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Improvement and construction of pedestrian safety facilities on National Road R37, Section 1, from Modikwa Mine to Burgersfort

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SANRAL has commenced with project R.037-020-2005/1 and C.002-013-2014/1 to improve and widen the existing single-carriageway road between Burgersfort and the Modikwa mine turnoff.

In this project, SANRAL will upgrade the existing road and establish new intersections by constructing six roundabouts at the major intersections. Public transports stops will be built and will include bus bays and bus shelters. The project’s scope also includes constructing sidewalks from intersections to bus bays, the construction of two new bridges and the widening of one other bridge. This project aims to improve the safety of pedestrians. The final road section will have 4 x 3.5 m lanes with 2.5 m surfaced shoulders and a 2.0 m painted island (median island).

The project will benefit the community by relieving congestion during peak hours, increasing road safety and traffic flow, and improving pedestrian safety. Jobs will be created for the local community and contribute to the upliftment of the SMMEs.

The SANRAL Project Manager is Lethu Dlanjwa (012 426 6200 or DlanjwaL@nra.co.za), the contractor is Edwin Construction (Pty) Ltd, and the consultant is Ilifa Africa Engineers (Pty) Ltd. The tender value is approximately R600 million. SANRAL’s Northern Region Manager, Mr Hlahla, indicated that this project would improve the current pavement and benefit travellers by improving travel time and riding quality. He noted that the project would benefit local SMMEs and positively impact the local economy. It is estimated that at least 20 SMMEs will be employed on the project, and more than 300 job opportunities will be created.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL)

For editorial content or additional information please contact: pressoffice@nra.co.za

Resurfacing of National Road R33, Section 6, from Mkhondo (km 0.0) to Amsterdam

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SANRAL recently awarded a project for the resurfacing of National Road R33, Section 6, from Mkhondo (km 0.0) to Amsterdam (km 36.0) in the Mpumalanga Province. This project aims to reduce the travelling times and ensure smooth riding quality with improved skid resistance. The high-level scope comprises site establishment, traffic accommodation, pre-treatment of existing road, edge-break repairs and construction of edge beams. Major work includes the base and surface patches, bridge joints repairs, seal construction and the painting of new road markings.

Other works to be undertaken are clearing and shaping of existing open drains, construction of subsoil drains where required and clearing of hydraulic structures and finishing off road reserves.

The economic benefit consists of the following:

  • Targeted Labour:                                Minimum of 6% of the Final Contract Value.
  • Targeted Enterprise:                           Minimum of 30% of the Final Contract Value.

The tender amount for the project was R91 million. The appointed consultant is Royal Mndawe Holdings (Pty) Ltd (also trading as ROMH) with Roadmac Surfacing (Pty) Ltd as the contractor. The Project Manager is Ms Palesa Monamodi, who can be contacted on 012 426 6200 or MonamodiP@nra.co.za SANRAL’s Northern Region Manager, Mr Hlahla, indicated that the R33 is an important strategic route, and this project will have positive economic spinoffs for the local economy. He further noted that preserving the current pavement aligns with SANRAL’s asset-preservation strategy, ensuring that national roads are kept at world-class standards. He stated that he looked forward to working with the community and the local authority to implement this project.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) For editorial content or additional information please contact: pressoffice@nra.co.za

Resurfacing of National Road R33, Section 7, from Amsterdam to N17 Intersection

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SANRAL recently awarded a project for the resurfacing of National Road R33, Section 7, from Amsterdam (km 0.0) to N17 Intersection (km 52.5) in the Mpumalanga Province. This project aims to reduce the travel times, provide good riding quality and improved skid resistance on this section of the road. The high-level scope comprises site establishment, traffic accommodation, pre-treatment of existing road-edge break repairs and construction of edge beams. Major work includes base and surface patches, bridge joints repairs, seal construction and the painting of new road markings.

Other works to be undertaken will include clearing and shaping of existing open drains, construction of subsoil drains where required, the clearing of hydraulic structures and finishing off the road reserve.

The economic benefit consists of the following:

  • Targeted Labour: Minimum of 6% of the Final Contract Value
  • Targeted Enterprise: Minimum of 30% of the Final Contract Value.

