By Nangamso Mabindla
17 January 2008

IN a bid to improve access to the Eastern Cape's rural areas, the provincial department of roads and transport has started implementing its Rural Access Transport Programme.

Adopted by the province in 2007, the R100-million programme aims to provide concrete short-, medium- and long-term strategies to build an accessible and sustainable rural transport network in support of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan.

The department's spokesperson, Ncedo Kumbaca, said that it would also support municipal Integrated Development Plans and rural communities.

"Roads to be worked on include roads that lead to schools, clinics, hospitals, tourism destinations and other economic activities."

Kumbaca said that for communities to benefit fully, the programme would be guided by the Expanded Public Works Programme.

"This programme advocates the empowerment and development of rural communities through the creation of sustainable infrastructural services and facilities. The creation of jobs, training and skilling of local communities are key cornerstones of [it]."

Emerging and learner contractors would also benefit from the roads programme as they would be used to fill small contracts specifically designed for them.

Explaining how the R100-million would be used, Kumbaca said that R80-million would be used on road maintenance projects and the balance would be used to buy new plant and machinery like graders.

The department will improve roads across the province, including in the districts of Cacadu, OR Tambo, Chris Hani, Alfred Nzo, Ukhahlamba and Amathole.

Buffalo City, which falls under the Amathole District Municipality, will also benefit. In the city, the provincial government will focus on improving the road between Bhisho and Breidbach, and the road from Kayser's Beach to the R72, the coastal road linking East London with Port Elizabeth.

The Rural Access Transport Programme will be completed during the 2007/2008 financial year.