ANC hails R8 Billion N3 upgrade as key to jobs, trade, and infrastructure growth in KZN
N3 bridge where business woman Madhumathie Bunwarie was attacked. The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal says the R8 billion N3 upgrade will ease traffic, create jobs, and boost the province’s economy by improving safety and connecting key trade routes.
Image: Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal says the R8 billion investment in upgrading the N3 highway between Ashburton and Cato Ridge marks a significant step towards improving infrastructure and boosting the province’s economic potential.
The completion of new additional lanes along this busy trade corridor aims to ease congestion, reduce travel times, and enhance safety for motorists.
The project, which forms part of broader capacity improvements on the N3 and N2 routes, involved spending over R2 billion on emerging African contractors, creating thousands of jobs, and providing training opportunities for young people.
The ANC acknowledged the cooperation of motorists and local communities throughout the four-year construction period as key to the project’s success.
“This project is not just about infrastructure, it’s about unlocking economic opportunities, connecting people, and improving everyday lives,” said ANC provincial spokesperson Fanle Sibisi.
He added that the completion of the lanes demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits, despite challenges encountered during construction.
The N3 is South Africa’s busiest trade route, linking Durban’s port, one of the continent’s busiest, with the interior and neighbouring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.
Its upgrades are expected to ease congestion, reduce travel time, boost logistics, investment, and tourism opportunities across the region.
ANC Provincial Task Team Coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu described the upgrade as a milestone achievement that reflects the ANC’s focus on modernising infrastructure to support economic transformation and job creation.
“The completion of this stretch of the N3 is not just about a road, it is about connecting people, enhancing safety, creating jobs, and opening doors for trade and tourism.
''Under the ANC’s leadership, government has shown once again that it delivers tangible change for the people of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa,” he said.
He also praised the role of SANRAL and the Provincial Department of Transport in the project’s success.
“Through SANRAL and the Department of Transport, our government has proven its dedication and engineering excellence. Motorists now enjoy a smoother, safer, and more efficient route, reflecting the ANC’s vision for world-class infrastructure,” Mabuyakhulu said.
With more packages still underway, the ANC commends SANRAL, the Provincial Department of Transport, and community structures for continuing to drive the transformation agenda using catalytic infrastructure projects.
The ANC reaffirmed that infrastructure development remains central to service delivery and enhancing the quality of life for South Africans.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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