The tender amount was R122 million. The appointed consultant is SKI Civil & Structural Engineers with Roadmac Surfacing (Pty) Ltd as the contractor. The Project Managers are Ms Palesa Monamodi and Mr Taelo Rabothata. They can be contacted on 012 426 6200 or MonamodiP@nra.co.za and rabothatat@nra.co.za

SANRAL’s Northern Region Manager, Mr Hlahla, indicated that the R33 is an important strategic route and this project will have positive economic spinoffs for the local economy. He further noted that the preservation of the current pavement is in line with SANRAL’s asset-preservation strategy, ensuring that national roads are kept at world-class standards. He stated that he looked forward to working with the community and the local authority to implement this project.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) For editorial content or additional information please contact: pressoffice@nra.co.za

Construction monitoring for improvement of National Route R510, Section 2, from Bierspruit) to Thabazimbi

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Pretoria, 13 June 2021 – SANRAL has awarded a project to improve the R510, Section 2, from Bierspruit at km 6.4 to Thabazimbi at km 33.8 in Limpopo province. This road passes through chrome, iron and platinum mining area and thus carries high traffic volumes and a high percentage of heavy vehicles. The main travelling benefits of the improvement are safety and shorter travelling times, increased passing opportunities from adding passing lanes and 3 m wide paved shoulders.

The economic benefits are that 30% of the contract value will be spent on targeted enterprises, 8% will go to local labour. It will create an estimated 100 new jobs at the project’s peak and throughout the project.

The project will widen the existing carriageway and provide surfaced shoulders and passing lanes. It will strengthen the existing pavement by reworking existing layers. It will improve vertical and horizontal alignments and drainage, upgrade intersections, and lengthen and upgrade existing minor and major structures where there is insufficient capacity. There will be access materials for base and subbase construction from stockpiles in the surrounding areas due to mining activities along the road. The project will accommodate traffic flow.

The Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TLM) is currently compiling a nomination list for the proposed members of the Project Liaison Committee (PLC). As indicated, there will be work opportunities for targeted enterprises invited from the Thabazimbi Local Municipal area and who will be engaged as sub-contractors to the main contractor. The tender amount is R458 million, the consultant is Royal Haskoning DHV (Pty) Ltd, and the contractor is Raubex Construction (Pty) Ltd. The Project Manager is Alan Agaienz, who can be contacted on 012 426 6200 or AgaienzA@nra.co.za SANRAL’s Northern Region Manager, Mr Hlahla, indicated that this is a crucial link in the Limpopo province, and travellers would benefit from improved travelling times and road safety. He noted that the project would benefit local SMMEs and positively impact the local economy. He looked forward to working with the community and the local authority to implement this project.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) For editorial content or additional information please contact: pressoffice@nra.co.za

Construction of Kokstad Interchange to begin in September

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Construction of the Kokstad Interchange and Traffic Control Centre on Section 21 of the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal will begin in September, the South African National Road Agency (SANRAL) has announced.

The contract to do the work – valued at more than R560 million – was this week awarded to H&I Construction, said Mohamed Parak, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The N2 Kokstad Interchange is located approximately 3km to the south of the Kokstad Town Central Business District (CBD) in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Under this 33-month contract, a new three-span bridge over the N2 and its approach fill embankments will be constructed. Further construction work on the interchange include widening of the existing Koppieskraal River Bridge, six new box culverts and extension of one existing culvert and a new underpass,” said Parak.

“The engineering designs were completed by JG Afrika and the construction supervision will be undertaken by Naidu Consulting.”

The project includes the construction of a new Traffic Control Centre (TCC) to house Kokstad-based members of the Provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate who will monitor and enforce overload control. It also involves the realignment of the R56 towards Kokstad and the construction of a parallel service road to the R56. Works related to the TCC and the R56, beyond the SANRAL road reserve, is co-funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.

“This project, which comes at a cost of approximately R563.50m, was necessitated by the poor levels of service at the existing N2/R56 at-grade intersection. The upgrade will grade separate the N2 and the R56 and increase capacity while significantly improving the level of service for the next 30 years,” said Parak.

In line with SANRAL’s transformation objectives, at least R169m will be subcontracted to SMMEs while more than R45m will be spent on local labour.

The proposed construction sequence has ensured that traffic will always remain free flowing in both directions. No closures are envisaged, however the work will be accommodated with some restrictions and with traffic control measures in place.

