The Eastern Cape is a construction site and government is changing the face of the province, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegation has heard on Tuesday during the launch event for the Eastern Cape leg of the NCOP’s Provincial Week programme in the province.
The Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, told the NCOP Eastern Cape delegation that the province is knocking on all doors to change the economic outlook for the province. “We are the province that could build the better quality of life for the people. We are investing on the huge infrastructure projects, especially road infrastructure, in line with the country’s economic growth projections,” he said.
Road infrastructure is difficult to implement in the province because of the terrain and topography; however, the Bhisho Precinct development will unlock huge economic opportunities between Bhisho and Qonce, the Premier said.
“We are looking to go big on the Bhisho Precinct. Even the national government wants to build offices in the province. Entities like SANRAL are implementing major projects in the province. The time is now for the province to rise,” Mr Mabuyane said.
Speaking during the launch event, the leader of the Eastern Cape NCOP delegates, Inkosi Mwelo Nonkonyane, said the provincial government should regard the visit as a follow-up to the NCOP’s visit last year. “In line with the theme for this year’s Provincial Week, we are building viable municipalities for enhanced development,” he said.
The delegation will visit various projects in the Greater OR Tambo region, including Ingquza, Mhlontlo, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Nyandeni, Port St Johns and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela local municipalities. Projects to be visited include the Mzimvumbu Dam, Msikaba Bridge on the Wild Coast, Ngquza Memorial Hill and the Ludeke Dam, among others.
The delegation is in a meeting all day today.
Sibongile Maputi
18 November 2025
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