Themba bridge upgrade making steady progress

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Progress on the construction of the Thembalethu Bridge in George is steadily gaining momentum, with 31 local labourers actively working on site and about 20% of the work already being completed.

However, the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) on Friday 21 October in a media statement expressed its concern about road safety on the bridge.

"We are concerned not only with regard to pedestrians cutting across the construction site, but overall pedestrian behaviour, particularly for learners of Mzoxolo Primary School situated at the interchange. We will be engaging the school to facilitate a road safety education engagement with the learners," said Petronella Theron, Sanral project manager.

The scope of works on the bridge involves the widening of the 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.

"It is a joint project with the George Municipality and is directly geared to contribute to economic development of the Southern Cape, through local labour and project participation opportunities for small businesses," said Hanekom.

"Notwithstanding challenges of economic inclusion for as many subcontractors as possible, we continue to make strides in breaking down monopolies and prioritising meaningful transformation in the sector."

Bongani Tonisi of Creamillion (Pty) Ltd, a local construction company in George, was one of the subcontractors who successfully tendered and was awarded a package to supply truck tippers to the main contractor. Tonisi attended the information sessions held by Sanral in various communities in George, and fiercely interrogated the processes and opportunities.

Tonisi said he was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the project. "We look forward to seeing what more can be done to pave the way for small contractors to grow and develop."

Second round of tender packages nearing completion

Said Theron, "As the second round of tender packages nears completion, the project liaison committee (PLC) remains ever vigilant and present to ensure fair practices and also to communicate opportunities for project participation to the various communities they represent."

Training

She said capacity development of SMMEs remains high on Sanral's agenda and the agency is aiming to reach 48 000 SMMEs over the next three years through its transformation unit. ACS/Tjeka JV has been appointed to facilitate training with interested and qualifying businesses.

To qualify for the training, applicants need to meet the following criteria: