions in search for more effective and accountable transport sector
• To encourage active participation of individuals,  teams and honour dedication, innovation and creativity that is intended to make transport sector successful and
• To recognise the commitment and sacrifice made by the individuals and teams in providing quality and effective delivery to the citizens in the country.