"Imbi indlela eyihamba kuyo, okokuqala nje": survey of communities along proposed new route of the N2 between Port Edward and Port St Johns

Abstract

As part of the research project to determine public perceptions regarding the possible construction of a new section of the N2 between Port Edward and Port St Johns, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) commissioned the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in December 2010 to conduct a representative sample survey of the attitudes of residents living in the vicinity of the proposed route.

The proposed new route has been contested and opposed by environmental lobbyists. There have been allegations that the road has been proposed in response to the interests of the mining, trucking and construction industries, with scant regard to the potential damage to the pristine environment of the Wild Coast region. Nevertheless, the survey was conducted with permanent residents of the region and discussions were held with a few non-resident migrant workers who return there on a regular basis.