Construction works to upgrade the N2 section from KwaBhaca to the Ngcweleni river have begun, the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) reports.

The project will include rehabilitation of the existing carriageway pavement structure for sections 19 and 20 of the N2 and widening of the existing road cross section for the introduction of climbing lanes.

Further, the scope of works includes construction of one new bridge and three new major culverts and the widening of five bridges and four major culverts.

The project also involves construction of a pedestrian bridge at Phakade, the upgrading of intersections to include sheltered right-turning lanes and left-turning lanes, and adequate stacking distances based on the traffic impact study conducted to achieve the required level of service, as well as construction of pedestrian walkways, and construction of community service roads, Sanral says.

The anticipated benefits of the road upgrade include enhanced road safety, reduced traffic congestion, and improved pedestrian safety, while considerable socioeconomic impact can be expected through job creation, skills development and a cash injection to the local economy, says Sanral southern region manager Mbulelo Peterson.

The 45-month upgrade project starts in KwaBhaca and ends at the Ngcweleni river bridge, near EmaXesibeni, and stretches across the Umzimvubu local municipality and Ntabankulu local municipality, which are within the Alfred Nzo district municipality.

“More than 75 small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) will be subcontracted on this contract, and around 600 job opportunities will be created. A minimum of 30% of the contract value will be subcontracted to SMMEs.

“We have also made provision for training to be given to SMMEs on this project, the modules of which include site administration procedures, contract documentation, and tendering for construction projects. This training is intended to capacitate the SMMEs and to contribute to their development to be sustainable beyond the Sanral project,” Peterson points out.

The contract was awarded to Rumdel Construction Cape in February.

SMMEs subcontracted on the project will be handling civil works, fencing, the supply of goods and security.

Security services SMME Okonke Security has been subcontracted to oversee security on the project. The company has employed 12 security guards on the project.

“I am grateful for the opportunity brought by this Sanral project to our community and to us as SMMEs. Through this opportunity, we are able to feed 12 families and will be creating around 100 job opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

“This is a great opportunity for growth for our young company that was established in 2016. Working on this contract will lift our company profile and open more doors in future,” said Okonke Security owner Siphiwo Sandla.