North West registering progress in rolling-out infrastructure developments- Premier Modise
The completion of the R210 million upgrade of the stretch of road between Sannishoof and Delaraville in the North West is yet another good story to tell as the province continues to make headways in rolling out quality infrastructure, Premier Thandi Modise said at the official opening ceremony held on Friday.
"We are moving South Africa forward. We are happy because with the completion of this road the public transport will be able to deliver our people on a proper road. We are also happy because this road is one of the most strategic roads in the province and the country. This road is just one of the roads that we will be building in all corners of the province," said Premier Modise.
Modise said such infrastructural developments are empowering local communities through job creation and skills transfer.
The route is considered a vital link between Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape, Botswana and Namibia.
Deputy Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga who was joined by Premier Modise and MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Raymond Elisha in cutting the ribbon marking the completion of the project, said South Africa was a much better place today and continues to make headways to improve the well-being of its citizens.
"We have managed to transform South Africa from the bad state that it was to a much a better country with better roads, railways, houses, power stations, water infrastructure and access to health care and good education system," said Deputy Minister Chikunga.
In his remarks, MEC Elisha said the project was part of the transport infrastructure network that is being developed across the province.
"We believe that a road should not be a road in isolation and as such through this project we have also prioritised job creation and skills development. We are also happy to say that this is not the only road that we are opening in the province, we will also be opening a road in Mooifontein and many other areas across the province," said MEC Elisha.
CEO of the South African National Road Agency Limited, Nazir Allie said it was important to acknowledge that the current government has delivered to the people of South Africa.
He said the project created 413 full time jobs during the construction and that 30 million rand went to their salaries. He said the total value of the construction was 210 million rand.
The completion of the project was welcome by Kgosi Kogodi Molete of Bakolobeng as an important step in the right direction.
"Our communities rely mainly on Agriculture and this revamped road will make a huge difference regarding the speedy delivery of goods. It will also make a difference with regard to public transport as many of our people relies on buses and taxis for their transport," said Kgosi Molete.
Manager at Saamjan Onderdele, Frikkie Pretorius said that the rehabilitated road will bring back good business through travelers passing through Delarayville.
General Secretary of the South African National Taxi Council, Phillip Taaibosch echoed the same sentiments with regard to public transport.
"The taxi industry uses the roads more than any other industry in the country and as such any improvement on our roads by government is always appreciated because it will reduce the rate of unnecessary breakdowns and delays on the roads. Thus it saves taxi operators lots of money in repairs," said Taaibosch
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