The South African National Roads Agency Limited says the rehabilitation of the R34 national road from Schweizer-Reneke to Vryburg is set to offer road users in the platinum belt a safer less congested traveling experience.

Work on the road, which links the N14/N18 in Vryburg and the N12 at Wolmaranstad, began in 2017 and involves upgrading the 31.8 kilometre length of road from a 6m surfaced cross-section to a 12.4m surfaced cross-section as well as the upgrading of major intersections and storm water infrastructure.

Palesa Monamodi, Sanral Project Manager says the road is an important connector in the Bophirima road network and provides a good alternative route for the heavy industrial traffic between Sishen and Gauteng. It also serves as an economic enabler by giving access to the east coast ports of South Africa.

Progress Hlahla, Sanral’s Northern Region Manager adds that taking on the project was a “no-brainer” for them to give this important route some much needed attention.

“Our pride is not only in the quality of our roads but in the fact that we have been able to empower locals through the job opportunities created and the training provided as well as the local businesses contracted.”

The project has thus far created employment for 129 local labourers and accredited training on basic computer skills, road safety, basic firefighting, first-aid, health and safety, wacker usage and flagmen have been provided. There have also been 15 small local companies (SMME) sub-contracted on the project.