Road Agency Limpopo repair streets to their former glory

POLOKWANE – It may take up to six months to conclude road repairs across the province, according to Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL).

Repairs started in all earnest in Nelson Mandela Drive in Nirvana last Tuesday, while several streets including Landdros Maré, Dorp and Vermikuliet among others will also be repaired.

The repairs come as an intervention following a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the local municipality and the agency.

Provincial Government spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela says the Premier, Chupu Mathabatha oversaw the signing of similar agreements in nine other local municipalities of the province, making Polokwane the tenth.

“They are also Collins Chabane, Fetakgomo-Tubatse, Elias Motsoaledi, Bela-Bela, Musina, Ba-Phalaborwa, Modimolle–Mookgophong, Ephraim Mogale and Makhado local municipalities. RAL is working on all of these projects at once and work should be done by October,” RAL spokesperson, Luyanda Sithole added.

Recent flooding worsened the state of roads in some parts of Polokwane, with Polokwane Mayor, John Mpe reprioritising R6m from the existing roads maintenance section budget towards the repairs of infrastructure.

“As a custodian of provincial roads, RAL seeks to ensure parity in quality on all roads within the province, inclusive of the municipal and national roads. This will ensure uniformity on all the roads, encouraging investment at all levels of government. In Polokwane, the initiative will see city streets repaired to its former condition, within a period of two months. Upon completion, motorists will drive efficiently and safer than before,” Luyanda explained.

Polokwane Municipality spokesperson, Thipa Selala said the municipality was satisfied with the infrastructure development boost, given the damage suffered in the February flash floods.