As part of government’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Strategy, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala launched a R292 million road construction project, which will benefit the community of Ndwedwe under iLembe District Municipality.

The construction of P714 will unlock economic opportunities for the rural community of Ndwedwe and will create much needed jobs.

Zikalala was accompanied by MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Bheki Ntuli and local leadership on 7 November as they launched this project.

This development which has been described as a game changer, is set to transform the lives of people in Ndwedwe and the Greater iLembe District.

“The construction of this road will connect the community of Ndwedwe to essential services such as schools, clinics, hospitals and public transport facilities. This project will see more than 2300 jobs created and the transfer of skills to emerging local contractors. Over R84 million will benefit emerging local contractors for designated groups such as companies owned by youth, women, people living with disability and Military Veterans.

“The first six kilometres of this road has been upgraded from gravel to tar. In total P714 spans 37.1 kilometres and the estimated project value upon completion is R747 million. This road will improve agricultural trade, create connectivity to Ndwedwe and areas such uThongathi, Bhamshela and KwaMaphumulo,” said Ntuli.

Ntuli said a public-private partnership has been established with the Ndwedwe Municipality for the contractor to build a community hall which will be used as a site office for the duration of the project.

After the project is completed, the hall will be cleaned, fenced and handed over to the Municipality to be used by the community.