Sanral defends N2 Wild Coast toll road project economics

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) this week reiterated the economic opportunities that will be created as a result of its N2 Wild Coast toll road project.

This follows the release of a study, commissioned by Sustaining the Wild Coast, that challenges the economic validity of the roads project.

Sanral southern region manager Mbulelo Peterson said the agency would review the report; however, existing reports “clearly” quantified the benefits of the contested “shorter and flatter new route”.

“The detailed economic opportunities, which include conventional tourism, ecotourism, agriculture and other business opportunities, both locally and regionally, with regard to the project, are contained in various specialists’ studies by leading experts,” he said.

The reports further indicate the significantly reduced travel time, cost, carbon emissions and road fatalities and accidents.

Further, Peterson stressed that the project was “not just” a Sanral initiative, but a Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission-driven project as a national priority.