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N2 toll road 'to go ahead'
19/03/2004 08:32 - (SA)
Port St Johns - The controversial N2 toll road project in the Pondoland region is going ahead.
This is despite calls by some political parties and environmental organisations to have the project suspended or even cancelled.
"Regardless of whatever is said this project has to take place," South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral) chief executive officer Nazir Alli told journalists in Port St Johns on Thursday.
Sanral took journalists on a tour over the proposed route to the toll road between Port St Johns and Port Edward.
Alli's views were supported by a number of Port St Johns residents, local business people and local government officials.
"The project has to take off sooner than later, for the stake of our people who are starving," said Ndwalane location councillor Sizwe Ndabeni.
Ndwalane is one of the five locations that will be affected by the new toll road's stretch from the existing R61 road from Umtata to Lusikisiki.
There is the possibility that some homes from these locations will have to be removed to make way for the new toll road.
However residents at the locations seems to be undisturbed by that possibility as long as they will get work.
"Whoever says that the development must not take place has never slept on an empty stomach not knowing if he or she will eat the following day," said Ndabeni.
If anyone is more concerned about the environment than its people, it means they are anti-development and don't care about other citizens of South Africa, Ndabeni added.
These sentiments were echoed by local businessman Richard Harvey, who said it can't be disputed that the development will improve the economic situation of the ailing Pondoland region.
The road will make the area more accessible to tourists and it will create about 16 000 jobs - something that is badly needed in this part of the country, Harvey added.
Despite knowing little about the project a number of citizens welcomed the idea, adding that they would appreciate if it started tomorrow.
"I only heard about this proposed road on radio but I cannot wait until it starts," said 20-year-old Luvo Nogwa of Ndwalane Location.
"It has come to our attention that some of our homes will be removed for this road, but we don't mind as long it will enable our children to get jobs," said Ndwalane pensioner Buyeza Jwayi.
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