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The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is set to invest an estimated R430 million in the upgrading of the Breidbach and Belstone interchanges in King William’s Town.

The project, which will create an estimated 200 job opportunities for the local community, will ease mobility between East London and King William’s Town and improve pedestrian and motorists’ safety.

“When this project is complete, the people of Buffalo City will be proud of their part of the national road network, which will bring social development and economic growth” said Athi Kiviet, SANRAL’s Project Manager.

The project is currently in its three-month mobilisation period before construction begins early next year. During the mobilisation period, the contractor will interact with the community through the Project Liaison Committee and set up Contract Participation Goals (CPGs). Construction work will take place over 30 months.

“The existing intersection on the Breidbach Interchange requires upgrading due to the high incident of road crashes when vehicles cross or merge with the busy N2. Currently, this intersection carries a large portion of traffic travelling to and from Bhisho, Breidbach, Zwelitsha and East London.

“Upgrading the Belstone Interchange, on the other hand, will result in increased and free flowing traffic between East London and Bhisho. Although the interchange has been designed as a full clover interchange, only two loops and off-ramps will be constructed in the interim. As traffic volumes increase over the years, the other two loops will be constructed,” said Kiviet.

Kiviet was speaking at the official handover of the project to the main contractor, WBHO, by the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, in King William’s Town on Friday, 8 October.

The Premier also introduced the contractor to the community, cautioning them to ensure that the project is delivered on time. He urged the community of Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape to work together to ensure the completion of the R430 million Breidbach and Belstone interchanges.

“People must be patient and work together with government in making this project a reality. If there are any contentious issues, let us sit down and work together to resolve them. A Steering Committee will be established to ensure transparency and enable the free flow of information between affected stakeholders, so that the local community may benefit from the project,” said Mabuyane. 

Issued on behalf of SANRAL by FTI Consulting