THE North West province has a lot to look forward to in terms of development. SANRAL plans to start construction on new improvement and upgrade projects in 2019.
Besides the work already completed on the R24, SANRAL has begun planning the rehabilitation, partial reconstruction or upgrading of significant routes in the province.
Some of these are strategic to key sectors of the provincial economy, such as mining, tourism and regional trade.
For instance, the planned upgrade of the R501 between Potchefstroom and Carletonville will be a boost to the mining companies in this area.
The partial reconstruction of the R52 between Biesiesvlei and Rustenburg will facilitate easy access to Magaliesburg, a major tourist attraction in the province.
In addition, the partial reconstruction of the R504 between Wolmaransstad and the North West-Free State border bodes well for regional trade. SANRAL’s Deputy Regional Manager: North West,
Solomon Kganyago, said: “Big contractors and small enterprises alike have an opportunity to participate in these projects during and after construction.
“Communities in the vicinity of the projects will be prioritised when it comes to sourcing local labour. “Also, SMMEs and suppliers who participate in our projects receive a sustainable financial injection which helps with their growth prospects.”
PROVINCIAL roads are important to economic growth. They connect people to opportunities and introduce business to new terrains. The R24 is one such route, connecting North West and Gauteng and playing a significant part in the Rustenburg mining industry. We caught up with Mike Mthimunye, investment growth executive at Invest North West, to understand just what the R24 means for the province.
How important is the development of the R24 for the province?
Some of our skills-development and job-creation goals have been realised through this project. We are pleased to have played our part to ensure that the project made provision for local employment for the duration of the works. Moreover, a revitalised R24 will help to reduce the high number of fatalities and congestion in the region.
Do you have any specific expectations or concerns about the project?
We believe that building strong and effective relationships with local communities and other
important stakeholders should be an integral part
of any infrastructure project – from large-scale,
major transport infrastructure projects to the
development of local community facilities. Ignoring
or poorly managing community concerns has the
potential to impose financial and time delays, or
even stop a project in its tracks.
We expect communities to be engaged
at all levels. They need to understand the
full implications of a project, from the plan-
ning phase until it’s completed. We expect the
project to provide job opportunities for local
communities and use local service providers as
suppliers.
How will the R24 project impact the economy?
The economic growth experienced in and around
Rustenburg will increase drastically due to the R24
development.
Aside from the jobs created for locals during the
first two phases of the project, business will benefit
from improved mobility, which should bode well for
regional trade.
It will reduce transportation costs – including
travel time, vehicle operating costs, accident and
pollution damage – all of which hamper economic
productivity.
Is the project doing enough to empower local labour and SMMEs?
Unemployment remains a challenge in the province. We look forward to the last phase of this project, because it has the potential to provide more job opportunities for local labourers. It could also empower more local SMMEs by affording them more technical exposure.
What role do you think the private sector has in making the most of this project?
South African companies have a wealth of knowledge and capability that could better harness local infrastructure projects. The private sector’s role is to offer technological and research expertise.