Blog

SANRAL operations declared essential service during covid-19 lockdown

FutshaneSauthor3258views0comments

The Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) and toll operations of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) have been declared an essential service, by national government.

Confirmation of this declaration was received late on Thursday, 26th March and SANRAL has subsequently informed employees and service providers to enable these services to be executed during the lockdown period.

SANRAL CEO, Skhumbuzo Macozoma, said: “RRM activities are important to ensure good safety performance of national roads, while toll operations are equally important to ensure seamless mobility and effective traffic and incident management throughout the toll road network of South Africa.”

In response to the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for all South Africans to assist in halting the spread of COVID-19, SANRAL has imposed stringent measures at its toll plazas and has reduced the number of toll collectors.

SANRAL is following the guidelines issued by the Department of Health to ensure the health of its employees as well as essential road users.

Motorists who are deemed essential staff and are travelling on the national roads are encouraged to avoid using cash and utilise the dedicated credit card and e-tag lanes where possible.

Measures are also in place for a skeleton crew to operate the Freeway Management System (FMS) in order to monitor the road network for rapid & effective incident responses.

All SANRAL construction projects are suspended and locked down with security personnel in place to protect materials and assets, whilst continuing to operate traffic accommodation facilities.

SANRAL has imposed stringent measures at its toll plazas

FutshaneSauthor4339views0comments

SANRAL has imposed stringent measures at its toll plazas and is following the guidelines issued by the Department of Health to ensure the health of its employees as well as road users in its efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. SANRAL is proactively responding to the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for all South Africans to assist in halting the spread of the virus.

Precautionary measures which SANRAL has put in place include increasing communication and awareness efforts to employees, heightening health, sanitation and cleaning activities, and restricting access to only core staff at our plazas. Additional sanitisers (including personal sanitisers) have been made available at all the plazas to staff and these are used regularly when handling money, cards and interfacing with the public.

Each toll operator has sanitizer in their booth to use after each transaction to protect themselves and the curb the onward transmission of viruses to the motorist. After each shift the surfaces in the toll booths are disinfected. Fighting the spread of COVID-19, becomes a collective responsibility for each and every one of us.

Motorists, that have permission to travel in terms of the regulations for essential goods and services, must please consider the following when transacting at toll plazas:

• Avoid cash transactions wherever possible. If you have no option but to pay with cash, please try to have the exact amount.
• Where dedicated credit cards or e-tags available please use these lanes to reduce direct contact or interaction with toll operators.
• To avoid contracting or transmitting COVID-19, focus on conscious and regular handwashing, use antimicrobial gels, keep antibacterial wipes in your car and keep a safe distance of at least one meter from people who are showing symptoms of the virus.

Let’s all try do our part!

SANRAL’s key projects within aMajuba region set to empower local SMMEs

FutshaneSauthor4873views0comments

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will invest in the upgrading and maintenance of national roads such as the N11 which will benefit the region of aMajuba. This was announced by Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL’s Regional Manager for KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces at a SANRAL stakeholder engagement event held at Madadeni Community Hall in aMajuba. Nkabinde said these projects offer local SMME’s significant opportunities for new business and provide important job creation within local communities and skills development through partnerships with established construction companies.

Key projects that SANRAL is prioritising extends beyond aMajuba District and will also include work along uThukela District municipality. The focus is on the upgrading of National road N11 outside Ladysmith and a new ring road around Newcastle town towards iNkunzi River. Other strategic projects on the horizon is the resurfacing of the N11 between Newcastle town and Volkrust and routine road maintenance running from Bergville to Ladysmith. The upgrade will include the construction of pedestrian facilities to improve road safety along the route.

Addressing local entrepreneurs, Mr Nkabinde emphasised SANRAL’s Transformation Policy which aims to ensure increased participation of black emerging companies in the construction industry.

