Construction resumes on KZN barrier wall to combat cross-border crime

As part of efforts to fight against cross-border crimes, the KwaZulu-Natal government, working with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), is fast-tracking the construction of a concrete barrier wall in the province.

The wall, which is comprised of New Jersey barriers, is aimed at curbing cross-border crime and the theft of motor vehicles in South Africa for transport to Mozambique.

It is being built in the uMkhanyakude district municipality on the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique.

The first phase of the project, valued at R271-million, will start from the boundary of the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, moving to the western boundary of the Tembe Elephant Park and will extend over 8 km.

The project initially started in 2020, when the provincial government and the DPWI committed R50-million for the manufacture and positioning of 156 concrete barrier units.

However, the project was stalled as a result of an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit, into the tender awarded to two contractors by the KZN Department of Transport.

Following the termination of the previous contractor, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has assessed the status of the project and developed a schedule for the resumption of the crime-fighting concrete wall project.

The Premier further directed the provincial Department of Transport to move swiftly on the project, with 5 km of wall now built.

She outlined various interventions the government was putting in place to address the scourge of crime and service delivery concerns such as the shortages of water and electricity.

“We want to deal with the issue of porous borders once and for all. We are clear that the construction of concrete wall barriers must urgently resume. We are doing all we can as the provincial government to address vehicle theft and other cross-border crimes.

"The movement of illicit goods and undocumented foreign nationals is another important issue that will be addressed by the resumption of this project. The intervention will include joint policing operations that allow for better crime detection and enable the infiltration of criminal gangs in pursuit of justice,” said the Premier.