Thembalethu road upgrade nears end

Municipal press release:

Construction of Nelson Mandela Boulevard into Thembalethu, George, is expected to be finalised this month.

The project initially faced several challenges, including encroachment on the road reserve where people and businesses have been living and operating for years, that necessitated the designers to revise the final alignment of the road to its current position.

Council approved the revised plans and, to not delay construction further, to construct just two lanes as opposed to the original dual carriageway.

George Municipal Manager Trevor Botha said the delays meant the contractor had to accelerate the project for the bulk of the work to be completed to meet the project deadline of 30 June 2018, to ensure the funds from National Treasury remain available for the project.

"Construction started in October 2017 and the bulk work deadline has been met. Only minor work remains and completion, depending on the weather and any unforeseen circumstances, is expected towards the end of August

2018," said Botha. The R43-million,

2.7km construction contract stretches from the Thembalethu Mall to the edge of the current formal residential area and includes a 2.5m-wide, bitumen surfaced, raised sidewalk on each side to allow for safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists away from street traffic.

More than 100 Thembalethu men were employed as labourers, 15 local flag ladies and ten local subcontractors were employed on various tasks during the project.

The project was awarded to Gautengbased Muravha Construction, the only company that submitted a bid that qualified per the required Level 1 BBBEE criteria, and construction monitoring was the responsibility of local consulting civil engineers, SMEC.

"The project had its snags, but the end is in sight and we are satisfied with the result. The municipality thanks the citizens of Thembalethu for their cooperation and patience. We believe the completed road will add to the quality of life for citizens and be an important arterial to stimulate business and progress," said Botha.

"The municipality also thanks the contractors, subcontractors, officials and labour who contributed to make this project happen.

“The cooperation and willingness to learn and make things happen is inspiring and much appreciated."