The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) hosted a workshop for telecommunications service providers.

SANRAL gave in-depth information on application processes, regulations and required declarations on fibre-optic cable installations within the agency’s road reserves.

Openserve, Vodacom and MTN, were among telecommunications service providers that attended the workshop.

Beyond roads

SANRAL’s mandate is not only to build and maintain national roads, but also to ensure that the integrity of its road reserves.

That is why SANRAL monitors fibre installation projects on their road reserves and requires telecommunications service providers to apply for wayleave before installation.

Although, fibre-optic cables make communication easier, it is important to consider road safety and precautions when constructing on roads and in road reserves.

Dimitri Alben, a Statutory Controller at SANRAL, said: “SANRAL was continuously receiving common questions on the installation, standards and processes of fibre-optics installation from service providers, hence we saw the need to conduct this workshop to address their questions. We need to ensure careful control and co-ordination of all work in the road reserves that are managed by SANRAL.”

The importance of addressing safety issues was reiterated during the workshop and SANRAL stated that it has put measures in place to ensure that electricity cuts and water contamination are avoided prior, during, and after the installations of these fibre-optic cables.

Deputy Regional Manager for projects in Gauteng and North-West provinces at SANRAL, Solomon Kganyago, said: “Roads are the heartbeat of the economy. Where there are well maintained roads, development follows. If any eventualities are to occur on the roads under our management, we’d be held liable, so it’s important to take precautions to avoid such.”