A R128 million roads rehabilitation and sinkhole repair project at the intersection of the N14/R500, some 20 kilometres outside Merafong/Carletonville has seen good progress since starting in January this year.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, has hailed the rehabilitation of the N14/R500 as a crucial trade link to the North West province and other countries in Southern Africa.
On Tuesday, MEC Vadi went on a site inspection of the R128 million roads rehabilitation and sinkhole repair project at the intersection of the N14/ R500, between Krugersdorp and Ventersdorp. He indicated that the N14 is the main link between the West Rand and the North West Province and carries high volumes of traffic.
“Motorists would benefit from the upgraded road as they would travel a shorter distance using a road,” said Vadi.
Upon inspection Vadi said that he was “satisfied with progress made on the project” as the sinkholes have been repaired and the road rehabilitation work has commenced. He added that the “quality of work done to date is deemed to be acceptable”.
Four years ago three sinkholes collapsed alongside the N14/R500. The sinkholes were so close to the road that the road was closed for public use. At that stage, this road was located in the North West Province. With the change in provincial boundaries and the re-inclusion of Merafong/ Carletonville into Gauteng, the road was brought under the jurisdiction of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.
The total rehabilitation project, which aims to repair the sinkholes and rehabilitate 14 kilometres of road along the route, was awarded to KPMM/Globul/Civilcon JV. The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has been appointed as the implementing agent by the department.
Construction on the road relating to the crushed stone base, asphalt surfacing and road signage and markings commenced in January and the entire project is expected to be completed by July 2013.
To date, the contractor has employed 40 workers from the local community and 24 additional workers are currently being trained to work on the road surface.
