Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha has officially opened the revamped 27.4-kilometre road linking Humansdorp and Hankey in the Sarah Baartman District. The opening is part of the Department’s activities marking October Transport Month. The route passes through urban, peri-urban and rural areas, including a mountain pass and a low-level bridge crossing over the Gamtoos River. Improving the road is important for providing safer and more reliable travel for commuters and local businesses.
The project, which cost approximately R220 million, took about 20 months to complete. The upgrade is expected to enhance safety on the road and support economic activity and ensure that farmers can easily transport agricultural produce to markets.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the project started in June 2024 and has provided job opportunities for residents and supported the development of local contractors. Nqatha urged communities to protect the road, noting that it was funded by taxpayers.
“I urge the community to take ownership of this infrastructure and protect it. It is tax money that made this investment possible, and we all have a responsibility to ensure that it continues to serve present and future generations,” he said.
