The K14/Cullinan Road, which was upgraded at a cost of R52 million over the past 18 months, was officially opened by the Gauteng Premier David Makhura and MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi on Tuesday.

The Cullinan Road connects the town to the N1, Tshwane and to KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga. Vadi said the road construction project formed an important part of the provincial strategic road network.

“The construction work involved blasting through a mountain and realigning the road by widening it, correcting the sharp curves and eliminating dangerous bends at five different spots. This has improved road safety for local residents, truck drivers and tourists who enjoy their travels to this quaint little town,” said Vadi.

He argued that investment in the provincial road network helped to reduce the cost of transporting goods and services and allowed industry and businesses to be more competitive.

The provincial Department of Roads and Transport ensured that 40% of the R52 million spent on the project went to local contractors. 195 local residents were employed on the project, 36% of whom were women and 66% youth between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

The project also provided training and skills development to 85 workers in various aspects relating to road construction.

 

(SAnews.gov.za)