GEORGE NEWS - The upgrade of the Thembalethu Bridge in George will unlock millions for small and medium businesses in the Southern Cape. More welcome news is the relief residents will experience when their daily trips to school and work don’t involve being stuck in a congested bottleneck during peak traffic.
The Thembalethu Bridge across the N2 will be widened from a single carriageway to accommodate two lanes in each direction, with additional turning lanes as well as extra space for pedestrians and cyclists.
This project is a collaborative venture between Sanral (the agent) and George Municipality, with the Department of Transport having provided over R82-million towards the funding of the project.
The total construction period is between 24 and 30 months, which should create project participation opportunities for SMMEs as well as jobs for the local community.
"A new bridge will be constructed on the western side," said Petronella Theron, Sanral project manager. "Once completed, the existing bridge will be raised and stitched to the new bridge, to ensure that the upgraded structure complies with the minimum bridge clearance of 5,2 metres."
Detailed design works are currently being finalised and the tender for a contractor will be out by June 2021. Taking the procurement processes into account, the contractor should be appointed by November this year.
Opportunities
All Sanral projects are guided by a 14-point plan that sets the tone for project liaison, sub-contracting and labour sourcing, as well as a commitment to its transformation policy that seeks to prioritise economic empowerment of black businesses in South Africa.
"With 30% of the project value being committed to targeted enterprises for subcontracting, there are huge opportunities for start-ups and emerging SMMEs to benefit from project participation," said Thembinkosi Mosobela, Sanral stakeholder coordinator in the Western Region.
A process of engagement with relevant stakeholders is already underway and Sanral, together with George Municipality, will explore opportunities to provide training and development of SMMEs in the road construction sector, to ensure that they are equipped and ready to tender for work packages that become available on this project.
"These information-sharing and training sessions are of cardinal importance to ensure we broaden the scope of economic opportunities to businesses in the surrounding communities," said Mosobela.
"Our transformation objectives are particularly aligned to facilitate participation of persons with disabilities, women-owned business as well as youth-owned operations."
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