SANRAL’s Horizon 2030 Strategy outlines how the National Roads Agency will use its multi-billion-rand infrastructure spend programme to drive transformation of the construction industry by enabling SMME’s to partner with more established construction companies on projects and also empowering locals by providing them with job opportunities. Furthermore, SANRAL has partnered with Yellow Machine leasing companies to assist in leasing and buying of equipment on favourable terms, offered exclusively to emerging construction companies awarded to do work on SANRAL projects.

Mr Nkabinde said: “The purpose of the Horizon 2030 Strategy is to showcase how SANRAL is assisting with and enabling the transformation of the construction industry and the South African economy.”

SANRAL will be using a vehicle already prescribed by National Treasury, the preferential procurement regulations of 2017, where a minimum of 30% of the contract value must be sublet to SMME’s.

Established companies would be required to partner with local SMME’s such as those in aMajuba to ensure that projects are delivered in order to benefit not only road users but drive economic prosperity through job creation to the community of aMajuba.

As part of SANRAL’s Beyond Roads mandate, Nkabinde raised awareness on project opportunities outside of construction such as upgrading of toll gates, maintenance of electrical and IT infrastructure, line marking and traffic signs all of which local SMME’s can be involved in.

SANRAL addresses the issues of SMMEs in Bloemfontein

FutshaneSauthor4895views0comments

As part of its strategy which seeks to open doors for stakeholders, local small businesses, communities, and business forums South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has embarked on robust stakeholder engagement initiatives to assess the needs of SMMEs in Bloemfontein.

These engagements sessions set to map out the impact that the routine road maintenance projects (RRM) are creating in the province through stimulating job opportunities, empowering women and youth, implementing training, skills and development programmes.

Speaking to SMMEs and local communities in Winburg as part of SANRAL’s flagship Taking SANRAL to the People programme, Dumisani Nkabinde, Regional Manager for SANRAL’s Eastern Region, mentioned SANRAL has been distant to its stakeholders and came up with this concept which seeks to demonstrate how SANRAL runs its business and how it brings its stakeholders in the mix.

Says Nkabinde, “transformation is core to SANRAL’s mandate with attention aimed at giving an opportunity to black-owned SMMEs that didn’t do the business with SANRAL in the past. Going forward we will focus on subcontracting and giving opportunities to small businesses, preventing bigger firms from taking business from smaller firms.”

Since the introduction of its Horizon 2030 Strategy, SANRAL has made a concerted effort to empower locals by providing them with job opportunities and enabling SMMEs to partner with more established construction companies on their projects. This creates the benefit of skills transferal and mentorship that will see SMMEs move from sub to main contractors in the near future.

Horizon 2030 is a proactive response by the road agency to create a national road transport system that serves as an “economic artery”, delivering an improved standard of living for citizens that live alongside its projects.

The day to day road maintenance projects also adds to SANRAL’s mandate and in support of connecting with stakeholders through working together to deliver a safe, efficient, reliable and resilient national road transport system through a sustainable process that benefits all the people of South Africa.

Monageng Mokgojwa, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Stakeholder Manager, echoes the same sentiment: “In a strong effort to build on the major success areas experienced in the past, SANRAL also reviews areas where the performance was suboptimal to ensure the necessary interventions are made to correct them and ensure success.”

The third and coming decade will see a focus on long-term visioning, reviewing the network growth and SANRAL’s mandate. Emphasis will be placed on relevance and concerted steps will be taken to ensure fair access to opportunities and redress of past imbalances.

TRAC concerned about N4 traffic due to Tchumene Interchange roadworks

FutshaneSauthor4110views0comments

Following ongoing criticism regarding the state of the Tchumene Interchange construction site on Section 17 of the N4 Toll Route in Mozambique, Trans African Concessions (TRAC) would like to remind the public that these roadworks do not fall under our jurisdiction.

Although the construction of this interchange has a direct effect on the sections of our road before and after the Tchumene bridge structure, the project is being managed by the National Roads Administration (ANE) who are also the proprietors of the N4 in Mozambique. In view of this, TRAC has no delegation over the progress and state of the respective roadworks.

Having noted that the project is having a negative impact on N4 traffic, with the safety of our road users also being compromised, we are in communication with the responsible authorities in the hope that they address the current status quo as a matter of urgency.

