New Platinum corridor links Maputo with Walvis Bay

Anna Cox THE R3 billion N4 Bakwena Platinum corridor in the North West province was officially opened last week. "The N4 platinum highway closes the link between the Maputo harbour in Mozambique with Walvis Bay in Namibia, creating the first, high-quality transcontinental route in sub-Saharan Africa," said Minister of Transport Dullah Omar. This road will ultimately lead to better utilisation of road, maritime and rail transport infrastructure. Export and shipping times can be reduced by as much as ten shipping days, while the distance by road between Johannesburg and Windhoek is shortened by some 500 kilometres," he said. "This project also marked a breakthrough as 50% of the equity will be offshore-based signalling a vote of confidence from foreign investors in the professional manner in which the South African National Roads Agency handles and manages toll concession projects," said Omar.