Road project rejected

24 June 2009 - 02:00
By Canaan Mdletshe

THE KwaZulu-Natal cabinet has unanimously rejected the proposed N2 Wild Coast toll highway planned by the national department of transport.

THE KwaZulu-Natal cabinet has unanimously rejected the proposed N2 Wild Coast toll highway planned by the national department of transport.

The 80-member provincial legislature reached the decision after all political parties agreed the toll plaza would be a burden on the people.

According to the plan, motorists travelling towards the South Coast would encounter a toll plaza at Isipingo and three ramp plazas in the area - Joyner Road, Moss Kolnik Road and Adams Road.

The proposed highway will cover 560km between the N2 Gonubie interchange, near East London, and Isipingo.

During a debate on Monday, the IFP's Mntomuhle Khawula said: "We are of the view that this toll plaza would be a huge burden to the people of this province.

"It will create an environment where travel to Durban would become a nightmare."

His sentiments were shared by Cope's Lucky Gabela. "Clearly, this is a non-issue. We are totally against it," said Gabela.

The ANC's Mxolisi Kaunda, chairperson of the transport portfolio committee, said the people of KwaZulu-Natal had rejected the toll plaza and that it was important for the house to support them on the matter.