The construction activities on the N2 are expected to commence in September 2021, starting with the temporary link and T-junction on the N2. During major construction activities two-lane traffic flow in each direction will be maintained on the N2, with minimal disruption to the traffic once traffic control measures are in place.

“We appeal to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling past the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction works and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction. Motorists are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly, and to make provision for the additional travel time,” said Parak.

Bursary and Scholarship applications open 1 June

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Pretoria, 27 May 2021 – Now more than ever, South African youth need a hand-up, and SANRAL’s bursary and scholarship programme is doing just that, with applications opening to learners across the country, on 1 June.

“While we remain committed to developing a pipeline of Civil Engineering professionals in support of SANRAL’s mandate of building and maintaining South Africa’s national road network, we are cognisant of the fact that a multi-faceted state-owned entity requires a strong and robust corporate structure to give effect to its mandate.

“Financial support through bursary allocations for disciplines such as Public Relations, Auditing, Supply Chain Management, Law, Human Resources and Finance, which collectively support the corporate structure, will give effect to that mandate. Our financial support has to look beyond the traditional scope of engineering and support improved balance,” said Heidi Harper, SANRAL General Manager: Skills Development.

As South Africa makes progress in getting its citizens vaccinated against the Coronavirus, we continue to feel the economic impact of this virus on lives and livelihoods. With thousands of parents and guardians having lost partial or even total income, the lack of money should not stand in the way of children being educated.

SANRAL’s scholarship programme was historically developed to give financial support to learners from Grade 10 to Grade12, ideally those who excel in mathematics and science. This year, scholarships are available to all high school learners, i.e. from Grade 8 to Grade 12, irrespective of their subject choices. Furthermore, where learners previously required a 70% overall aggregate to be eligible for consideration, they now require 60% with a view to improving their aggregate to 70%.

Scholarships cover:

  • School fees
  • Books and prescribed stationery
  • Winter and summer uniforms
  • Hostel accommodation (where applicable)
  • Extra tuition classes in support of improved grades.

“Reducing the academic achievement threshold for eligibility should not be seen as lowering the standard. It is in fact expanding the reach of the programme and we have often seen how financial, emotional and academic support have led to a fundamental improvement in the academic performance of learners. This is sometimes the break our learners need, to reach their full potential,” explained Harper.

The bursary programme, which formerly focussed purely on funding Engineering studies, is now within reach of students pursuing an array of tertiary qualifications at public universities across the country. In a holistic business environment, the auxiliary line functions that support SANRAL’s Engineering function are as crucial and as such, funding will be available to full-time students studying Law, Public Administration, Finance, Human Resources, among other fields. Matriculants will need a 70% overall pass, while existing students will require 60% to be eligible for a SANRAL bursary.

Bursaries cover:

  • Tuition and registration
  • Books and equipment
  • Compulsory excursions and seminars
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Living allowance

“Bursary recipients are not automatically employed by SANRAL upon completion of their studies. Through our internship programme, we do offer graduates the opportunity to work and apply their knowledge, while at the same time exposing them to other sectors within the greater built environment space. This expands their pool of opportunities and creates significant networking platforms for further career development,” concluded Harper. Applications will be available on the SANRAL website from 1 June and close on 30 September 2021.

SANRAL’s N2 Wild Coast Road Project offers significant economic opportunities for SMMEs

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The completion of the multi-billion-rand N2 Wild Coast Road Project will significantly contribute to economic growth along the coast of South Africa and into neighbouring countries, says Skhumbuzo Macozoma, Chief Executive Officer of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). Addressing the ‘Taking SANRAL to the Wild Coast’ stakeholder engagement meeting held in Lusikisiki yesterday (Wednesday), Macozoma said the new N2 Wild Coast Road would open a new trade corridor between Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape, as well as between South Africa and neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho.

“SANRAL is working hard to complete the N2 Wild Coast Road, which will in turn open one of the last economic corridors of our country and will create many new opportunities for economic growth in the post-COVID-19 period,” said Macozoma. “The new N2 Wild Coast Road will promote trade and tourism through an economic corridor along the South-Eastern coast of South Africa, as well as between South Africa and several of our neighbouring states. The N2 Wild Coast Road will not only bring with it thousands of new jobs and opportunities for the development of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises but will also make the movement of people and goods much easier, especially through the Eastern Cape. That is why we have not given up on this project in spite of the difficulties over more than two decades and we will complete construction of the N2 Wild Coast Road over the next few years.”

