The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has completed its roadworks on the N2 from Komgha River to Grahamstown and Keiskamma Pass to Keiskamma River.

The R96-million project, which lasted for 14 months, entailed resurfacing the road, construction of culvert inlet and outlet structures, installation of drains, and replacement of bridge joints.

SANRAL also cleared dense vegetation along fence lines to protect the fence from fire damage. It also repaired the entire fence line to ensure livestock does not enter the road reserve.

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region Manager, said: “We are pleased to announce the completion of the resurfacing of 41km of the N2 section between Komgha River and Grahamstown [and] the N2 section 14 from Keiskamma Pass to Keiskamma River.

“The expected road maintenance lifespan is between eight to 10 years before any major maintenance work will be carried out on the road. Other benefits of the upgrading will result in a smoother riding surface with less wear and tear on vehicles.”

More than 200 people were employed on the project. Training was provided to 136 local labourers of which 73 were women.

“The contractor had set aside traffic accommodation, guard rail repairs, bush clearing, fencing and rest area improvement work for target enterprise sub-contractors,” said Peterson. “Four Target Enterprise subcontractors were engaged on the project with a total expenditure of approximately R11.7-million. Of these, three were women-owned companies with a combined expenditure of approximately R10.2-million.”

In addition to the formal training, the contractor’s personnel provided on-going on-the-job training and mentoring.

The formal courses included training in traffic accommodation (Flagman STOP/GO), traffic accommodation (Flagman stop/Go/Radio), first aid, occupational health and safety, financial life skills and roadside safety for construction workers.