TRAC commits to support Emakhazeni Local Municipality

FutshaneSauthor2559views0comments

Various structures of the Emakhazeni Local Municipality (ELM) will receive a major facelift over the next 14 months following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Trans African Concessions (TRAC) and the Emakhazeni local government.

After lengthy talks between the parties regarding the upgrades and renovations that are needed in the municipal area which borders the N4 Toll Route TRAC agreed to assist with three critical projects namely the refurbishment of the Emakhazeni Testing Centre, the renovation of the old bakery in Waterval Boven and the rehabilitation of Molen Road in Entokozweni (Machadodorp).

The total cost of the projects is estimated at R5-million and TRAC’s support falls in line with our CSI responsibilities to communities along the road. Besides responding to key socio-economic needs which in turn will contribute towards the economic upliftment of vulnerable people and communities, our involvement will also boost SME development and support and enhance road safety.

The MOU also falls in line with a number of government objectives to which TRAC has aligned itself with, specifically in terms of initiatives with relevant commitments as set out in the government’s National Development Plan (NDP). The vision of the NDP is that by 2030 investments in the transport sector will ensure that it serves as a key driver in empowering South Africa and its people. This will be achieved through improved access to economic opportunities, greater mobility of people and goods through transport alternatives and through social contributions.

TRAC has committed to restore the two administration buildings and ablutions of the testing centre with upgrades expected to start this month (January 2020). The project, which is expected to take three months, will see a subcontractor appointed for the bulk of the initiative. Phase 2 will consist of the renovation of the weighbridge following a separate tender process. TRAC will however employ internal resources to do basic construction works, such as the fencing and installation of surface drainage. As for the bakery, it will be refurbished to ensure it can become operational again. The project will be managed by an entity appointed by the ELM with the funding provided by TRAC.

In respect of the rehabilitation of Molen Road, TRAC will repair it during the rehabilitation of the area of the N4 which is adjacent to Entokzweni.

In addition to these major projects, TRAC will be partnering with the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison on their Community Policing Forum project which the honourable MEC CG Tshabalala is expected to launch soon. This will include an initial donation of 500 torches for use for law enforcement during anti-crime and road safety operations. TRAC has already donated 1000 blankets to the ELM in celebration of Mandela Day 2019. These blankets were handed to the elderly and the less privileged within the municipal area.

TRAC urges community to report theft and property damage

FutshaneSauthor2333views0comments

Trans African Concessions would like to advise the public that it is aware of the severe infrastructure damage between the OR Tambo and Highveld Steel Interchanges in the Highveld area. The damage is due to the theft of steel lining in the pipe culverts, which has resulted in erosion.

TRAC has inspected the affected culverts and the relevant section of the road and assures the public that the road is stable and is not collapsing as has been rumoured.

Major repair work to address the matter will commence soon, in conjunction with the rehabilitation and upgrade project of Sections N4-3 and N4-4, between the OR Tambo and the Van Dyksdrift Interchanges.

The infrastructure along the N4 Toll Route continues to be severely affected by theft and malicious damage, which is strongly condemned by TRAC. Such actions not only result in the company incurring unnecessary costs but also have a negative impact on the road’s maintenance and traffic flow.

TRAC urges members of the public to report crimes against TRAC and its infrastructure to its Whistle Blower Hotline on 082 900 2447. Callers can remain anonymous. Road users can also contact TRAC’s 24-hour Helpdesk on 0800 87 22 64 or via email at helpdesk@tracn4.co.za to report theft and damage to property.

Roadworks in Mbombela and Nkomazi are progressing well

FutshaneSauthor4206views0comments

Trans African Concessions (TRAC) is pleased to announce that two of its major roadworks projects are progressing as planned. Both the construction of the Karino Interchange and the upgrade between Kaapmuiden and Kaalrug have progressed well in the last few months despite challenging weather conditions.

