Carletonville – Residents of Merafong in the West Rand are already celebrating government’s efforts aimed at improving their living conditions for the better ahead of next year’s celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane today officially unveiled the rehabilitated P28/1 (N14) road, which is 20km outside Carletonville.
The road was closed to motorists for more than five years due to three major sinkholes that had appeared in close proximity to the road.
Local resident Edwin Mothibi could not hide his excitement during the unveiling of the R140-million project.
“Yes, I am not one of those who were employed on this project, but today I am proud to see this road repaired.
“The completion of this project will drastically reduce the travelling distance from Carletonville and the surroundings areas such as Randfontein and Krugersdorp. As residents, we need to celebrate the completion of this project.”
His friend Johannes Mampuru, who is one of the locals who were employed at the project, said: “Apart from acquiring skills, I am proud to have worked on this project that is going to make a huge difference in the lives of people in my area.”
Speaking at the unveiling, Mokonyane said the completion of the project was about pushing forward the growth of the economy and the prosperity of South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The road doesn’t only link Gauteng and the North West province, but it is also a gateway to Botswana.
In a light moment, Premier Mokonyane said: “Now the road is smooth. Motorists are no longer going to … zigzag navigating the road infrastructure and the sinkholes.
“From today, we are saying, once we see motorists driving in a zigzag on this road, we will know that they are drunk.”
Mokonyane said the 184 locals, who received training in various work related activities, are still going to benefit when government initiates other projects in the area.
20th year of freedom and democracy
“Many times where government does well, nobody says a word. Many times when we trip in the cause of serving our people, we are condemned. So it is time that together we tell our story; we tell the story of the good, of the bad and together, we shape our future.
“This is one of the achievements that we will celebrate next year when we mark the 20th year of freedom and democracy in our country.
“Let’s work together, as none of us is perfect and where we are supposed to celebrate, let’s celebrate. Let’s go and tell the story that once upon a time, there was a sinkhole. The government came, invested money, created jobs, transferred skills, broadened the empowerment and now our economy is growing. More decent jobs can be created,” she said.
South Africa will celebrate its historic 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy next year.
The Gauteng Roads and Transport Department inherited the road from the North West Province in 2008 when the provincial boundaries were shifted. - SAnews.gov.za
