EVATON. – Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, today launched a R24 million road rehabilitation project in Evaton, Sedibeng, as part of the provincial October Transport Month Campaign.

Vadi said that the road D904 known as the “old Evaton road” was in need of substantial repair as it had degraded over the years and posed a safety risk for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians travelling from Evaton to Emfuleni and Midvaal via the R82/Old Vereeniging Road.

The 10 months rehabilitation project involves the rehabilitation of the existing roadway, cleaning and improving drainage structures, installing concrete edge beams at accesses, and improving safety features and road markings.

Vadi said that when D904 is completed it will improve the travelling time and ensure road safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians using the route to get to work in Sebokeng and surrounding areas.

“The road serves as an important connector in the local economy improving access to local markets and benefitting taxi operators, scholar transport vehicles and freight trucks travelling from Sebokeng to other parts of the Gauteng,” he added.

Vadi emphasised that in the departmental effort to create job opportunities, a big part of the construction work would be earmarked for local contractors utilising labour intensive methods.

A specific target of the project is for contractors to employ females, youth and people with disabilities.