Construction of the Karino Interchange, valued at R390-million, began in October 2019, and will see the existing intersection transformed into a grade-separated interchange with on and off-ramps and a bridge. The aim of this junction is to separate cross-traffic from through traffic and to ease traffic flow at this very busy intersection. The upgrade will better accommodate the increased traffic volumes over recent years, especially at the KMIA/Plaston Road/N4 intersection. Furthermore, it will enhance road user safety as the need for pointsmen, who currently manage morning and afternoon traffic in the area, will be eliminated.

The project, which is expected to be completed in October 2021, is being managed by Raubex Construction and spans over 4kms.

As for the upgrade and rehabilitation of the road between Kaapmuiden and the Kaalrug Intersection in Nkomazi, the project got off the ground in August 2019 and officially commenced in September 2019, of which 10% has been completed.

The project is being (managed) by Tau Pele Construction and will see this 15,5km stretch of the carriageway upgraded to four lanes. Roadworks will also include the rehabilitation of the current road. The installation of high mast streetlights at the Kruger Malelane Gate/Jeppes Reef Interchange and a footpath between Stentor and Kaapmuiden Primary School will also form part of the construction works.

The project is valued at approximately R340-million and is expected to take 24 months to complete.

In terms of both projects, road users are advised that traffic flow will be affected throughout the construction period. Traffic deviations will be implemented as and when needed which may result in slower-moving traffic and delays. Road users are urged to go to www.tracn4.co.za for updates on traffic disruptions related to these, and other, roadworks on the N4 Toll Route.

SANRAL RRM projects create opportunities for Ventersdorp locals

FutshaneSauthor2887views0comments

A total of 33 people, making an impact to an estimated 165 families, have been employed in South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) routine road maintenance projects (RRM) along the N14 in the North West Province. More road upgrades and expansion are planned for the region due to start from 2021 through to 2023.

Speaking to small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and local communities in Ventersdorp today (Friday, 28 February) as part of SANRAL’s flagship Taking SANRAL to the People programme, Layton Leseane, project manager for SANRAL’s Northern Region, said that these projects include the R53 from Potchefstroom to Ventersdorp, R30 from Klerksdorp to Rustenburg and N14 from Carletonville to Coligny.

“Our RRM projects are maintenance projects that are ongoing throughout our 2 598 kilometres road network in the North West. They are day to day maintenance projects which include grass cutting, fencing, storm water maintenance, pavement maintenance and earthworks,” says Leseane.

According to Leseane, these projects have not only enhanced road user experience in the province, but they have also provided job opportunities for local communities.

Since introducing its Horizon 2030 Strategy, SANRAL has made a concerted effort to empower locals by providing them with job opportunities and enabling SMMEs to partner with more established construction companies on its projects.

Horizon 2030 is a proactive response by the roads agency to create a national road transport system that serves as an “economic artery”, delivering an improved standard of living for citizens that live alongside its projects.

Jullecsia Saul, SANRAL’s northern region stakeholder coordinator, says that it is SANRAL’s responsibility to involve communities in the immediate vicinity of its projects.

“Through our engagement today, were informed stakeholders about our projects in Ventersdorp; by bringing in partners such as the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), local SMMEs and community members were informed of how they can participate in SANRAL projects,” says Saul.

To highlight its commitment to the transformation industry, SANRAL has also signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with established contractors, giving emerging contractors access to equipment, mentoring, financing and empowering them to participate on SANRAL projects.

Belfast-Machado roadworks still on course

FutshaneSauthor1858views0comments

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.

Blasting of the cutting at KM 41.0 is progressing well with scheduled blasts occurring as and when required. Blasting notifications can be seen along the route near the relevant roadworks and on TRAC’s social media pages.

Several traffic accommodations have been implemented and will remain in place throughout the construction period. These include speed reductions, contraflows and occasional Stop/Go’s. Road users are urged to visit our website, www.tracn4.co.za, for regular updates to assist them in planning their trips accordingly.

TRAC prides itself on offering quality road infrastructure which requires regular upgrades, rehabilitation and routine maintenance. We are aware that roadworks may at times cause traffic disruptions and therefore would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding at construction zones.