New tar road set to help make travel easier
It has been several frustrating years since communities of Ga-Matlala, Pudiyakgopa and Bakenberg have complained about the unevenness of the road that connects their neighbourhoods
POLOKWANE – However, the upgrading from gravel to tar at road D3537 from Harry Oppenheimer in the Aganang Municipality on the N11 to Pudiyakgopa en route to Bakenberg in the Mogalakwena Municipality in Waterberg district has brought much-needed reprieve.
Both motorists and pedestrians have expressed pleasure on the road projects which will alleviate the worry of using this rock-strewn motorway. For many decades, this stretch of gravel road has been the network for connecting villagers in the Aganang and Mogalakwena local municipalities, mining trucks, public transport vehicles, and pedestrians.
One of the residents, Jonas Seagamotse, said he the upgrading of the road will bring relief to the locals.
“I have used this road as a pedestrian and a taxi commuter since I was a child. Travelling along this road has been a nightmare for everyone and we are happy the road will finally be upgraded to tar,” said Seagamotse.
The road, which is currently underway under the construction of Axton Matrix and Consulting Engineers of Matla Construction, is at an advanced stage, yet it cannot be preempted when construction will be concluded. The construction of this road is courtesy of Roads Agency Limpopo’s chief mandate to ensure all roads in the province are in good condition and road safety is guaranteed. The agency has lived up to its promise to empower local communities and small business, ensuring neighbouring citizens benefit from their own soil.
Axton Matrix Community Liaison Officer, Malose Manamela, confirmed the bulk of the workforce is from local communities and the project has paid dividends to the locals.
“When we embarked on our recruitment drive, we prioritised the qualified and needy people within our midst based on their education and economic status. Upon hearing about the recruitment processes, they came in droves and we hired them according to our needs. We believe we have reduced the level of unemployment in the areas where we are operating.”
One of the construction workers, Pat Tsebe, said being employed at the construction sites has brought some economic stability in his family. The father of three said: “Since I started working on this road, I have managed to provide more stable financial care for my family.”
According to their official documents, the contract period is envisaged for 18 months at a total cost of more than R100 million.
