REGIONAL - Roads

The single most important constraint identified in all previous socio-economic studies and development plans for the greater Barberton district was the design and condition of the road between Barberton and Nelspruit (the provincial capital). This road was built in the 1950’s and could no longer accommodate the increased traffic flows. At the same time the largest catalyst for future development of the area was repeatedly identified as the upgrading of the gravel road between Barberton and the Bulembu/Josefdal border post with Swaziland. The Barberton Chamber of Business and Umjindi Local Municipality thus initiated an ultimately successful joint initiative to ensure upgrading of these two important link roads.

The South African National Road Agency completed construction of a new highway between Nelspruit and Barberton in early 2010. The drive from Barberton to the provincial capital Nelspruit now takes around 20 minutes.

Upgrading of the very scenic 29km road from Barberton to the border with Swaziland commenced in January of 2007, and was completed late 2009. This project was funded via the Barberton Chamber of Business with contributions from the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Provincial Department of Roads and Transport. The road traverses the breadth of the future World Heritage Site and is one of the most scenic mountain passes in the country. Because of this the road is being developed to accommodate various forms of tourism activities along its length, including tourist stops to provide for interpretation of the world renown geology, amazing diversity of fauna and flora and spectacular scenery.

Research shows that, together, the construction of above two roads will significantly change traffic flow patterns in the entire sub-region with huge economic spin-offs for Barberton.

The above two road construction projects combined with several smaller ones and upgrading of the road network in northern Swaziland totals over R1billion rand in infrastructure investment into the area. It demonstrates the commitment of both the South African and Swaziland governments to the economic development of the area.