South Africa is set to break records with the upcoming construction of a R4 billion Mtentu bridge, poised to become the tallest in all of Africa.
Significant progress is currently underway at the R4.05 billion Mtentu Bridge, located in the Eastern Cape, which will claim the title of the highest bridge in the country. A team, including Eastern Cape MEC for Transport Xolile Nqatha and the N2 Wild Coast Road Political Oversight Committee (POC), recently visited the construction site after the contract was reissued towards the end of 2022.
This is true development. We are grateful for SANRAL’s leadership in guiding us to this point.” – Xolile Nqatha, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport
“This visit is part of our oversight responsibilities to monitor the project’s progress. We are satisfied with the feedback from SANRAL and the advancements we’ve witnessed on-site, especially given the challenges encountered with the previous stops and starts on the Mtentu contract,” stated Nqatha.
He expressed optimism over the new contractor, highlighting the project’s potential to benefit the community through job creation, small contractor growth, and more. “By the conclusion of this contract, Grade 1 contractors will have advanced to higher grades. This is true development. We are grateful for SANRAL’s leadership in guiding us to this point. Kudos to the SANRAL leadership, the board, and the regional manager,” Nqatha added.
Since construction began in 2023, the project has already invested R250 million and employed 248 local laborers. Work on connecting the Mtentu Bridge with the nearby Msikaba Bridge is also on track, creating 445 job opportunities and subcontracting 41 targeted enterprises to date.
The Mtentu Bridge will stand as Africa’s tallest bridge, towering at a height of 223 meters. In addition, it will be recognised globally as one of the longest balanced cantilever bridges, featuring a main span of 260 meters. This monumental structure forms part of SANRAL’s broader N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) program, which encompasses a 410km stretch from East London to the Mtamvuna River, marking the boundary between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa’s road infrastructure is set to receive a much-needed boost, with R50 billion in investments already in motion.
The POC also received detailed reports on several projects within the N2WCR initiative. Specifically, the Msikaba Bridge contract has already seen an expenditure of R665.6 million, with the involvement of 48 service providers and 61 subcontractors. SANRAL has made considerable headway in other areas of the NWCR as well.
“In August, we announced the impending start of the N2WCR Section 20 construction, covering the Lingeni Intersection (km 15.40) to the Msikaba Bridge (km 33.02). This R2.2 billion contract is scheduled to commence in early 2025,” shared Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Region Manager. He explained that litigation had delayed the contract’s start, though it is now set to create another 400 job opportunities.
Expanding Horizons
SANRAL is also gearing up for several other projects across South Africa, poised to inject approximately R50 billion into the economy during the 2024/25 financial year through numerous road project tenders. As of September 2024, SANRAL announced it is currently reviewing 96 tenders, worth a combined R35 billion, while it has already awarded 86 contracts, valued at R15 billion, since the start of the financial year on April 1, 2024.
The tenders under review include:
- 34 tenders in the Northern Region (Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga), worth R16.5 billion
- 24 tenders in the Southern Region (Eastern Cape), worth R3.8 billion
- 12 tenders in the Western Region (Western Cape, Northern Cape), worth R2 billion
- 12 tenders in the Eastern Region (KwaZulu-Natal, Free State), worth R11.7 billion
- 14 tenders at Head Office, totalling R839 million
South Africa’s road infrastructure is set to receive a much-needed boost, with R50 billion in investments already in motion.
FAQs about the Mtentu Bridge project
Where is the Mtentu Bridge being built?
The Mtentu Bridge is being constructed in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is part of the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) project, a scenic route that will eventually stretch 410 km from East London to the Mtamvuna River, marking the border between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Why is the Mtentu Bridge significant?
The Mtentu Bridge will be the tallest bridge in Africa, standing at a height of 223 meters. It will also be one of the longest balanced cantilever bridges in the world, with a main span of 260 meters. This makes it a remarkable feat of engineering and a potential tourist attraction.
What are the economic benefits of the Mtentu Bridge project?
The Mtentu Bridge project is a significant investment in South Africa’s infrastructure, with a total cost of R4.05 billion. The construction process is creating jobs, fostering the growth of small businesses, and will boost tourism and local economies in the Eastern Cape once completed.
When is the Mtentu Bridge expected to be completed?
While an exact completion date hasn’t been announced, the Mtentu Bridge contract was reissued in late 2022, and construction began in 2023. Considering the project’s scope, it’s estimated that completion could be within the next few years.
Is the Mtentu Bridge the only major project in the N2 Wild Coast Road initiative?
No, the Mtentu Bridge is one of several major projects within the N2 Wild Coast Road initiative. Another significant project is the nearby Msikaba Bridge, also a large-scale infrastructure project that is currently underway. These bridges are key components in the larger goal of improving transportation and connectivity along the Wild Coast.
