GEORGE NEWS - Mzoxolo Primary in Lawaaikamp was a hive of activity when the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) hosted a road safety activation at the school.

Eyes widened and jaws dropped as huge construction vehicles and several mechanical "monsters" rolled onto the school grounds.

Fascinated by the sheer size of vehicles and machinery used in the building of roads and bridges, learners were educated on the dangers that lurk around construction sites and the perils of playing around heavy vehicles.

The Sanral team's message was bolstered by the presence of Danny Cat from the George Traffic Department, who makes regular visits to local schools to promote road safety. Said the department's Eddie Felix, 

"The message was clear today, and hopefully these kids will take home what they have learnt to their parents".

Petronella Theron, Sanral project manager, said road safety is an important priority for the agency.

"Sanral is currently engaged in the widening of the Thembalethu bridge across the N2 from a single carriageway to accommodate two lanes in each direction, with additional turning lanes, as well as extra space for pedestrians and cyclists. Mzoxolo Primary is situated very close to the bridge and young learners cutting across the construction site to get to school has teachers gravely worried for their safety."

Other pedestrian activity across the site has also been reported, heightening fears that locals were endangering themselves by using an active construction site as a thoroughfare.

Danny Cat does his pedestrian safety demonstration at Mzoxolo Primary School.

Bekithemba Lugayeni, deputy principal of Mzoxolo Primary, said learners are taught road safety at school, but the reality of the situation does not always hit home. "We have a system at school where the prefects help get learners safely across the road outside the school, but not across the bridge. If only we could get an after-school programme going, then kids could do their homework in a safe environment until parents get them on their way home from work."

Sanral also took its safety and awareness drive to the community of Thembalethu at the local mall the following day, aiming to reach as many people who traverse the bridge as possible.

The community is also kept abreast of progress via the agency's social media pages and regular communication to the media.

Theron said in addition to the widening of the Thembalethu bridge across the N2, a new bridge will be constructed on the western side. 

"Once complete, the existing bridge will be raised and stitched to the new bridge to ensure that the upgraded structure complies with the maximum bridge clearance of 5,2m."

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