Name and Location
Sani Pass road upgrade project, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Client
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (KZN DoT).

Project Description
The project involves upgrading a 33 km section of the Sani Pass from gravel to tar.

The first phase of this project has been completed, with 14 km of the road fully tarred.

The second phase involves the upgrading of the remaining 19 km.

Value
The total cost of the project is R887-million.

Phase 1 cost R285-million to complete.

Phase 2 will cost an estimated R602-million.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The tarring of Sani Pass was approved by Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa in May this year.

The upgrade of the gravel road to tar was halted when stakeholders, including local tour and lodge operators, opposed it, citing that the upgrade would negatively impact on their business. The winding road up to the summit of Sani Pass attracts local and international 4x4 enthusiasts.

Following the complaints, the Minister initially ruled in favour of the tour and lodge operators, a decision that the KZN DoT appealed in 2013.

The KZN DoT’s appeal was based on the importance of meeting the commitments of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the governments of Lesotho and South Africa in 2005 to improve commercial, social and economic opportunities between the two countries through increased accessibility.

Specifically, the MoU entailed a declaration of intent with regard to technical cooperation on roads, which directly pertained to the 19 km upgrade of Sani Pass road (P318), from the Old Good Hope Trading Post to the summit of the Sani Pass, at the Lesotho border post.

The second phase of the project will begin within five months, providing there are no further appeals.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Not stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
KZN DoT, Kwanele Ncalane, cell 072 803 1462/079 699 5755 or email kwanele.ncalane@kzntransport.gov.za.