MEC to pave way forward for Lim roads
Against the backdrop of the 14 000 km backlog with regard to public roads in the province, Public Works MEC, Jerry Ndou, will deliver his Budget Vote 9 on Friday, 24 March.
LIMPOPO – During his address he will outline the way forward for the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure with regard to addressing the backlog which looms over Limpopo’s roads.
Last year and early this year Ndou took full responsibility for all the provincial roads, thus making himself the sole communicator on all road infrastructure development in the province, the role which was in the hands of the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL).
Several protest actions from communities in Zebediela, Nthambalala, Tshitale, Ndzhelele, and Bakenberg among others recently saw the light as the communities were up in arms over letters of commitment from government, some dating as far back as 2009, have not been honoured.
Ndou urged the community to be patient while the backlog is being addressed as the department cannot repair all the areas at once.
“Unfortunately there exists a belief among our people that once they make a request for a road to be repaired or tarred that it will happen overnight. Before work can commence, however, the contractors must first do a feasibility study and other processes which first need to be completed. These processes will be explained during the Budget Vote 9 so the communities can understand the process and how long it takes,” Ndou said.
During the Budget Vote 9, Ndou will also report back on the progress made on the 2016/17 Programme of Action. He urged the community to be wary of people who sweep them up to embark on protest action and vandalism as these people are often only the wedge drivers.
“After these people incite the community to embark on protest action and vandalism, they return to their homes and families while those who embarked on the protest action and vandalism end up facing criminal charges,” Ndou urged.
During the Budget Vote 9 it is expected that Ndou will make pronouncements on which roads government will begin it’s implementation for the 2017/18 financial year.
Along with the Budget Vote 9, Ndou will undertake various district roadshows in April where he will outline government’s plan to various communities unable to attend the Budget Vote 9.
anne@nmgroup.co.za
