Caption: MEC Thomo outlining the roads infrastructure ambitions by the province
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A productive engagement to explore potential collaborations on provincial road rehabilitation, maintenance, and upgrading, was held between leading mining houses and a delegation from Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWR&T), led by MEC Thulasizwe Thomo, in Johannesburg(Gauteng).
According to a statement issued by the Department, the engagement aimed to yield a clear roadmap for short-term and long-term interventions on maintaining road infrastructure in the province.
The Department said the substantial weight and frequency of heavy haulage traffic on provincial roads caused by transportation of coal and other mineral resources to power stations and harbours, pose considerable challenges to road infrastructure, thus the meeting was held to initiate a collaborative effort with mining houses to maintain, rehabilitate and upgrade provincial roads, as both parties have a shared interest.
“ The meeting highlighted the crucial need for maintaining heavy haul corridors and the establishment of cluster committees to tackle associated challenges in heavy haul corridors and develop effective solutions.
“ Building on this momentum, we will continue and expand this engagement to a broader forum, to facilitate for more comprehensive interventions on the heavy haul corridors throughout the province,” said the DPWR&T.
The Department has cited the upcoming rehabilitation of P171/1(R577), which is a critical 18.7 km tourism route from Mashishing to Rossenekal, marks the beginning of a promising partnership with the mining sector.
“ The partnership on this project demonstrates our commitment to engaging the private sector to contribute in infrastructure development and the creation of a more efficient provincial road network.
“ The goal of this engagement was to promote collaborative action towards responsible and sustainable mining practices that balance economic growth and social responsibility, ensuring long-term preservation and maintenance of our provincial road network,” said the DPWR&T.
