Thembisa Shologu
The upgraded K73 Allandale Road in Midrand, Johannesburg, has been completed, meeting both budgetary constraints and designated timelines.
The multi-million-rand road project included the construction of a dual carriageway on the new road segment between Montrose and Allandale Roads, upgrading Woodmead Drive and Allandale Road, and installing a bridge along the route.
The comprehensive upgrades have significantly eased traffic congestion, enhancing the overall flow of traffic and facilitating smoother, more efficient commuting and vehicle mobility in the Midrand area.
During the official opening ceremony on Wednesday, Premier Panyaza Lesufi expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It always pleases me to see projects like these; it warms my heart that we inconvenience people for a limited period, but the enjoyment of utilising the facilities for a more extended period.
Lesufi emphasised the achievement of completing the road within budget and urged continued efforts to improve infrastructure in the province.
“I am excited that this road was done within budget; it is doable. Let us do that so we can to improve infrastructure in our province; this is how we want to reposition Gauteng.”
The premier outlined the government’s commitment to address challenges swiftly and ensure that major roads and infrastructure projects in Gauteng reflect a standard of excellence that citizens can take pride in.
Looking beyond 2024, Lesufi stressed the need for a thorough review of laws and regulations to ensure they support infrastructure development, acknowledging that existing laws were enacted when the government built only one road per year.
“We need to evaluate, to come together to say how best can we improve and ensure that there are no regulations that prohibit or hinder the development of our communities, and therefore even the rules and regulations must be agile to accommodate the changes we are building.
“And to us, that is very important so that we do not create laws that are now absolute or the laws that are irrelevant taking to consideration the period we are in,” he said.
MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, acknowledged the challenges of developing infrastructure in the country and celebrated the project’s success in providing jobs to local communities.
Thirty-four SMME sub-contractors were awarded various tasks such as paving, concrete channels, stormwater pipes, subsoils and ancillary works, plant hire, training, and security, contributing to local employment and skill development.
“This is a significant milestone for us, especially because we were notorious for not finishing our projects on time and within budget. The other most important people are the SMMEs that we always struggle with and how we, as communities in Gauteng, conceptualise the 30% set aside for the local community,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.
Ward 132 Councilor Annette Deppe expressed gratitude to the provincial government for the substantial growth brought to the area, stating, “We are very pleased that the Gauteng Provincial Government put money aside for this road.”
SOURCED FROM THE GPG WEBSITE.
