As part of the Provincial Accelerated Service Delivery Plan to rid the province of the scourge of recurring potholes, the North West Provincial Government through the Department of Public Works and Roads has launched a Zero Tolerance Drive Against Potholes. Over R120 million has been set aside for the project which is currently in full swing in all four districts of the municipality.
Premier of the North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has lauded the initiative. He maintains service delivery must top the agenda of government as this will create a conducive environment for business thrive. This has the potential to lead to job creation and fight the challenges of unemployment and poverty.
“We are taking an approach of zero tolerance against potholes in our provincial roads across all four districts. The maintenance of this infrastructure will unlock various economic opportunities for locals as well as attracting investment. Once investments trickles in we'll be able to respond to challenges of poverty and unemployment confronting our communities" said Premier Maape.
MEC for Roads and Public Works Gaoage Molapisi insists the initiative also seeks to give impetus to the District Development Model where different spheres of government pull all resources to address service delivery challenges in the province.
“The department has crafted a programme and collaborated with municipalities to systematically deal with potholes in all provincial roads and municipal roads. Over forty rehabilitation, potholes patching, resealing, re-gravelling, and blading projects will be undertaken to improve the quality of our road infrastructure network” said MEC Molapisi.
The roads earmarked for the initiative include;
• D2541 Mooibank road in the JB Marks Local Municipality.
• P 137/1 at Khuma in the City of Klerksdorp Local Municipality.
• P 50/1 from Moruleng to Legkraal in Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
• P 117/1 and R507 Voortrekker Road in Tswaing Local Municipality.
Furthermore, a total of 295,8 kilometers in Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality will be patched. This includes 141 kilometers in Naledi Local Municipality as well 162 kilometers in Greater Taung Local Municipality. And a further 196 kilometers in Mamusa and Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipalities.
Thirty-four projects will be outsourced for rehabilitation and maintenance. Yellow fleet, in terms of machinery and equipment have already started with work in the four districts of the province. The project is envisaged to conclude its work by end of September 2022.
Source: Government of South Africa