The N2 Wild Coast Road Project represents a significant socio-economic injection for local communities and approximately R4-billion will be spent on targeted enterprises during the construction period.

The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Nokuzola Capa, said those opposing the N2 Wild Coast Road were clearly not considering the economic benefits for the region and its people. “Doomsayers make the call that the environment is in danger because of the construction of the road without recognising the economic benefits that the project will bring to the community. Our government will continue to create a conducive environment for everyone to succeed and benefit from the project,” she said.  The Deputy Minister further noted that her department had the necessary resources to support and coordinate programmes around SMME development, urging community members and other stakeholders to approach the department.The Executive Mayor of O.R. Tambo District Municipality, Thokozile Sokhanyile, said the stakeholder engagement meeting would also assist in the development of local communities, and urged SMMEs to unite and work closely with SANRAL as well as local and provincial government structures.

“SMMEs need to unite, as opposed to different business formations operating in the district, so that they have one voice when they engage with SANRAL and government generally,” said Councillor Sokhanyile. “We need to have our own Economic Recovery Plan, as stated by President Ramaphosa, and work together as partners and find solutions for SMMEs in the region. SANRAL is here to assist us through infrastructure to support economic development,” she said.

SANRAL’s Regional Manager, Mbulelo Peterson said the road agency’s strategy and policies deliberately focused on the transformation of the construction industry, particularly the impact of SANRAL’s procurement in terms of job creation and opportunities for SMMEs. “As we appoint contractors to execute projects on behalf of SANRAL, we support the  construction industry because this industry is critically important but we also want to maximise the participation of black contractors, professionals, suppliers and designated groups in all our projects,” said Peterson.

SANRAL had partnered with key stakeholders to assist black businesses to benefit from project participation. The roads agency has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with role players in the industry to ensure rapid transformation. The MoUs were signed with BELL, Barloworld, WIRTGEN, Pilot Crushtec, NAFBI and SAFCEC to assist with training of supervisory personnel.

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SANRAL warns public of tenders scam

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The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has been made aware of a scam inviting members of the public to tender on its contracts. SANRAL asserts the invitation to tender is fraudulent and did not legitimately emanate from SANRAL.

“The invitations to tender are made in the name of a Ms. Wendy Mhlanzi, supposedly an employee of our supply chain management department. No such individual works or is employed by SANRAL,” says Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager of Communications.

The telephone and fax numbers, as well as the email address used are also incorrect, and are not SANRAL’s official contact details. The public should be aware that SANRAL email addresses always include “NRA”, which is an abbreviation for “National Roads Agency”. The email address used in the scam invitation to tender is fake and members of the public must not respond to it. It is listed as XXXXX@nra-agency.co.za.

“We apologise for the inconvenience that this may have caused, and we assure members of the public that we are investigating this matter,” says Mona.

Karino Interchange project underway to be completed in November

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Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has announced that the Karino Interchange in Mbombela, Mpumalanga is well under way to be completed in November 2021. “This interchange forms of part government’s road infrastructure projects which are delivered through the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL). The project has brought about job creation and empowered the local and surrounding SMMEs with skills development and subcontracting opportunities,” said Mbalula.

According to Alex van Niekerk, the chief executive officer of Trans African Concessions (TRAC), SANRAL’s concessionaire which manages the N4 Toll Route, the upgrading of the Karino intersection to an interchange is deemed a next phase as part of the original Nelspruit Northern Ring Road project completed in 2010. The interchange is the most important link between Mbombela and Kanyamazane and will provide a direct link from the R514 route to the N4 national road. The R514 also provides access to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

The N4 and R514 intersection had become a nightmare in handling high traffic volumes, especially during peak hours. The intersection also became notorious for the severity of its accidents over the years.

“In considering the strategic importance of this intersection, the number and growth in traffic turning volumes  due to high commuter traffic  and the traffic safety record, it was recommended that this intersection be upgraded to a grade separated interchange under the Concession contract,” says van Niekerk.

SANRAL’s Northern Region Manager Progress Hlahla says that local SMMEs have also benefitted from this project, across various aspects of the value chain. “Some SMMEs are currently employed at this phase of the project, and there will still be more opportunities for SMMEs to get involved as the project progresses.”

