An R158-million road construction project was launched for the Rust der Winter and Mkhombo Nature Reserves, north-east of Pretoria, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said on Thursday.
The D1944 road construction project, launched by the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, will entail the full construction and transformation of the 11.5km project from a gravel to a tarred road.
Roads and Transport spokesperson, Melitah Madiba, said: “The D1944 is a tertiary provincial gravel road in the north-eastern corner of the province. The main work items to be undertaken include the reconstruction of the road and culverts; the building of two bridges; the placing of road markings and road signage and the erection of bus shelters along the route.”
Vadi said that the construction of the road would have a positive impact on the province as it would reduce travel time, improve the transportation of people, enhance road safety and also reduce the dust pollution along the route.
“This project will provide for better economic linkages and mobility between Gauteng and Limpopo province and is scheduled to be completed over the next 18 months,” he said.
“As part of the developmental programme, the contractor is expected to provide training for employed local labour and arranging Construction Education and Training Authority approved courses,” Madiba said.
The training provided by the subcontractors will ensure that they are registered to provide accredited training in their future business ventures.
“This road infrastructure investment is in support of the Gauteng provincial government’s development initiatives that seek to create jobs and integrate agricultural and tourism opportunities with transport corridors,” Vadi added.
The project was not only designed to employ local labour, particularly the youth, women and individuals with disabilities, but also to give authority to upcoming sub-contractors.