As part of its pro-active response to deliver on the long-term vision of a national transport system that delivers a better South Africa for all, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) convened its flagship Taking SANRAL to the People stakeholder engagement session in Koster, North West Province, SANRAL uses these sessions to foster dialogue with small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs), community members, and civil society.

Unpacking key  projects to SMMEs and local communities, Gertrude Soko, SANRAL’s project manager for Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) , said that these projects include RRM of national road R24 from Rustenburg to the Gauteng Province border, R52 from Koster to N4 Rustenburg, and the R30 from JB Marks Municipal Border to Olifantsnek.

“The high unemployment in South Africa exerts pressure on SANRAL to maximise the number of jobs created on the projects across its road network, especially for targeted groups that include black women and youth. RRM projects within the Bojanala District Municipality and in the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality will promote growth, mobilise investment, create jobs, and empower citizens with skills,” says Soko.

“The total construction estimate of SANRAL’s projects in the municipality is R 740 000 000. The execution of the works will start in December 2020; tender advertisement will start on March 2021, and the actual construction will start in September 2021 for 42 months until March 2025”, says Sam Mboshane, SANRAL’s project manager for construction.

The nature of work to be carried out under this contract includes the cleaning of all drainage structures, regular removal of grass and debris from grids, as well as clearing bridge drainage ports and scuppers, pavement layers repairs, repairing damaged road signs.

It is SANRAL’s requirements for its projects to have a fully functional Project Liaison Committee (PLC) before awarding of the contract takes place. Among others, PLCs facilitate constructive community participation on SANRAL projects and ensure transparency in the allocation of SANRAL resources on these projects.

SANRAL is repurposing itself because South Africa has embarked on a process of the fundamental transformation that opens the path for inclusive, ensuring broad-based economic development.

The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) also supported SANRAL’s programme, sharing information on services that it offers SMMEs.