Transport Minister reviews SANRAL projects in the Eastern Cape

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25-04-2025
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Port Elizabeth Express
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Transport Minister Barbara Creecy inspected Eastern Cape projects improving road safety and economic growth, highlighting SANRAL’s initiatives and community benefits from infrastructure investments.

Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, along with Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, and senior executives from SANRAL, conducted site inspections on Tuesday, April 15, showcasing significant projects driving economic growth and road safety improvements in the Eastern Cape.

The day began with a visit to SANRAL’s Technical Excellence Academy and Freeway Management System (FMS) Facility. The FMS is a groundbreaking project and the first of its kind in the province.

It enables SANRAL to monitor road conditions in real time, respond promptly to incidents, and provide live updates to motorists, enhancing road safety.

“Zone 1 will be fully operational by June or July this year, and all incident management data will be fed directly to the Traffic Management Centre for immediate action,” explained one of SANRAL’s engineers.

The delegation continued their site visit to the R335 national road between Motherwell and Addo, an area benefiting from SANRAL’s current construction projects, which include road infrastructure improvements that consider the needs of the surrounding agricultural communities.

Reflecting on SANRAL’s work in the province, Creecy highlighted the dual economic and community value of these developments.

“The investment being made into the Eastern Cape is significant,” she said. “Not only are we helping to boost the economy, with the N2 being essential for road freight between Cape Town and Durban, but we are also focusing on addressing community challenges.”

She added, “SANRAL’s projects here show care for both people and animals, ensuring safe crossings for cattle, goats, and other livestock that are a staple of this agricultural region.”

Creecy further emphasised the broader benefits of SANRAL’s efforts. “We’re not just building roads; we’re creating opportunities.

These projects are generating jobs, supporting the growth of micro-enterprises, and training the next generation of engineers. It’s about building the future of South Africa,” she said.

The site visit also showcased innovative measures to combat vandalism and theft. SANRAL engineers are working closely with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to enhance security by deploying armed personnel and utilising camera systems for early detection of threats. “We are looking at leveraging these technologies to protect critical infrastructure and ensure its continued functionality,” the engineers stated.

Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe expressed gratitude for SANRAL’s intervention and pledged the municipality’s cooperation.

“We truly appreciate this initiative and are committed to supporting the system for the benefit of our residents.”

The R335 project is part of SANRAL’s extensive work in the region, which also includes construction along the N2 national road between St Albans and Linton Grange.

These projects form a larger strategy to improve connectivity, road safety, and economic activity in the province.

With the FMS project nearing operational status and continued investments in infrastructure, Creecy outlined her optimism for the area’s future.

“This is about long-term impact — safer roads, stronger communities, and a thriving economy.”