The R58 road between Engcobo and Khowa (Elliot), commonly known as “KwaSathane”, as it includes the notorious Satansnek Pass, is to undergo emergency maintenance.
This comes after the Eastern Cape Department of Transport recently introduced a contractor tasked with repairing potholes on the 40km stretch, with the aim of making it a bit safer for road users.
The contractor was expected to start working by July 5 and complete the project by September.
Eastern Cape Transport MEC, Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe, said this is just an emergency intervention to a pressing problem, with bigger plans for that road still on the cards.
“We acknowledge the importance of that stretch of the road and the problems its condition may have had on the community, hence this emergency intervention.
“Plans to do some major rehabilitation on that road through a proper reseal are also afoot.
“But we believe that this intervention will bring much needed relief to the communities and help keep this road safer for all those who use it,” said Tikana-Gxothiwe.
It has been agreed that work will commence on the Engcobo side, as it is the road that is worst affected.
The department has invested just over R1,5 million on this project which is set to create some job opportunities for the community.
