MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL brings R2.7 billion worth of projects to Winburg in the Free State

Hugh Brooks, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager, presenting upcoming

projects to the Winburg community in Masilonyana Local Municipality

Free State, 20 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will bring projects worth R2.7 billion to Winburg in the Free State, officials from the national roads agency told stakeholders at a recent information sharing session in the town.

This engagement, intended to strengthen relationships with local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), is in line with SANRAL’s transformation policy which is designed to maximise the participation of contractors, suppliers and professionals in all its commissioned projects. SANRAL will embark on various improvement projects in Lejweleputswa District Municipality.

“Our purpose today is to afford local communities the opportunity to understand SANRAL’s activities in the area and communicate SANRAL’s contracting and subcontracting process. As SANRAL, we want to share employment opportunities with the communities in the Masilonyana Local Municipality through these projects,” said Hugh Brooks, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The improvements of the N1 from Scottland to Winburg South and from Zandkraal to Scottland will be done at a cost of approximately R2.7billion, with 30% reserved for subcontracting opportunities. Routine road maintenance will be carried out on the R730 and R34 between Winburg Station and Ventersburg.

“On Scottland to Winburg South improvements, the existing road will be upgraded and rehabilitated to form the new southbound carriageway of the new dual carriageway freeway. A completely new northbound carriageway will be constructed on the west side of the existing road,” said Brooks.

SANRAL will continue to drive its transformation agenda for local SMMEs and community members that live alongside its national roads to ensure that all key and affected stakeholders benefit from its projects. At least 30% of the contract value is earmarked for subcontracting to SMMEs, through open tenders.

“SANRAL provided this opportunity for local communities to participate in contracting and subcontracting opportunities on the projects. The communities are therefore presented with opportunities for local SMMEs to obtain training and in turn create employment through these projects,” said Brooks.

SANRAL will continuously liaise with the appointed Project Liaison Committee (PLC) to follow the process in the hiring of local labourers for the duration of the projects. Regular project information sessions and engagements with stakeholders and affected municipalities are crucial throughout the project life cycle to foster healthy relations with targeted stakeholders.

//Ends