LIMPOPO – Four special Presidential Stimulus projects valued at R844m will have a significant impact on the socio-economic landscape of Limpopo. This according to Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga who introduced the main contractors for four road construction projects to Limpopo communities yesterday (12 May 2024).

“The contractors on these four projects have just been appointed by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and the project participation benefits will bolster economic recovery, empower local communities and create numerous employment opportunities, for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs),” said Minister Chikunga.

The following projects were introduced to traditional leadership, road forums, taxi and bus associations, and communities in the affected areas:

The R144-million D2919 road, which spans from Tshikanoshi to Malebitsa, Sekhukhune District Municipality.

The R152-million D3878 road, which connects Calais to Ga-Sekororo, Mopani District Municipality.

The R288-million D3187 road, which stretches from Mageva to Makhuva in the Mopani District Municipality.

The R260-million D3810 road, which stretches from Thomo to Hlomela in the Mopani District Municipality.

(The amounts above are inclusive of VAT).

Addressing the affected traditional leaders and communities of Spitspunt, Malebitsa and Driefontein in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, Minister Chikunga said: “Our visit today is to inspect the sites of important road construction projects that will be undertaken in this province in the near future.

“We have come to handover at least four projects, one of which is the D2919 from Tshikanoshi to Malebitsa. It is a provincial road, which is not usually the responsibility of the Department of Transport, but we are intervening to fulfil the President’s commitment for this road to be fixed.

“The duration for construction is 15 months. We are going to have small and medium enterprises that will be appointed as subcontractors to the value of R43 million where we expect youth-owned businesses to be allocated 5%. People with disabilities and military veterans will also benefit.

“We have allocated R11.5 million for targeted local labour, because it is a labour-intensive project,” she said.

The Minister concluded her visits at the Ndindani Drop Inn Centre in the Mopani District Municipality, with a commitment to the community that the D3810 road they have asked for, will indeed be built with immediate effect.

“These are not SANRAL roads, so I had to follow all the legal processes to rope in SANRAL, who has appointed the contractors from their budget. Anyone who was unhappy about not having a road, should now be happy that the contractors are here to build the road,” said Minister Chikunga.

“We request the community to ensure that this project is safe. The contractor on site must not be disturbed for any reason. We will not allow construction mafias to interfere with this project. Anyone who will go on site and demand anything will be committing a criminal act.

“The people here need that road. The traditional leadership here would not have marched to the Union Building to demand this road if the infrastructure was not needed.

“It is in your interest that this project is completed. It is your road, it is your infrastructure and you have a responsibility to take care of it. We are a developing country. We don’t have all the money in the world. We have competing needs and it cannot be that we destroy the little that we have. At the same time, the subcontractors will be expected to deliver work at the highest standard, using good materials. No substandard work will be accepted and we will not tolerate interference with the construction programme.”

Minister Chikunga emphasised that these projects not only signify a bold step towards economic revitalisation but also symbolise a paradigm shift towards inclusive growth, employment, and transformation. The Infrastructure Investment Plan is imperative for our economic resurgence. By investing in critical network infrastructure, we are not only restoring economic growth but also creating new jobs.

SANRAL’s Northern Region Manager, Progress Hlahla, emphasised the unique contribution of these Presidential Stimulus Projects across the various communities.

“Under the guidance of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES), SANRAL’s strategic initiatives aim to catalyse socio-economic growth in the Sekhukhune and Mopani District Municipalities, fostering collaboration and community involvement,” said Hlahla.

SANRAL, in collaboration with various governmental entities and socio-economic partners, continues to spearhead infrastructure initiatives critical for South Africa’s competitiveness and prosperity.

These transformative projects underscore the government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in economic participation and fostering sustainable development across the nation.

Priority is given to black-owned SMMEs that have not done business with SANRAL in the past, with added focus on the empowerment of women, youth and people with disabilities.

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