MEC continues his oversight visits to Steve Tshwete and Bushbuckridge local municipalities
The spokesperson for the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Bongani Dlamini, said the repairs on the corrugated metal culvert on the P177, which collapsed in December, are estimated to be finished in three months.
The MEC for public works, roads and infrastructure, Thulasizwe Thomo, has recommenced his oversight visits to assess the province’s damaged bridges and roads, and to address the critical infrastructure needs in the Steve Tshwete and Bushbuckridge local municipalities.
On January 23, Thomo assessed the upgrading of the D4382 between Belfast and Justicia in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.
He was joined by the roads infrastructure team, project team and various stakeholders.
“The upgrading spans 13km, and the road serves as a critical link to public amenities for the local community. The visit aimed to evaluate the progress made on the project. Although there have been some delays, we are pleased with the efforts to accelerate progress and ensure the project’s timely completion,” Thomo said.
On January 21, he conducted a visit to Hendrina in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, where he monitored the P182/1 project on the D2274, and the damaged culvert located on the road between Wonderfontein and Arnot Power Station (D1555).
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During a previous visit, Thomo observed that the project had previously been lagging, but has been successfully resuscitated.
“We are pleased to see it advancing as planned. The remaining works are progressing steadily and are on track for completion. This road is primarily used for coal haulage by mines and is anticipated to deliver significant economic benefits to the surrounding communities and industries once completed.”
The next visit focused on assessing the ongoing upgrade of the D2274, which connects the N11 to the D1398 north of Hendrina, leading to Arnot Power Station.
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He said the roadworks have been partially completed while the construction of the two bridges on this road are in progress.
Thomo acknowledged the importance of that road route as a critical coal haul road serving several mines in the area.
He said: “Our visit today is aimed to accelerate progress and ensure the timely completion of the bridges to meet the project’s objectives.”
To assess these critical infrastructure needs, the visits concluded with the monitoring of the damaged culvert located on the road between Wonderfontein and Arnot Power Station.
He was accompanied by the roads and infrastructure department’s engineers, who carried out an assessment of the site and the damages.
“The damages to our infrastructure continue to highlight the ongoing challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rains and flooding, which continue to affect roads across the province.
“We are committed to ensuring that the necessary repairs are carried out promptly. Restoring this culvert is crucial for the efficient use of the road by cars and trucks. Our team remains dedicated to facilitating the smooth restoration of the culvert for the benefit of all road users in the area,” Thomo said.
On December 30, Thomo inspected a corrugated metal culvert on the P177 between Carolina and Chrissiesmeer in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality, which collapsed on December 28. The road between the R33 and the N17 had to be temporarily closed.
The spokesperson for the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Bongani Dlamini, said the road is still closed and a detour has been implemented to ensure the safe flow of traffic.
“The construction work has already started and it is estimated that it will be finished within three months. However, delays are anticipated if there is heavy rain during the construction process,”
he said.
