By Nasiphi Mabusela
East London, South Africa – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has announced several transformative road infrastructure projects for Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCM). The plans were outlined during a stakeholder engagement session held at the East London City Hall on Tuesday, 26 November 2024.
The session, attended by municipal leadership and stakeholders, provided an overview of SANRAL’s infrastructure service delivery mandate and highlighted projects set to begin in the 2026/27 financial year. SANRAL also detailed plans to involve local communities, ensuring that small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the area benefit significantly from the projects.
Key Road Infrastructure Developments
The upcoming projects within Buffalo City include:
- N6 Ducats to N2/N6 (Nahoon): Adding a single additional lane to establish a 2+1 lane configuration.
- N2 End Freeway/Gonubie River to Brakfontein: Upgrading the single carriageway to a dual carriageway and constructing new grade-separated interchanges.
- R72 Gxulu River to King Phalo Airport: Enhancing connectivity to the airport through upgraded infrastructure.
Community Benefits and Participation
Executive Mayor Princess Faku emphasized the broader impact of SANRAL’s initiatives on the region, saying, “SANRAL projects have not only improved transport infrastructure but have also created jobs, provided training and skills development, and offered valuable business opportunities for small businesses.”
Mayor Faku encouraged SANRAL to hold roadshows and consult with local business forums to ensure SMMEs in BCM are actively involved. She highlighted the role of social facilitators, steering committees, and ward councillors in streamlining communication and coordination with the community.
Progress and Timeline
Initial stages, including environmental assessments and authorization applications through the Department of Environmental Affairs, are already underway. The projects will kick off in earnest by the 2026/27 financial year.
SANRAL’s Commitment to Collaboration
SANRAL’s representatives reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring local communities are integral to the project’s success. They outlined strategies to prioritize SMME participation and deliver training programs that equip local entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to benefit from these developments.
These road projects promise to transform Buffalo City Metro by easing traffic congestion, improving safety, and boosting economic activity. The municipality and SANRAL are united in their vision to leverage these infrastructure upgrades to foster sustainable growth and development in the region.
For updates and further engagement opportunities, community members and businesses are encouraged to contact SANRAL or the Buffalo City Metro.
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