Despite the remarkable progress on the upgrade of the R573 Moloto Road, a few factors continue to be a challenge. While some have been addressed prior to the actual construction, many are just now surfacing and affect project progress.

Informal traders and mushroom shacks
Trading inside the national road reserve (R573), and the increasing number of shacks at intersections, especially near Phola Mall, are a major challenge. This matter was brought to the attention of the Thembisile Hani municipality for intervention.

Relocations
Consultations regarding relocations with those who are affected by the current projects (priority works, Project B in Limpopo contracts) including traditional leaders, municipalities, councillors and hawkers trading inside the road reserve took place. All parties agreed to move the hawkers elsewhere temporally. Further discussions will be held with the other informal traders as soon as the final new planned road reserve has been confirmed for the remainder of the route sections.

Land acquisitions
In the Mpumalanga section of the R573, four properties have been acquired, and a further six agreements still need to be signed with the land owners. In Limpopo, 37 agreements still have to be signed with farmers. In the event of an acquisition, a qualified valuer negotiates with the affected land owner, signs an agreement and pays market-related compensation for the affected land or buildings.
SANRAL appeals for full cooperation from communities and stakeholders, in particular those encroaching on the road reserve and ignoring building restrictions or planning to do so. Additionally, full cooperation in signing the agreements is sought from all affected land owners. Local communities are asked to respect beacons placed by surveyors indicating the national road reserve. Headmen/chiefs should not allocate stands inside the road reserve.