North West MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport today (Monday) handed over four major FIFA protocol routes to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to a contract value of more than R500 million in the Rustenburg.
The hand over was a statement of the readiness status of the province to ensure a safe and efficient road network around the Rustenburg area ahead of the Confederations Cup kick-off this weekend. This will also augur well for the FIFA 2010 soccer spectacle as well as to leave behind a lasting legacy.
The routes are:
- Dr Moroka Drive (P16/2)
- Phokeng Ring Road
- Western Bypass
- Bafokeng Link Road
The Dr Moroka Drive links to the Kloof Interchange on to the N4 to the Nelson Mandela Drive. The road will provide direct access to the Olympia Park stadium, which has been identified as one of the training venues for the tournaments.
The Western Bypass on the other hand involves the construction of a 9.3 kilometre single carriage road between the N4 to the Sun City road.
The Phokeng Ring road, which surrounds the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, is expected to enhance access to the stadium while the three kilometres Link Road connects the Western Bypass to the stadium.
More than 480 job opportunities were created by the four road projects for rural based communities including women from the villages around Rustenburg.
Handing over the routes, MEC Mahlakeng Mahlakeng reiterated the provincial administration’s commitment to partner with FIFA and the LOC to deliver the “best tournaments ever.”
“We are not only handing over these routes but we are also pledging our support to the LOC’s efforts to host the most memorable tournament,” he said.
Mahlakeng said the projects were not just for use during the FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup only but for the long–lasting benefit of local communities.
“These routes represent a legacy for our province and will continue to benefit our people long after the 2010 World Cup,” he said.
