By The road between Tweespruit and Excelsior in the Free State will finally get the much needed upgrade as a new contractor was appointed and given a deadline of July 2026.
The road has been riddled with potholes, making traveling an experience next to hell; as motorists had to slow down, and worry about their tires as well. The bad condition of the road had also diverted traffic to alternative routes, which in turn diverted economic activity from the small towns.
The Free State Provincial Government and the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport launched the R48 million Road Construction Project on Friday, 1 November 2024, the project will create 652 jobs and 22 subcontractors are to benefit from the project.
The launch follows an oversight public infrastructure projects visit by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in September 2024, led by its Leader Ms Mapule Dlhamini, to assess the progress made and challenges confronting the timely delivery of viable public infrastructure to communities.
While on site at the road construction project, it was highlighted that the contractor failed to meet the deadline and has abandoned the project, and he will be replaced and charged a penalty.
Dhlamini told The Business Weekly that in her overall observation from the site visits, the projects are delayed due to mismanagement, non-compliance, and failure to hold person responsible accountable. She said though projects are not completed on time, none of them have been abandoned and the Free State government and the relevant departments are implementing corrective measures to right the situation.
In line with what Dlhamini said, the Free State Provincial Government appointed a new contractor and officially handed over the 41 kilometre project in Mantsopa Municipality last week Friday.
The Free State MEC for Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport Mr Jabu Mbalula said the previous contractor was replaced due to his poor workmanship and failure to meet standards.
“When we undertake road construction projects, there are established rules and regulations, and constructors are well aware of these as they sign contracts with the department. In this case, there was consistent interaction between the project leader and the contractor; who was repeatedly informed of the department’s dissatisfaction.
Despite being given chances to rectify the issues, the contractor failed to meet our expectations. We are constitutionally obligated to prevent government resources from being wasted, and this led us to terminate the contract,” explained the MEC Mbalula.
The bad road has had a negative impact on communities, but with the construction of the road underway, there is a glimmer of hope for communities. The Premier, Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae affirmed community members who came out in their number to attend the launch and hear what the project is bringing for their communities, that the project will have a positive impact on their livelihoods.
She said the new road will improve access for ambulances, public transport and businesses, which will in turn, boost local economy in the small towns.
The municipality has a high unemployment and poverty rate, as such, Letsoha-Mathae urged the contractor to prioritise individuals from farms and vulnerable households, ensuring equitable benefits from the project. She further assured and committed to resolving the housing issue and pledged to return to the area with the MEC for Human Settlement Mr Saki Mkoena to address the matter.
