Community members in Verena responded in numbers to witness the much anticipated launch of the R25 road rehabilitation (construction) project which brings along business and work opportunities for the locals.
The R141 million projects which is estimated to take 18 months, expected to be completed in October this year.
It is expected to create about 80 work opportunities during its lifespan.
About R30 million will be invested towards labour and small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) around the area through the supply of various materials and sub-contracting opportunities.
The road rehabilitation launch took place on Friday, April 5.
Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Mr Gillion Mashego delivered a key note address to the fully packed marquee where he highlighted government’s commitment to uplift rural communities.
He further indicated other projects on the pipeline throughout the province that will boost the socio-economic status of rural communities.
This follows several technical handover sessions that the MEC Mashego conducted in the past few days where he introduced newly appointed contractors to local municipalities such as Victor Khanye, Nkomazi, Emalahleni and Mkhondo.
“This is yet another pledge amongst many that our government has responded to, in order to address the needs of our people. This project will be a game changer as it will not only curb the carnage on the road but will resuscitate the spirit of entrepreneurship and enable our brothers and sisters to put bread on the table. Most importantly, may we all pray for the success of this project so that we avert the calamity that we have experienced in the past,” pleaded MEC Mashego.
MEC Mashego attributed his statement from the number of road fatalities that had occurred in the past.
Verena’s R25 road has in the past few years made headlines when about 20 learners including a driver were involved in a fatal accident between a midibus and a truck.
The then premier, now deputy president of the Republic of South Africa, Mr David Mabuza, made a pledge to rehabilitate the road in order to improve road safety.
The 13 km project will include widening of the road and installation of various facilities such as sidewalks, bus bays, road signage and markings, drainage system, culverts as well as fencing along the stretch of the road.
The sod-turning ceremony which started with a prayer session and planting of a tree in remembrance of all road accidents victims including the learners who perished in 2017, was graced by various dignitaries including the executive mayor of Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Cllr Nomsa Mtsweni, the traditional leadership, acting director general of Mpumalanga government, Mr Matthews Mohlasedi, HOD for Safety, Security and Community Liaison, Mr William Mthombothi and many others.
