The Gauteng Department for Roads and Transport has spent R193 million to upgrade the R25 (P6-1) road between Bapsfontein and Bronkhorstspruit.

Provincial MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi said the project entailed an ugrade of a 42 kilometre road which is also a single carriageway provincial road that links the provinces of Gauteng and Limpopo.

During the upgrade, more than 200 people were employed.

MEC Vadi said the project promotes economic development, gives people skills and job opportunities.

The road is important for the agricultural and mining sectors in the area, as it will support faster movement of the freight trucks who will be transporting goods and services.

“Today is a very joyous occasion. It’s a happy occasion because the project is completed and the road is beautiful,” he said.

The road which will have a 15 year lifespan was upgraded over a period of about 20 months.

MEC Vadi also announced that his department will be making the D1944 Road a tarred road in a year or two.

The gravel road which is between Bronkhorstspruit and Ekangala is expected to cost R100 million.

Ekangala resident Ntombifuthi Khumalo said she was happy about the road upgrade as the potholes that were on the road have been repaired.

“They talked about upgrading the road; they have delivered; that’s what we want. Improvements in the community,” Khumalo said.

She said as a young person who is planning to buy a car, she is relieved the D1944 which is near her home, will be tarred as well.