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula hails public-private partnerships in R1.5-billion upgrade to N4 national road.

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Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has hailed ongoing road improvements to the N4 in Mpumalanga worth R1.5-billion as proof of government’s commitment to working with the private sector in expanding and building critical infrastructure that will contribute to the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

Minister Mbalula today (Thursday) conducted a site visit to inspect the road rehabilitation and upgrade of sections of the 570km N4 Toll Route, including the Belfast-Machadodorp section of the N4, and will on Friday conduct a similar inspection of the New Karino Interchange project at Mbombela.

Minister Mbalula said the N4 Toll Route is a catalyst for trade and investment between South Africa’s land-locked provinces, Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, as well as neighbouring countries. “South Africa’s road infrastructure has a critical role to play in the economy and continuous maintenance and upgrades are crucial for the longevity and preservation of our road network asset. The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic places significant emphasis on infrastructure development to enable economic growth. The improvements to the N4, which started before the onset of COVID-19, should make contribution towards that plan, whilst creating 2,200 jobs and empowering SMMEs in the process.

“It is well-known that South Africa’s road infrastructure is world-class, reliable, convenient and safe. We, the South African Government, have clearly stated our intention to unlock and amplify public private partnerships to ensure continuous efforts are made to bolster critical infrastructure such as roads. Our site visits here in Mpumalanga are endorsement of these partnerships. The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and Trans African Concessions (TRAC) have had a long-standing partnership to maintain and improve the quality of the N4 in this part of the world, and we are happy with the work they are doing.”

SANRAL CEO Skhumbuzo Macozoma said: “SANRAL has the responsibility to preserve, improve and develop the national road network which is critical to South Africa’s economic growth prospects. These projects in Mpumalanga are proof that we are approaching this task effectively and efficiently. We are also pleased that our partner TRAC understands our transformation imperatives and is using projects such as these to sub-contract CIDB Grades 1 to 4 SMME companies.  At least 168 SMMEs have been contracted to work on the N4 projects currently underway, amounting to R380-million worth of sub-contracts.”

TRAC CEO Alex van Niekerk said TRAC’s N4 concession is a successful venture for the private sector and government alike. “The project has seen a 214% increase in total traffic on the South African side from 2001 to 2019. Class-4 heavy-vehicle traffic increased by more than 420%, while in Mozambique, Class-4 heavy-vehicle traffic increased by 1 743% as the road opened access to the Maputo port. The economic impact of this improved tool route is there for all to see.”

BACKGROUND TO THE N4 TOLL ROAD UPGRADES

  • The Belfast-Machado road rehabilitation and upgrade: The extensive upgrade between Belfast and Machadodorp on the N4 Toll Route is progressing well and is 26% complete. The R400-million project, which was awarded to WBHO Construction in 2019, is expected to take three years to complete. Roadworks will include the rehabilitation of 30km of Section 5B which will also be upgraded to a four-lane carriageway. The initiative will not only benefit road users but the local community too. In line with an MOU signed between the eMakhazeni Local Municipality, Trans African Concessions (TRAC), SANRAL and WBHO/Motheo JV, 21 local small, medium and micro-enterprises have already been appointed with approximately 300 jobs created.

The upgrade from a two-lane road to a four-lane road will benefit road users in this region in terms of ease of travel, convenience and road safety. The improved vertical alignments, consolidation of farm accesses and additional capacity as part of the widening not only makes the N4 safer but also improves the mobility resulting in reduced travel times and travel costs. The construction of the Machadodorp (eNtokozweni) interchange is also aimed at improved road safety, but still provides convenient access to the town. Local communities are also directly benefitting from the job creation during construction.

On the environmental front, the project is in the upper catchment area of the Elands River with five tributaries/wetlands requiring bridge upgrades and thus the project triggered various environmental permitting requirements. As part of the upgrade additional land has been acquired for the road reserve to accommodate the road widening and future road upgrade requirements. A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted during the planning phase guiding the project towards environmental sustainability during the implementation.

Prior to construction a search and rescue of protected plants was done with the assistance of an ecologist transplanting the plants in suitable habitats. The Environmental Authorisation also requires an external audit to be conducted quarterly during construction. Audit reports are submitted to the Environmental Authorities. Internal TRAC environmental inspections are also conducted regularly to monitor environmental compliance. A wetland specialist has also been appointed to assist with recommendations for the rehabilitation of the affected wetlands.

