Pampoennek Road to decongest NW – Gauteng traffic
Brits – Transport minister Fikile Mbalula said the country’s national road network is an important catalyst for unlocking economic activities on the platinum highway between Gauteng and North West provinces, as well as between South Africa and neighbouring countries.
He was speaking at the official opening of the R512 Pampoennek road in the North West Province. The opening of the road means that motorists will enjoy a free flow of traffic and there will be a better link to the North West from Gauteng, also ensuring that long-distance movements do not interfere with local traffic.
“This road gives expression to the notion that transport is the heartbeat of the South African economy, playing an integral part of the country’s economic growth,” said Mbalula.
As part of its ongoing distinct mandate to finance, improve, manage and maintain the national road network – often referred to as the country’s “economic arteries” – the Pampoennek road demonstrates the South African National Road Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) commitment in investing in road infrastructure; a commitment that is aimed at addressing the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality as well as making roads an impetus to growing the local economy.
Built at a cost of R377 million, the road stretches from the R512 to the west of the Hartbeespoort Dam through Pampoennek, connecting easily to the N4.
SANRAL chief executive officer (CEO) Skhumbuzo Macozoma echoed similar sentiments. He said the completion of the project demonstrated SANRAL’s ongoing commitment to improving the socio-economic conditions of the people that live around it. “This project demonstrates that it is possible to transform the construction industry through road infrastructure projects and to also have effective community participation in government projects. All of this finds expression in our long-term horizon 2030 strategy, which enables and ensures that local community members and SMMEs benefit from our projects,” he said.
SANRAL press release extracts, 3 September 2020