SOPA: R23bn to be spent on transforming gravel roads into tar

This was announced by Premier Sihle Zikalala during his State of the Province Address in Pietermaritzburg today. 

He says roads that are in a poor condition are not helping KZN’s economic growth. 

"We plan to create more than 230 000 work opportunities to benefit mainly young people and woman-headed families. In the next three years, we plan to upgrade 352 km of new roads from gravel to tar." 

Zikalala also spoke about taxi violence warning that law enforcement won’t go easy on those who are found to be behind the attacks.

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He says a lot still needs to be done to professionalise the taxi industry. 

"We are deeply disturbed by the incidents of violence and bloodshed that continue to engulf the area operated by Ndwedwe and District Taxi Association in Umzimyathi." 

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"The area remains a challenge in the government's effort of stabilising the now relatively peaceful taxi industry. Most worrying is the shooting of taxis with commuters and this is unacceptable." 

Sihle Zikalala says help has been sent to the KZN municipalities that are under administration, to help speed up their turnaround.

There are now 11 municipalities under administration and the slow turnaround is at the expense of its citizens. He says a slow turnaround is at the expense of citizens. 

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"The premier will lead a team composed of MEC for COGta, MEC of Finance and MEC Champion to work with the municipality to address long persistent decay. This will include allocating a strong technical team to support, improve and fasten implementation. We will restore a city of choice to its formal glory."