  • The New Karino Interchange: This Mbombela-based project, valued at R390-million, is 50% complete. Managed by Raubex, the project will see the existing intersection transformed into a grade-separated interchange, with on- and off-ramps and a bridge that will separate cross-traffic from through-traffic and thus ease traffic flow at this extremely busy intersection.

This project has brought positive economic benefits for the Mbombela communities, particularly for SMMEs. Many SMME companies continue to benefit by learning new skills and growing their companies. For skills and transformation initiatives, Raubex has introduced LIT (Labour-Intensive Training) to capacitate the locals by giving them practical training. There are over 50 emerging contractors that have benefitted from the project and there are 275 employees on site. Improved and safer access roads with reduced travel times will also stimulate further economic growth through this project, particularly in the area north of the Crocodile River.

The upgrading of the Karino intersection to an interchange is deemed a next phase as part of the original Nelspruit Northern Ring Road project completed during 2010. Environmental approvals were obtained prior to the construction starting on the Ring Road. Nelspruit Botanical Gardens and the Barberton Nature Reserve were recipients of the protected plants removed as part of a search and rescue conducted by an experienced ecologist. Several indigenous trees were saved and transplanted affected by the construction.

The contractor has minimised negative environmental impact on the project as well as disturbance of the natural environment by barricading no-go areas to be left untouched inside the interchange loop areas. As part of the environmental authorisation, quarterly external environmental audits are conducted as well as frequent water quality testing at bridge sites to ensure that all environmental requirements are met. This is also supplemented by additional regular TRAC internal inspections on the project. Alien plant/tree eradication within the newly acquired land areas will also be done.

  • Emalahleni–Middelburg Road Pavement Rehabilitation and Upgrade: The rehabilitation project between the O.R. Tambo and Van Dyksdrift interchanges in the Highveld region is 48% complete, with a completion date of March 2022. The R380-million project, being constructed by Raubex Construction, includes the removal and replacement of concrete slabs from the originally constructed concrete surfaced road, overlaying the entire section with asphalt, and the construction of an additional seven kilometres of passing lanes.

The project has created employment opportunities for locals. There are over 280 workers on site to date, sourced from eMalahleni and Steve Tshwete local municipalities. The 58 SMMEs that are benefitting on this project, to date, have been sourced locally. The communities of eMalahleni and Steve Tshwete have been given an opportunity to supply machinery equipment/plant and provide ancillary services such as v-drains, stone pitching, gabions, guardrails, fencing, road marking and road signs. Other services including security, traffic accommodation and drainage to name a few. Subcontractors have been appointed, giving them an opportunity to be empowered and for the relevant technical skills to be transferred to them.

There has been minimal negative environmental impact on this project. Internal environmental monitoring is continuously conducted to ensure that all environmental principles and compliance with TRAC’s generic environmental management plan (EMP) takes place. For example, removed concrete pavement blocks are crushed and reused in the pavement layers.

  • Kaapmuiden to Kaalrug Rehabilitation and Upgrade: This 15.5km road project includes upgrading the carriageway to four lanes and the rehabilitation of the existing road. The project is 70% complete and expected to be concluded in August 2021. The project is worth R340 million and is situated in the rural outskirts of Mpumalanga bordered by Mozambique, where unemployment is high. Through this project, 213 local community members and 51 SMMEs between CIBD Grades 1 and 4 have been employed.

The key motivation with appointing SMMEs of these Grades is to transfer skills and develop the lower graded companies to a higher grading, while also preparing them for the next phases of the project. The contractor has also paired specialised companies with local SMMEs to give them the platform to understand how the construction industry operates. The contractor has also added a few courses that focus on occupational health, safety, and environmental training as part of skills development. This has benefitted unemployed youth from Nkomazi Local Municipally. Moreover, the upgrade from a two-lane road to a four-lane road will benefit road users in this region in terms of ease of travel, convenience, and road safety. The consolidation of farm accesses and additional capacity as part of the widening not only makes the N4 safer but also improves the mobility resulting in reduced travel times and travel costs. 

A basic environmental assessment has been conducted and an Environmental Authorisation has been obtained. Protected trees have been saved as far as practically possible. External environmental audits and frequent water testing are conducted, and reports are submitted to the environmental authorities supplemented by regular TRAC internal environmental audits.