PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA’S VISIT ON THE EVE OF SONA - A HUGE SIGN OF CONFIDENCE
Not many provinces can, on the eve of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), easily secure a visit from the Head of State, especially given the many challenges experienced by South Africa that demand the President’s direct attention. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA eve visit to Limpopo for the assessment of the province’s road infrastructure is a sign of confidence on the work done by Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), an entity of the Limpopo Provincial Government, reporting to the Honourable MEC for Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure (LDPWRI), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola.
During Ramaphosa’s visit, Limpopo was afforded a great opportunity to showcase its skills capability and capacity in terms of building, undertaking big and challenging road infrastructure projects. This follows the province’s completion of a much-needed 32km Morebeng road which covers both Capricorn and Mopani Districts from which eight (8) villages stand to benefit.
The expressions by both the President and the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, have given RAL the confidence it needs to take up big challenges of also helping other needy organisations such as municipalities who are experiencing skills and capacity deficits in the fields of engineering and construction.
The complex terrain of the road and its construction incorporates various construction methods, such as a double seal, asphalt, concrete, and the labour-intensive block paving. The affected villagers will travel extensively reduced distances to reach economic centres such Polokwane, Giyani, Elim, and easily access the facilities and amenities they need to have a decent quality of life. The road is, among others, used by big businesses to transport goods and people between Morebeng, Giyani, Polokwane, Tzaneen, and other provinces.
During the construction of the 4km block paving, a total of 115 people were employed. Of the number, 40% were women (47 women), 23% were youth (27 youth), and 3% were people living with disabilities (4 people).
The construction of this project could not have been successful had it not been for the support and cooperation of the surrounding communities directly involved, particularly, the traditional leadership that contributed immensely to the success of the project. Currently at over 90% completion stage, minor tasks that are part of the snag list are being tended to, edging the project to
“THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS PROJECT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE SUPPORT AND COOPERATION OF THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES…”
full completion to the benefit of the surrounding communities (full story on page 24).
Let me thank the provincial government for having invested in these ever-lasting projects, our shareholder department led by Dr Masemola, and the RAL Board led by Mr Matome Ralebipi for all the support and guidance afforded to us as RAL management. It is true when they say “we can only win as a team”.
Thank you once more.