HELLO NORTHWEST 2018: Investing in society's wellbeing

Investing in society's wellbeing

Road infrastructure is important for economic development. The construction and maintenance of high-quality roads provide access to a host of opportunities; including jobs, education and healthcare facilities. But poorly maintained roads have a negative impact on communities, according to Bakwena N1/N4 toll commercial manager Liam Clarke.

"Poorly maintained roads impact negatively on South African communities and the country in general," he said. "They intensify isolation, poverty, illiteracy and poor health in rural communities. Neglected roads become more difficult to use over time, increasing vehicle operating costs, in the form of frequent repairs and high fuel usage."

SANRAL estimates that repair costs are six times greater after three years of neglect and 18 times greater after five. Regular upgrades and maintenance can therefore save the country millions of rands in the long term.

Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire has been contracted by SANRAL to construct, manage, maintain and upgrade the N1 and N4 roads since October 2000.

The company is investing over R1bn in maintaining and upgrading road infrastructure along the 385km of the N1/N4. For 2018, it will be upgrading several roads including:

N4 Groot Marico – An estimated R273m investment for the upgrading of N4 in Groot Marico, between Vaalkop and the Swartruggens boundary
N4 westbound carriageway – An estimated R100m for the resurfacing of the N4 westbound carriageway between R512, up to Buffelspoort interchange
R511 interchange – R55m project to upgrade the R511
N4 between M17 and R512 – An estimated R582m for the construction of a second carriageway on the N4 between the M17 and the R512

SANRAL understands the importance of private-sector investment in delivering infrastructure. The agency will continue to invest in the North West through smart partnerships to ensure an improved quality of life for all.

Region welcomes Progress

Progress Hlahla is the newly appointed Regional Manager for SANRAL's Northern Region. It's only been a few months since he started and already the captain has set the coordinates to steer the organisation to a bold new horizon. Hlahla has emphasised effective communication with stakeholders, close consultation with the industry and accelerated transformation.

He acknowledged that this wouldn't be a simple task, but said it can be achieved through teamwork, coupled with the vast experience and knowledge accumulated by his colleagues in the agency.

"I am very fortunate to be able to count on some of the world's leading experts – in this building. The idea is to create an environment where we can all participate meaningfully to achieve our shared objectives."

Hlahla moves into his new leadership role two years after joining SANRAL's Southern Region in Port Elizabeth, where he served as Project Manager on three important initiatives, including the N2 construction between Bulembu Airport and the Buffalo River.

He previously served as the deputy chief engineer for the Gauteng department of roads and transport, as well as project leader for the introduction of the rapid bus system in Polokwane.

Hlahla takes the reins at a time when the agency is busy advocating for transformation in the industry through its strategy, Horizon 2030 and Transformation Policy and believes he fits into the picture perfectly because he shares the same ideals.

These are some of the challenges that excite and motivate him to work with a team that will contribute meaningfully to the delivery of road infrastructure that will benefit the entire region.