The much-anticipated rehabilitation of Marine Drive which connects Port Shepstone with Southbroom is underway. Contractors are working tirelessly to ensure the road is open for use from 14 December 2023 to 9 January 2024, when construction will resume again. While this may cause some inconvenience for holidaymakers flocking to the KZN South Coast this festive season, the long-term gain will be well worth it for the future of tourism and investment in the region.
According to contractors on site, there is currently a stop-and-go implemented, however, they will increase resources if necessary to ensure the road is open for the peak holiday period. The major construction work will be completed, making it safe for motorists to use, with only minor work to be done thereafter.
“We would like to ask all our residents and holidaymakers to bear with us as construction continues on Marine Drive,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “The rehabilitation started in September, and is expected to last around 30 months, resulting in a massive upgrade to a vital network within the region. The plan is for the road to be open during our busiest time, but we do ask that all road users take note of the limited access outside of these times and use alternative routes where possible.”
The project was launched by the Department of Transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka in June. Twenty-five kilometres of Marine Drive (the P395) is undergoing a R580-million upgrade. This will improve accessibility to Port Shepstone which is the area’s administrative, educational, distribution, commercial, and cultural centre.
Mangcu said the duration of the construction meant it would coincide with peak holiday times regardless of when it started: “We are anticipating another bumper festive season, following on from last year’s incredible visitor numbers. We are so fortunate that our beaches are all open and safe for bathing, with the KZN South Coast also home to the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province – a key indicator of international-standard safety and quality. We also boast two world-class dive sites, hinterland excursions, township tours, extreme adventures, and more, making this a top summer destination for families!”
In addition to the tourism assets on the KZN South Coast, the rehabilitation of Marine Drive will also enhance the area’s significant investment potential across key catalytic sectors, including the Port Shepstone business hub, agriculture, renewable energy, and the ocean economy. These are all supported by the ongoing KZN South Coast Buy Local campaign which encourages support for local businesses. The membership continues to grow with free Buy Local Membership running until 30 June 2025.
To find out about investment opportunities on the KZN South Coast, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email info@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za. To become a Buy Local member or find out more, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form.
Uncover all the adventure on the KZN South Coast by downloading the ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app, visiting the website, checking out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more! Don’t miss out on the action by following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Follow the hashtags #uncover #uncoverkznsouthcoast #uncoveradventure #kznsouthcoast
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