SANRAL Invests Millions
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has invested more than R364 million for developing critical road infrastructure in the Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM).
R191 million was set aside for the restoration of the national road’s N17 section 5 to Oshoek border post. A further R173 million will go towards resurfacing a section of the N17 near Chrissiesmeer.
Several Projects to be Rolled Out
This investment is part of SANRAL’s plan to roll out new infrastructure projects worth R9 billion in the GSDM which will also include the upgrading of the N2 national route – a total of about 150,7km from the KwaZulu-Natal/Mpumalanga border to Camden near Ermelo (Msukaligwa). Other projects include upgrading the Pan Bult Interchange and construction of a Ring Road in Mkhondo Local Municipality.
With the South African (SA) unemployment rate the highest ever, SANRAL is confident that this investment will boost the local economy through the creation of jobs, training and development of local small businesses, empowerment of women and youth-owned businesses as well as opportunities for people with disabilities.
Transport Minister Visits the Site
Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, was in the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality on an oversight visit of work being done on the projects, including the patching of potholes through the national Vala Zonke campaign. Chikunga said roads are a crucial component of the country’s economy and the delivery of road infrastructure has a direct bearing on the ease of movement of goods and people across SA, which impacts overall economic growth.
“We have placed infrastructure development at the heart of our Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to secure an economy where there is dignified work for all, inclusive growth and social protection for those in need. SA is on a path to unlock more than R1trillion in infrastructure investment over the next few years as part of our massive infrastructure investment drive to revitalise the economy and create employment. SANRAL, as an organ of the state under the Department of Transport, is a major contributor to this drive,” she said.
Chikunga alsoannounced funding to repair the road from Nhlazatshe, through the Lochiel T-junction down to Tjakastad and connecting it to the Emanzana road, covering a distance of 28 km.
The Minister encouraged young people to prioritise their education, highlighting career opportunities in the transport sector and funding available for studies. She also addressed the issue of alcohol consumption among learners, stressing that it is detrimental to their development. To support learners, she handed over 600 ‘Shova Kalula’ bicycles, aimed at helping students reach school on time and promoting road safety.
Road Maintenance in Progress
The current routine road maintenance projects in the region include the R33 from Msukaligwa Municipal boundary, near Waburton via Carolina to Belfast; the R38 from the Steve Tshwete Municipal boundary via Carolina to Mbombela’s Municipal boundary and maintenance of N17 from Msukaligwa Municipal boundary near Warburton to to Oshoek border post.
