Name of the Project
National Route R61: Section 7 – Baziya to Mthatha Airport.

Location
OR Tambo district, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral).

Project Description
The Baziya to Mthatha Airport project was retendered in 2020 after the initial contract had been terminated in August 2019, owing to nonperformance by the previous contractor.

The project involves the upgrade of a 27 km stretch of road in the King Sabatha Dalindyebo local municipality.

The project’s scope of work will include widening the existing road cross-section with surfaced shoulders and additional auxiliary lanes to facilitate traffic flow.

Some access roads leading to the R61 will be regravelled or resurfaced.

The contract includes a three-month mobilisation period. During this period, the contractor will establish a site office, undertake a skills audit of the targeted enterprises in the project area, identify work packages for subcontracting opportunities and recruit local labour.

Potential Job Creation
Between 150 and 200 jobs are expected to be created for skilled and semiskilled workers during the construction phase. Skills development training will also be offered.

Capital Expenditure
R237-million.

Planned Start/End Date
The contractor will start construction of the remaining work in September 2021; the work is expected to be completed in November 2022.

Latest Developments
All the major structures are about 95% complete.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
H & I Construction, formerly Triamic Construction (construction contract).

Contact Details for Project Information
Sanral press office, email pressoffice@nra.co.za.