What is the current state of SANRAL’s road network in the North West?
The 2 598km of SANRAL roads in North West are in fair to good condition.
Of these, just over 1 400km were transferred from the province to SANRAL in November 2012.
SANRAL is in the process of completing reseal projects on the transferred sections of roads that are in a good condition. For roads that require reconstruction and rehabilitation, designs are
under way and in some cases consultants are being appointed for design.
Construction is planned to begin in 2019.
What is SANRAL’s preventative maintenance plan to ensure that its North West roads remain within international norms?
SANRAL focuses on the effective maintenance of its roads through ongoing
routine road maintenance contracts.
The agency has eight routine road maintenance contracts for all its roads in
North West.
Overload control is important for preventing premature deterioration of our
roads and on the N4, a concession managed by Bakwena, effective overload
control is being carried out in the corridor.
What’s new for SANRAL in the North West?
The agency is planning several new projects, mainly focused on the
transferred road network:
1. Upgrade of the R24 in Rustenburg – two projects are complete and one is
planned to start in 2019
2. Rehabilitation of the R30 between the North West-Free State border and
Rustenburg
3. Partial reconstruction of the R52 between Biesiesvlei and Rustenburg
4. Upgrade of the R501 between Potchefstroom and Carletonville
5. Partial reconstruction of the R504 between Wolmaransstad and the North
West-Free State border
6. Partial reconstruction of the R511 between Brits and the North West-
Limpopo border
7. Upgrade of the R512 between the North West-Gauteng border and Brits
How has the N4 Bakwena toll road assisted to unlock the economic potential of the region?
The N4 corridor provides the necessary road connection between Botswana and Gauteng. It also provides a good connection to tourism attractions in the province, as well as the mining activity around Rustenburg and Brits. Importantly, the development of the N4 has stimulated the creation of opportunities for contractors, SMMEs and local labour, as well as other related businesses through downstream activities
Why was the R24 upgrade important for the region?
The upgrade of the R24 from a single to a dual carriageway has helped relieve congestion around Rustenburg. This road is an essential economic route connecting Limpopo (Lephalale), North West and Gauteng. It will have a positive impact on the lives of many people, reducing travel time and fatalities, among many other benefits.
How is SANRAL making a contribution towards SMME development and local job creation in North West?
Suitably qualified emerging enterprises are given an opportunity to perform
some of the work awarded to main contractors.
As per government’s policy for SMME development, main contractors are
required to subcontract a minimum of 30% of the contract value to SMMEs
that have a CIDB grading of 1 to 6.
In some cases, main contractors enter into joint ventures – with an 80/20
split between a 9CE main contractor as the lead partner and lower-graded
contractors (eg 5CE, 6CE or 7CE) as the targeted joint-venture partner.
As a result of the government’s preferential procurement regulations,
which became effective on 1 April 2017, contracts above R30m will require a
minimum of 30% of the value of the contract to be subcontracted to others.
SANRAL has adjusted its procurement model to comply with these
regulations. In future, smaller contractors will benefit from SANRAL’s projects
through subcontracting.
In terms of job creation, main contractors are required to allocate 6% of
the value of work to the employment of local labour. Importantly, part of
the contract between SANRAL and the main contractors is that there will be
training provided to all the people recruited for projects.
How important are roads to the North West economy?
Road infrastructure plays a huge role in the national economy. The economy of the North West is driven specifically by mining activity in Rustenburg, Brits and Matlosana (Klerksdorp and surrounding areas); agricultural activity mainly in the Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality; and generally tourism. Our roads are a conduit to export markets.
How do I bring road conditions to SANRAL’s attention?
All SANRAL-managed roads have road signs, which display contact numbers
for which road conditions on the specific road can be reported.
Otherwise, SANRAL’s Northern Region Office can be contacted during office
hours on 012-426-6200.
Questions answered by SANRAL’s Acting Northern Region Manager,
Willem van der Merwe