CONSTRUCTION on a coastal route between East London and Port Elizabeth is under way, in a R142m project that hopes to see a boost in tourism and development in the region. The road will run 30km, from the East London Airport to Lilyvale.

The R72 route is expected to provide increased access to the Eastern Cape in 2010, as well as increased tourism to East London, Port Elizabeth and Coega, says Eastern Cape MEC for Safety, Liaison, Roads and Transport, Thobile Mhlahlo. “One of the main strategic priorities in our infrastructure investment strategy is to make our coastal route, including the Wild Coast, available as a natural resource.” As construction is under way, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) is conducting a feasibility study on the possible tolling of strategic routes, with the R72 being a priority.

Naledi Burwana-Bisiwe, ceo of the Eastern Cape Tourism Board, says if Sanral decides to make it a toll route, the industry will need to understand that the expensive investment of a new road needs to be protected. “The tourism industry will benefit and must understand that in return, they may need to give something back,” says Burwana-Bisiwe.