Beit Bridge Border Post upgrade

Commuters can look forward to some enhancements at the border when travelling between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Upgrades to the busy border post will make for a much better commute between the two countries.

The upgrade and expansion of infrastructure will be done through a $240m contract awarded to the Zimborders Consortium. The project includes the improvement of the roads to and from the crossing, perimeter fencing, gate controls, parking areas and upgrades to security and lighting systems. There are no plans to build another bridge because the existing New Limpopo Bridge has the necessary capacity to handle the projected future traffic.

These changes hope to create a seamless one-stop process at the transit point which is South Africa’s primary road gateway into the rest of Africa. The entire border post will now fall under the jurisdiction of the newly established Border Management Authority.

Previously, toll monies were collected by Zimbabwean authorities for the neighbouring country while South Africa did not collect any. Along with the improved border post, new border arrangements which make it possible for SANRAL to collect toll monies on traffic travelling in a southerly direction from Beitbridge, are in place. These monies will be used to maintain the roads and bridges at the border post and will not add additional costs to travellers as each country now collects 50% of the toll amount in each direction.

SANRAL GM: Communications, Vusi Mona said: “Now there will be a more equitable share of revenue between the two countries, allowing us to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.”

  • On average,15 000 people cross over the border daily
  • An average of 500 trucks cross over the border daily
  • Upgrade contract value: $240m

Planned road marking in Limpopo

As part of routine road maintenance, in August 2019, SANRAL roads in Limpopo will be due for a facelift. The team will be embarking on a province-wide project to remark all roads with the intention of giving travellers peace of mind as they drive to their various destinations.

Road line marking plays an important role when it comes to promoting safety on our roads and at SANRAL, this highly technical process is seen as much more than just another painting project. Road markings give important information and instructions to motorists and pedestrians about vehicle positioning, road alignment and other vital road information.

How long will the project take to complete?
It is estimated to begin in August 2019 and end in January 2021.

Do locals qualify and what has SANRAL done to ensure that locals are included in the project?
Like any SANRAL project, locals qualify to take part in the project. Opportunities available for locals will be communicated through the Project Liaison Committees and local municipalities.

How will companies be selected to work on the project?
As with other SANRAL projects, the normal tender process will be followed for the procurement of contractors.

How can companies submit tender applications?
As with other SANRAL projects, the normal tender process will be followed for the procurement of contractors.

Bumps in the road to success

An update on the progress of the Polokwane and Musina Ring Roads

The old adage, “Rome was not built in a day” has become a reality for SANRAL since embarking on its mandate of building world-class infrastructure. This is even more so in difficult economic times which have led to the delay of two major projects – the Musina and Polokwane ring roads.

Construction on the Musina road commenced on the western side of the CBD in April 2016 with the intention of completion by April 2019.

It consists of a new single eight km long carriageway with one lane in each direction as well as paved shoulders. The contract awarded to the contractor amounts to approximately R490m, excluding the contract price adjustment and VAT.

Work on the Polokwane road commenced in December 2015 with a contract awarded to the approximate amount of R562m, excluding contract price adjustment and VAT. It involves the upgrade of the route from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane divided dual carriageway and was scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2018.

Unfortunately, the appointed contractor, Basil Read, went into voluntary business rescue in June 2018 causing some major delays in completing these projects.

Fortunately, work has restarted on some sections of the Polokwane Ring Road and the revised date of completion is estimated to be in June 2019.

BUILDING SOUTH AFRICA THROUGH BETTER ROADS
 
HELLO LIMPOPO 2018