THE Mpumalanga department of public works, roads and transport has donated nearly 900 bicycles to pupils in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. 

MEC Dikeledi Mahlangu handed over the bicycles at an event held at Matlushe Primary School at Wales in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. Pupils who walk at least 3km to school have finally had their plight addressed, when the department handed the bicycles to 25 schools.During her keynote address Mahlangu issued a stern warning to beneficiaries to safeguard the bicycles.

“These bicycles should not be used for any other purpose except for travelling to school. I do not want to see parents riding the bike collecting pension funds at pension paypoints. I do not want to hear that the bikes are being ridden to buy drugs and alcohol at the taverns” she appealed. She called upon parents to work closely with the department of education in a bid to avoid any vandalism which might occur as a result of negligence.

“Let’s make sure that the bicycles are used responsibly so that other future deserving learners can benefit. Also, make use of the bicycle maintenance depot where they have been established to maintain the bicycles for free” she added. 

Apart from the bicycle donation, the department has handed over at least 10 animal drawn carts to families within the area as well as four brand new patrol vehicles for the public transport inspectorate.

The animal drawn carts will be used to collect water and woods for household purposes whereas the patrol vehicle would be used for all law enforcement operations. 

The bicycle and the animal drawn carts forms part of the bicycle project called Shova Kalula. – care@citizen.co.za