The multi-billion-rand N2 Wild Coast Road project is approaching a major milestone, with the Msikaba Bridge scheduled to open later this year, marking a significant achievement in what officials describe as one of South Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives.
The flagship project includes the construction of 112 kilometres of new road between East London and Durban, anchored by two engineering marvels: the Msikaba and Mtentu bridges. Upon completion, the Msikaba Bridge will stand as the highest bridge in Africa, while the Mtentu Bridge will claim the title of the tallest on the continent.
The infrastructure development is designed to connect the Eastern Cape with three other provinces, streamlining the movement of goods and services across the region.
Speaking on the project’s progress, a spokesperson highlighted the transformative impact on one of the country’s most impoverished districts.
“There is very good work that is being done, serious engineering and mining that you can see around here is massive for this part of our country,” the spokesperson said. “This region is the most poorest district in the country. This is actually bringing a much more impact if you look at what it does in terms of job creation.”
The employment figures underscore the project’s scale, with approximately 8,000 direct jobs expected by completion and an estimated 20,000 indirect positions generated for local communities.
“We are looking at about 8,000 at the end of the projects direct jobs but also looking at about 20,000 indirect jobs — that’s massive for this poorest part of our country,” the spokesperson added.
The project has committed R450 million specifically for local labour wages, while 30% of the overall budget has been earmarked for local enterprises.
“We appreciate that there is 30% set aside as we speak on the N2,” the spokesperson confirmed. “All these contracts combined, we are talking about 10 billion, but within that 10 billion there’s 30% which is 3 billion that we expect to be spent within the locals.”
However, stakeholders are calling for careful management of these funds, urging government to implement an accessible funding model to achieve meaningful transformation.
“That 30% must be managed correctly in such a way that it is not pricing against the main contract,” the spokesperson cautioned.
With President Cyril Ramaphosa scheduled to deliver the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, expectations are mounting that further announcements regarding the N2 Wild Coast Road project may be forthcoming.
The catalytic infrastructure investment is expected to significantly shorten travel times, boost tourism, and contribute to the economic outlook of the province and surrounding regions.