Upgrade of R23 creates 270 job opportunities in Standerton area
“Through consistent engagement with the community, we were able to hire 270 local people to work on this 4km stretch, as well as subcontract about 45 local SMMEs, helping them gain experience and be a part of what is essentially their own project,” Oerlemans added.
The upgrade of the R23 to Johannesburg is due to be completed in April. SANRAL’s R270m upgrade has changed some lives for the better.
More than 270 jobs were created, according to a statement from a consulting company on behalf of SANRAL.
The upgrade began in 2021.
Riaz Cassoojee, construction manager at Raubex-Enza Joint Venture, says it has brought a state-of-the-art road to the Lekwa Municipality. It accommodates both pedestrians and motorists while easing traffic congestion.
“We’ve installed features such as pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, traffic circles and bridges that not only make the road safer but help road users cut back on travel times,” he said.
Through this project, SANRAL has continued its mission to ensure that communities are adequately involved in the development of their road systems.
“We spent the first three months engaging the community because when we arrived in 2021, we were told that this would be a difficult project to complete,” Cassoojee added.
“Everything was transparent and as a result, we were able to maintain a healthy working environment with the community.”
SANRAL’s project manager, Riaan Oerlemans, who has been part of this project since its inception, said it was only through the community’s involvement and perseverance that they almost completed the project.
“Through consistent engagement with the community, we hired 270 local people to work on this 4km stretch, as well as subcontract about 45 local SMMEs, helping them gain experience and be a part of what is essentially their own project,” Oerlemans added.
After completion, we have ploughed more than R70m into the community through job creation, empowerment and training initiatives.
The business and employment opportunities brought on have benefitted local communities.
Ntswaki Msimango, a flagger stationed at one of the nearly completed traffic circles, said she enjoyed being a part of this massive project that has inspired her to begin her own business.
“I’ve learnt so much by being here,” Msimango added.
“I started working with the concrete, where I learned how to measure and pour. I’m now helping to direct traffic, making sure motorists can safely navigate the construction site.”
According to the statement, the upgrade has meant a boost for local SMMEs, offering the opportunity to be involved in a project that will ultimately uplift their communities.
“Standerton’s employment issue has been addressed, as most of the subcontractors are from this area. The community appreciated the open communication with Raubex and being involved at every stage,” said Stephan Nhlapo, owner of one of the local SMMEs subcontracted to the project.
Nhlapo added that he gained valuable experience working under Raubex and looks forward to growing his business in the construction sector.
He also commended the change he’d already seen in the town, compared to how the town looked a few years ago.
“I never thought I’d see traffic circles in Standerton. Through the upgrade of this road, they have installed traffic circles that will greatly improve the traffic flow, while reducing vehicle accidents.”
For Maggie Khumalo, owner of another local SMME, the upgrade has elevated women in construction.
“I’ve been working in construction since 2017, but we often get overlooked in this male-dominated industry,” Khumalo said.
“This time, SANRAL and its partners considered our role and made opportunities available for us. Young people have also been able to gain valuable experience in the many different aspects of construction.”
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Oerlemans also said he has witnessed how SANRAL places community engagement development at the core of its function.
“The roads we are building connect people, goods and services. It has a huge impact on economic development, especially at a local level.”
Khumalo also said the open communication channels made working on this so much easier.
“As subcontractors and community members, we were engaged at every stage. When there were issues, we could always iron them out so that the project could continue on time. “Even the suppliers have appreciated that invoices were paid on time.”
Oerlemans said it was the impact that industries have on communities that keeps him motivated.
“While it was a pleasure to see a project finally reach the finish line, seeing the communities work and prosper was something really special, which speaks to SANRAL’s mission of going beyond roads.”
