Road construction project set to create jobs and boost local economy

Communities around Thembisa and Midrand are set to benefit from the multimillion road construction project in the area.

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Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, launched the K101 road construction project on October 28.

The R500m dual carriageway construction project, situated between the cities of Tshwane and Johannesburg, will run from the D795 Road in Midrand to the N1 (Brakfontein) Road.

In her address at the sod-turning event, Diale-Tlabela said the project will not only bring relief to road users but will also benefit the community through skills and employment.

“As per our commitment to using our allocated budget towards boosting the province’s economic recovery and creating job opportunities, this project will contribute greatly towards achieving our set goals.

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“It will also serve to improve service delivery in the surrounding townships whilst empowering them with much-needed skills and work experience.”

“Communities in areas such as Kaalfontein, Olievenhoutbosch, Phomolong and Pinedene should benefit greatly from this project.

“We remain steadfast in our quest of ensuring that all projects give our people value for money and are completed on time and cost-effectively,” she added.

The MEC said the construction of the dual carriageway will improve the flow of traffic and road safety in the area, as well as reduce congestion around the Midrand area.

The existing K101 Road also serves as an alternative route to the N1 freeway.

The scope of work includes building three new bridges, an extension of the existing Rietspruit bridge, lighting of the entire road, installation of traffic signals, as well as the construction of new drainage culverts, concrete side drains, sidewalks for pedestrians and cycle paths along the western road reserve.

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The construction of the dual carriageway road is approximately 5,4km and is set to be completed in 2024.

“As part of safeguarding funds injected into this project and ensuring that it is completed on time, we will be constantly monitoring the project through the department’s Transport Infrastructure House (TIH).

“TIH is a project management unit that keeps track of all the projects from inception to handover.

“The constant monitoring of the projects will assist us to achieve our GGT2030 vision of building smart transport infrastructure projects that enable economic growth and job creation initiatives,” she said.

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