Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Dr. Ismail Vadi officially opened the upgraded D1726 (R24) from P16-1 road in Tarlton at the Randfontein Municipality early on Thursday.

Octavia Mamabolo, head of communications from the Department of Roads and Transport confirmed the opening took place at 10am on 4 September.

The R50 million project comprised the upgrading of approximately 7,9km rural road into a two lane, single carriageway linking the R24 to Randfontein and connects Krugersdorp with Rustenburg.

Mamabolo says “The construction promotes an important North/South link between the P16-1 (R24) Tarlton side and Randfontein, rehabilitate the road with an improved geometric and safety standards, widen the road reserve while integrating the new road into the existing infrastructure.

“As part of the Department’s commitment to providing training, skills development and empowering BBBEE contractors, it was mandatory for the main contractor to sub-contract some of the work to local SMMEs.

“Local community benefited from skills development and employment opportunities with women, youth and people with disabilities given priority.”