The North West and Limpopo provinces have committed to make joint efforts in constructing the Mokgalwaneng road in Moses Kotane Local Municipality and enlarging the R510 road between Rustenburg and Thabazimbi, which straddle the two provinces. The agreement was reached during a meeting that was held today at Sun City between the two Premiers, Supra Mahumapelo of North West province, and Stanley Mathabatha of Limpopo province.
As the convener of the meeting, Premier Mahumapelo said it was critical for leaders from the two provinces to discuss the concern regarding the straddling nature of Mokgalwaneng road, which made it difficult for the road to be constructed in line with the province’s Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP). Equally, the Premiers acknowledged the need for the Rustenburg-Thabazimbi road to be expanded, saying its narrow structure and high traffic volume are the main causes of increased accidents registered on that road.
Committing to make funds available for the construction of Mokgalwaneng road and soliciting support and options from national departments for the expansion of Rustenburg-Thabazimbi road, the two Premiers agreed on the development of a project plan which will lead to the signing of a memorandum of agreement and the rolling out of the project.
“We owe it to the Mokgalwaneng communities and users of that 11km road to get it constructed more so this area was identified as the most deprived and relevant for piloting our Province’s CRDP,” said Mahumapelo who also said engagements with the communities will be held for them to be informed of the developments.
To kick start work towards getting the two roads constructed and ensuring that working relations between the two Provinces is maintained, the Premiers agreed to allow Leaders of Government Business from the two Provinces, MEC Manketsi Tlhape of the North West and MEC Jerry Ndou from Limpopo to explore other areas of cooperation such as Agriculture, Environment, Tourism, Mining and Health services.
Welcoming the initiative for a meeting, Premier Mathabatha declared his province’s willingness to work with the North West, saying he genuinely supports Mahumapelo’s strategy on forging relations with the five provinces that are on the borders of the North West province, as pronounced during the State of the Province Address.
The meeting was attended by MECs of Public Works and Roads from the two provinces, Jerry Ndou and Madoda Sambatha; MEC for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development, Manketsi Tlhape; Wendy Nelson of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development; Gaoage Molapisi of Community Safety and Transport Management; and Mayors from Moses Kotane and Thabazimbi Local Municipalities.
Enquires:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Acting Provincial Head of Communication,
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
