Various structures of the Emakhazeni Local Municipality (ELM) will receive a major facelift over the next 14 months following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Trans African Concessions (TRAC) and the Emakhazeni local government.
After lengthy talks between the parties regarding the upgrades and renovations that are needed in the municipal area which borders the N4 Toll Route TRAC agreed to assist with three critical projects namely the refurbishment of the Emakhazeni Testing Centre, the renovation of the old bakery in Waterval Boven and the rehabilitation of Molen Road in Entokozweni (Machadodorp).
The total cost of the projects is estimated at R5-million and TRAC’s support falls in line with our CSI responsibilities to communities along the road. Besides responding to key socio-economic needs which in turn will contribute towards the economic upliftment of vulnerable people and communities, our involvement will also boost SME development and support and enhance road safety.
The MOU also falls in line with a number of government objectives to which TRAC has aligned itself with, specifically in terms of initiatives with relevant commitments as set out in the government’s National Development Plan (NDP). The vision of the NDP is that by 2030 investments in the transport sector will ensure that it serves as a key driver in empowering South Africa and its people. This will be achieved through improved access to economic opportunities, greater mobility of people and goods through transport alternatives and through social contributions.
TRAC has committed to restore the two administration buildings and ablutions of the testing centre with upgrades expected to start this month (January 2020). The project, which is expected to take three months, will see a subcontractor appointed for the bulk of the initiative. Phase 2 will consist of the renovation of the weighbridge following a separate tender process. TRAC will however employ internal resources to do basic construction works, such as the fencing and installation of surface drainage. As for the bakery, it will be refurbished to ensure it can become operational again. The project will be managed by an entity appointed by the ELM with the funding provided by TRAC.
In respect of the rehabilitation of Molen Road, TRAC will repair it during the rehabilitation of the area of the N4 which is adjacent to Entokzweni.
In addition to these major projects, TRAC will be partnering with the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison on their Community Policing Forum project which the honourable MEC CG Tshabalala is expected to launch soon. This will include an initial donation of 500 torches for use for law enforcement during anti-crime and road safety operations. TRAC has already donated 1000 blankets to the ELM in celebration of Mandela Day 2019. These blankets were handed to the elderly and the less privileged within the municipal area.