De Beers, Ral partner for safer roads

De Beers and the Roads Agency Limpopo (Ral) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement that will see Venetia Mine repair the D2692 road between Musina and Alldays.
Tarryn Genis, Senior Corporate Affairs Officer of De Beers, Venetia Mine, says in a media release that the company has agreed to undertake the repair of potholes on this road between its Venetia Mine operation and the mining communities of Musina and Alldays. “In so doing, De Beers will cover not only the cost of the repairs, but also look at a long term sustainable programme to build capacity of a local company through its Supplier Development Programme,” Genis explains.
According to Genis, Venetia Mine has repaired a number of roads in Musina through their agreement with the Department of Mineral Resources in pursuance of its Social and Labour Plan. “Venetia Mine has almost doubled the R6,6 million committed to road infrastructure projects in their labour sending area. The D2692 initiative is thus over and above the R12,3 million invested in roads over the past five years. It is also the first project of this nature on a provincial road governed by Ral,” Genis adds.
“Public private partnerships that promote the safety of our employees and our communities are at the heart of our safety culture at De Beers. We are hopeful that these repairs will make a tangible difference in the everyday lives of our communities whilst contributing to the socio-economic development of our region,” Genis quotes Venetia Mine General Manager Benford Mokoatle in conclusion.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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