The announcement on Tuesday by Premier Thandi Modise about emergency road repairs to improve the road infrastructure across the province over the next six months has received the thumbs-up from residents.

Modise said R280m was to be spent on road construction projects over the next 18 months following the recent agreement reached between the provincial department of public works and transport and South African National Roads Agency Limited.

The Coligny to Klerksdorp and Rustenburg to Thabazimbi roads are part of the roads prioritised for rehabilitation.

“While pursuing skills development through Construction Education and Training Authority and creation of 600 jobs for every 500km for locals, quality and value for money are non-negotiable for us to reduce the backlog of quality roads.

“Local contractors will also be given opportunities to participate on condition that they will strive to meet the required standards,” said Modise after the signing of agreements for supplementary contracts and subcontractors for local contractors.

Provincial government spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said 18-month contracts valued at R200m would be entered into with local contractors to implement road clearance, pothole repairs, signage, shoulders, grass cutting, drainage clearance and visuals.

“The second phase of the Madidi Access Road Community Development Initiative Project is earmarked to commence in the new year to rehabilitate another five kilometers and add storm water drainages in the village.

Around 600 people were trained in different aspects of road maintenance and 11 contractors developed during the first phase of the project,” said Kgwele.

Coligny resident, Kedibone Mothusi, said: “The project to improve our roads is one we’ve been waiting for so long. We commend the premier for fulfilling her promise during her state of the province address to focus on the road infrastructure as a matter of concern”.

 

 

Source: www.thenewage.co.za