Multi-billion rand road upgrade for Nkandla

KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Peggy Nkonyeni announced a R2.4-billion budget for road infrastructure development projects in Nkandla.

The announcement was made on Sunday at Qhudeni Library in Nkandla during a meeting with relevant stakeholders.

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‘We are fast-tracking internal processes by appointing multi–disciplinary teams in the construction industry through the turnkey approach,’ said Nkonyeni.

‘We will also resuscitate the Contract Management Unit to improve service delivery.’

Anticipated road upgrade projects

She said upgrades would include the 55.6km stretch of the P16-2 (Kranskop to Jameson’s Drift), costing around R827-million. To date, 6.9 km have been surfaced, and the construction of 27.3km will be advertised with procurement finalised by September.

The 44.8km stretch of the P16-3 (from Qhudeni to Silutshana) will cost around R675-million. So far, 11km have been surfaced in Phase 1, with a supplier awarded a contract for the 5.6km stretch of Phase 2.

‘A request for additional funding has been submitted to KZN Treasury for approval, with construction anticipated to resume in July 2021,’ said Nkonyeni.

‘Phase 3 for the construction of 28.5km will be advertised, with procurement anticipated to be finalised in November.’

Other upgrades include:
– 28km of the P90 (from Nkandla to Qhudeni Forest) at R900-million
– 26.2km of the P707 (from Manzamnyama to Corriedale) costing R439-million
– 33km of the P706 (from Ntolwane to Jameson’s Drift) costing R558-million
– Bridge construction at Mhlathuze River on D2238 costing R39-million, and at P223 costing R27-million, set for completion in the 2022/23 financial year.

Nkonyeni said her department has outlined the maintenance projects including re-gravelling, blading and pothole patching that are planned for Nkandla.

She emphasised that the projects would also address issues of empowerment and job creation.

‘Projects must empower the local community particularly youth, women, people with disabilities and military veterans,’ she said, adding that public-private partnerships, and involvement of traditional leaders, are essential to the success.

Nkonyeni promised to embark on post-budget district roadshows, where she will engage stakeholders in all 11 districts to unpack service delivery plans.

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