Transport, MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mxolisi Kaunda officiated the opening of the state-of-the-art UMtshezi Public Transport Intermodal Facility and officially handed over to contractors for the construction of Ncibidwana River Bridge and P179 in Ennersdale this past Tuesday.
Kaunda was accompanied by the mayor of uMtshezi Local Municipality Bongani Dlamini and the Mayor of Imbabazane Local Municipality Phindile Strydom. Addressing well over 3 000 community members who gathered at Wembezi Stadium, Kaunda indicated that the official opening of uMtshezi Public Transport Intermodal Facility which is located in the CBD of Estcourt Town and comprises a double level ranking facility, will accommodate 190 taxis and 15 buses.
“This state of the art facility will link 23 wards and the whole of uThukela District. The total cost of the facility is approximately R87 million and has created a total number of 65 jobs,” said Kaunda.
The official hand over to contractors for Ncibidwana River Bridge under Imbabazane Local Municipality that will serve as link between Abambo Tribal Authority communities as well as assist the Ncibidwana clinic, was widely welcomed by the local leadership and the community at large. The project is estimated at R12 million, creating 20 work opportunities.
The official hand over to contractors of road P179- Ennersdale was also received with great joy. The project consists of upgrading existing gravel road P179 to black top at a total cost estimate of R120 million and is set to create well over 60 job opportunities.
“I also want to emphasize that as the government our main priority is to make the standard of living of KwaZulu-Natal the most favorable and acceptable one. It is important that when we bring infrastructure to our people it is of high quality and can sustain their livelihood. We are not just a talking government; we deliver on our promise. Our people will now actively participate in all economic hubs to further improve their lives,” said Kaunda.
He further reiterated the need for people to take care of all infrastructure and not destroy it.
