Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works believes the move towards a computerised system can only improve the already outstanding services rendered by various role players.
As the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, we are incredibly proud of our association with the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL).
They are an integral part of the road construction industry in our province and through their projects they not only aid job creation and skills development, but they leave a legacy of skilled citizens who are able to access further developmental opportunities.
Improved road safety
The almost complete three intersections at key entry points to The Diamond City will improve the safety of road users and pedestrians.
The department is glad to highlight that the improved and upgraded intersections (which were previously classified as high accident zones) will contribute to much safer roads.
Furthermore, we had no fatalities during the construction period, and we thank road users for their patience and for adhering to the safety instructions of the flagmen on site.
A section of the road that falls under provincial jurisdiction, between Olifantshoek and Kathu, needed urgent repair and because of the cooperative relationship we have with SANRAL, they incorporated the repairs into an existing project, and the department simply carries the cost thereof – seamless workflow with minimal disruption to road users.
Constant development
We are also encouraged by the constant development and improvement of the Road Incident Management System and in a province as vast as the Northern Cape, this infrastructure is crucial to saving lives on our roads.
The move towards a computerised system can only improve the already outstanding services rendered by various role players, including Emergency Medical Services and traffic, to the South African Police Service, Routine Route Maintenance and many other entities.
I want to encourage road users to be vigilant, courteous and to show concern not only for their own safety, but also that of other road users in the Northern Cape, particularly pedestrians.
Let us ensure that we all reach our destinations safely.
This is an opinion piece by Mxolisi Simon Sokatsha, the Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works.