R231m eMbalenhle-Secunda road project gets under way
Road works and a recently added speedbump on the stretch of road between the intersection at eKhaya Mall and Boom 3, are causing heavy traffic congestion.
The long-awaited rehabilitation and upgrading of Road P216/1, linking eMbalenhle and Secunda, has officially begun, with the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport committing more than R231m to the first phase of the major infrastructure project.
Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, and Govan Mbeki Municipality Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, announced the project’s start during the official introduction of the appointed contractor and a sod-turning ceremony on August 14.
According to the department, the first phase covers about 6.1km and has been awarded at a contract value of more than R231m.
The project will rehabilitate and upgrade the existing road structure, including asphalt surfacing, pavement layers, drainage infrastructure, culverts and other related roadworks. Thomo said the upgraded route would ultimately accommodate traffic travelling in both directions as part of the broader development.
At least 100 jobs are expected to come from this project, while local small and emerging businesses are expected to benefit from construction-related opportunities.
The project is expected to improve road infrastructure and connectivity between eMbalenhle and Secunda, benefiting motorists and other road users travelling between the two areas.
The first phase is set to be completed on May 18, 2028, but commuters are already grinding their teeth at the slow traffic flow between eMbalenhle and Secunda.
Road works and a recently added speedbump on the stretch of road between the intersection at eKhaya Mall and Boom 3, are causing heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hour in the morning and late afternoon.
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