MEC for transport inspects K69 construction site
The upgrade project, now in its final stage, involves upgrading the road from a single into a dual carriageway, improving its capacity and safety.
Accompanied by senior managers, Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela led an oversight visit of the K69 Road upgrade in Mamelodi on Thursday, May 23.
The MEC’s spokesperson Lesiba Mpya said this was to gauge the ongoing progress on the major road project, which forms the backbone of the Gauteng government’s vision to provide quality road infrastructure in the province.
He said the upgrade project, now in its final stage, involved upgrading the road from a single into a dual carriageway, improving its capacity and safety.
The scope of work included:
– constructing and rehabilitating four road over-rail bridges,
– one road-over-river bridge on the Pienaars River,
– installation of 16km of asphalt walkways and cycle lanes,
– road markings and traffic signals,
– upgrading existing intersections, and
– rehabilitating as well as widening the existing carriageway.
Diale-Tlabela expressed the provincial government’s pride in the progress made and the opportunities created through the project.
She indicated it was clear the project was progressing well and that the new, improved road had significant employment and benefits for small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) over the short term and would stimulate socio-economic development in the area over the long term.
“This upgrade will not only improve connections networks but will also play a significant role in lessening traffic congestion and promoting road safety,” said the MEC.
She also alluded to the socioeconomic impact this project has had on local businesses and communities.
Local communities benefitted significantly through job opportunities, contracts to supply materials and the training of local labourers.
She added that the department ensured procurement processes favoured and benefitted local SMMEs.
“To date, the project has seen 93 SMMEs, qualified small enterprises, and emerging micro enterprises (EMEs) awarded work opportunities,” she said.
Diale-Tlabela also thanked interfaith communities for their participation and assistance towards the completion of this important project.
“I wish to extend my words of gratitude to all the religious and interfaith communities who participated in today’s event. As government, we understand that through your participation and involvement, there’ll be peace in our communities,” she said.
“The road upgrade, spanning approximately 9km, is almost 98% complete, begins at Road R104 and extends northwards, culminating at the K54 (Tsamaya Road) intersection. The Solomon Mahlangu Drive upgrade highlights the provincial government’s commitment to sustainable and smart mobility, as well as providing economic prosperity in Gauteng.”
She also thanked all those who contributed to this transformational project.
“To all those involved in the process, we appreciate your support and encourage you to continue to collaborate with us in creating a future where secure and efficient transport networks greatly benefit communities and promote the growth of Gauteng in a meaningful way,” the MEC concluded.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
