THE R127-million iNkosi Dalibhunga Mandela Legacy Bridge and paved road under construction in Mvezo is to be extended to other areas, Eastern Cape premier Noxolo Kiviet announced.
Kiviet was speaking during a visit to a multimillion-rand science and technology school project in the area.
Kiviet said the provincial government had decided that the paving must be extended to other areas, something that will make the area more accessible and create jobs.
“This road, which start on the N2 to here (Mvezo) must continue to other areas like Elliotdale and rejoin the N2 in Qunu,” said Kiviet.
Kiviet’s announcement came as people started questioning why the road will only stop at Mvezo, which is statesman Nelson Mandela’s birthplace.
“We have agreed in principle. We are now working on logistics and the costs of the road.”
The legacy bridge is expected to attract tourists to the area. Chief Mandla Mandela is working with tourism and other departments in developing Mvezo village to attract tourists.
Last month Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti said the bridge would attract tourists.
Taxi driver Bandile Methu said the road would help them.
“The villages will be accessible and it will shorten the time we travel to town,” said Methu.
But Mvezo headman Jongisizwe Dani said easier access to communities would be tightly monitored as it could be used for wrong things.
“We recently lost a tractor here and we know there are people who will use this as a ‘getaway’ bridge. If we are pushed to control access there then we will do that,” he said. —
Madiba Legacy road to be extended
Kiviet was speaking during a visit to a multimillion-rand science and technology school project in the area.
Kiviet said the provincial government had decided that the paving must be extended to other areas, something that will make the area more accessible and create jobs.
“This road, which start on the N2 to here (Mvezo) must continue to other areas like Elliotdale and rejoin the N2 in Qunu,” said Kiviet.
Kiviet’s announcement came as people started questioning why the road will only stop at Mvezo, which is statesman Nelson Mandela’s birthplace.
“We have agreed in principle. We are now working on logistics and the costs of the road.”
The legacy bridge is expected to attract tourists to the area. Chief Mandla Mandela is working with tourism and other departments in developing Mvezo village to attract tourists.
Last month Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti said the bridge would attract tourists.
Taxi driver Bandile Methu said the road would help them.
“The villages will be accessible and it will shorten the time we travel to town,” said Methu.
But Mvezo headman Jongisizwe Dani said easier access to communities would be tightly monitored as it could be used for wrong things.
“We recently lost a tractor here and we know there are people who will use this as a ‘getaway’ bridge. If we are pushed to control access there then we will do that,” he said. —
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