Nov 23, 2016: South Africa's Gauteng Department Roads and Transport has invested R80 million in the rehabilitation of D670 road between Bronkhorstspruit and Ekangala.

The project will commence in three weeks’ time, after the main contractor has looked for sub-contractors and employees in the area. The project is expected to be completed in 24 months.

The road was constructed more than 50 years ago and has carried a burden of heavy traffic volumes, which include coal trucks running between various mines and power stations located in and out of the province.

Launching the project at Bronkhorstspruit, MEC Ismail Vadi said the road had been deteriorated and it was critical for the economic well-being and growth of the province. Vadi said the road would be completely brand new after the refurbishment.

“When we finish with this road it will be a brand new road, the road will undergo melting which the top surface will be taken out completely, were there are potholes they will cut out the surface completely and fix the road,” said MEC Vadi.

The rehabilitation of the road is in line with the modernisation of public transport infrastructure, one of ten pillars of radical transformation announced by Premier David Makhura on his maiden State of Province Address.

The road is part of the department’s efforts to roll out road infrastructure in Gauteng with an aim to stimulate the economic growth, as well as creating job opportunities in the province.

MEC Vadi said the construction would provide training, skills development and empowerment to BBBEE contractors, and would also see to it that the main contractor and sub-contractors give certain percentage of opportunities to local SMMEs, small construction companies and community members.

He also said at the end of the construction, workers would get certificates to show their involvement and construction skills developed in the construction of the road, so that they could present the certificate when looking for employment.

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