Road infrastructure in Lekwa is assessed

The Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, visited Standerton to assess the road infrastructure on February 5.

The department has committed itself to fast-tracking the delivery of critical road infrastructure and said it is key to unlocking the economic growth and potential of the country.

“The challenge of poor or bad roads is a countrywide issue,” their statement read.

According to them, it places an economic burden on citizens.

Operation Siyakha began in the industrial area and followed up with an inspection of the R23 at 10:00 for the official handover. It then inspected the R50, proceeded with Operation Valazonke, a labour-intensive programme to fix potholes, and followed it up with community engagement at Sakhile Stadium.

The newspaper was in Stanwest on February 5 and then went to the main building of the Lekwa Municipality.
It was cordoned off, and the traffic department and the police were present.

The Standerton Advertiser witnessed the heavy machinery busy on Walter Sisulu Road on January 30.

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) deployed its officials and machinery to tar the road near the intersection with Krogh Street.

The R23 is in good condition, except for the traffic circles that have been the cause of accidents during the evenings.

Sanral’s R270m upgrade, which began in 2021, has bettered some lives.

More than 270 jobs were created, according to a statement from a consulting company on behalf of Sanral.

Mayor of Lekwa Municipality Delani Thabethe said, “The call and several engagements that began early in 2022 by the Lekwa Municipality with Sanral, the national Department of Transport, the premier’s office in Mpumalanga, the Department of Public Works and the Gert Sibande District Municipality finally produced some positive results.”

The Minister of Transport officially declared the takeover and inclusion of this section of road into the R23 in the Government Gazette, number 49656.

Thabethe further said this was the result of extensive engagements with the national and provincial governments and that the maintenance of the roads connecting provinces should be the responsibility of Sanral because roads play a vital role in the national economy through goods being transported on these roads.

Chikunga said in the Government Gazette that she declared the section of the road starting from the intersection known as Dr Nelson Mandela Drive and Leask Street at the time of declaration, continuing in a generally northwest direction along the street known as Dr Nelson Mandela Drive and Handel Street, continuing in the general northern direction along the street, Walter Sisulu Drive up to the junction at the national road the R23, also known as the intersection between the streets known as Walter Sisulu Drive and Krogh Street in Standerton as a national road.

Thabethe said the engagement between the municipality and the national Department of Transport and Sanral might lead to Sanral also taking over critical roads in the Lekwa municipal region, including the R50 next to Early Bird and Beyers Naudé Drive and other roads which previously belonged to the national and provincial governments.

The mayor commented in the past about accidents allegedly due to traffic circles on the R23 and expressed his shock.

In one case, a truck driver lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road, crashing through a palisade fence.
There were no fatalities or injuries reported.

“This is not the first time our residents survived a similar incident where a vehicle plunged into their homes. This is one incident too many and something must done urgently. We were hoping Sanral and its sub-contractors would act quickly and address the problem of that road immediately after the first accident,” the mayor concluded.
However, the R50 past Early Bird on the way to Delmas used to be a different kettle of fish.

Although quite good later on, that part of the road had locals travelling in Kosmos Park first to avoid the potholes.
Residents then sneaked in from the store on the corner to avoid needing to buy new shocks for their vehicles.

According to the communications department of Lekwa, this landmark move for South African infrastructure marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s road network, facilitating smoother travel and boosting economic prospects.

The ceremony showcased the government’s dedication to improving transportation links and accessibility, with the R23 crucial for local and regional connectivity.

According to the department, it was a testament to the government’s pledge to listen and respond to the needs and concerns of its citizens, fostering a collaborative environment for enhancing public services.