I have no issue with what Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane writes in this newspaper (“Eastern seaboard project a chance to create opportunities for all,” DD Dec 2). Among other things, he outlines the benefits of the recent upgrades to the N2 Highway Wild Coast, which are expected to ease logistics in the region. Mabuyane also outlines the promise of the digital infrastructure rollout under way, the upgrades to the Mthatha airport, and the gains they will bring, particularly in rural regions.
Other aspects he writes about include potential water infrastructure projects, the promise of tourism, and agriculture, among other sectors. In essence, I support some of these interventions. What we need is focused implementation.
I have been troubled for some time by the Eastern Cape’s sluggish economic progress, higher unemployment, poverty and the provincial government’s inept service delivery. And, yes, I know there has been some good work in various regions of the province. For example, the national road network from Port St Johns to Gqeberha is in admirable condition following recent improvements, and Mabuyane correctly highlights it.
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This has improved travel ease and supports businesses, especially agribusinesses that rely heavily on these road networks. New schools and clinics have recently been built in rural regions. These have led to some green shoots in terms of education outcomes.
In areas that need enormous improvement, we must focus on municipalities that remain in a troubling space. Another area of neglect is road maintenance and service delivery in various towns, especially the eastern parts of the province.
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