Jacob Mamabolo, Roads and Transport MEC, reopened Snake Road on the R23 this morning (October 5) as an official launch of the Gauteng’s October Transport Month campaign.
The road had been closed since November 2, 2019, after a sinkhole was identified.
Victor Phala, acting deputy directors general for the Department of Road Infrastructure, explained the remedial work on the project that cost the department R17-million began in February and was expected to be completed within five months.
However, due to the pandemic, the project was put on hold and commenced at the end of May.
Benoni station commander Brig Thabo Mphuthi emphasised that the crime rate peaked during the closure of the road as people were not aware of the road being closed which resulted in vehicles stopping at the crime hot spot while looking for an alternative route.
“Crimes that occurred on the road included rape, hijackings, robberies, attempted murders and assaults.
“The opening of the road will allow SAPS to patrol the area easily and with more police visibility we hope that fewer crimes will be committed in the vicinity.”
He added that they are aware of the illegal mining activities within the area and said that awareness campaigns are being conducted on the matter.
Mamabolo mentioned that throughout October, they will be promoting the concept of smart mobility which refers to using different modes of transportation, including ride sharing, car sharing, public transportation, walking, biking, and more.
“This concept is promoted globally and a virtual conference will be held at the end of October.”
He highlighted that seven sub-contractors and two specialist sub-contractors jumped on board to complete the remedial process of Snake Road.
Masele Madihlaba, MMC of Infrastructure Services in Ekurhuleni, said that he was delighted at the reopening of the road as it will ease the traffic within Benoni.
The work to rehabilitate the sinkhole included:
• The leaking stormwater line was excavated and replaced.
• All wet services around this area were checked or inspected for leaks and repaired.
• The sinkhole has been backfilled and compacted.
• Road re-surfacing.
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