The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited’s rehabilitation of the R75 between Port Elizabeth and Despatch is set to create significant opportunities for SMMEs in Nelson Mandela Bay.

SANRAL Southern Region Manager, Mbulelo Peterson, said: “The implementation of road safety measures and rehabilitation of the national route R75 Section 1, which constitutes 13km, will create work for a minimum of 37 local SMMEs between 1CE PE and 6 CE PE CIDB grading within the Nelson Mandela Bay.

“Local labour from within wards 11, 14, 25, 28, 30, 31, 33, 36, 41 and 52 will receive opportunities for employment and skills training.”

The procurement process for the SMMEs has already commenced. This two-year project should be completed in May 2019.

“Route 75 is known as one of the major national roads within the Eastern Cape’s interior and connects Uitenhage with Port Elizabeth,” said Peterson. “The national route R75 is widely used by motorists travelling between Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth including pedestrians.

“The 37 local SMMEs will get the opportunity to participate in a development project that will boost their experience and revenue.”

Some of these sub-contracting opportunities include, but are not limited to:  the removal, relocation and/or installation of traffic signals, accommodation of traffic, road widening excavation and installation of sub-soil drains, drainage systems, and concrete linings for open drains, animal fencing, and concrete palisade and road markings.

“There is also an introduction of a sanitation and waste disposal and environmental project which will also allow SMMEs to participate,” Peterson said.