By Thulane Madalane
Morebeng:Limpopo’s Premier, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, has taken decisive steps to ensure the completion of the much-anticipated road project connecting Morebeng to Wholesale Sekgosese. This initiative involves roads D15, D3150, and D3232 and has faced significant delays that have hampered local economic activities and hindered daily commutes for the residents of the Mopani District.
During a thorough site inspection today, Premier Ramathuba, alongside key officials including MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure Mr. Ernest Rachoene, RAL Board Chairperson Mr. Moses Tseli, and Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Makhitha Chesane, expressed her frustration over the status of the project.
“This 32.5-kilometer stretch of road is vital for the community,” Premier Ramathuba stated, emphasizing the essential role it plays in facilitating economic activities and daily movement for the locals. She described the continued delays as “unjustifiable” and called for immediate measures to push the project towards completion.
The Premier has set a four-week timeline for Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) to resolve any outstanding issues, including the appointment of a contractor to finish the remaining two bridges and approximately 3.5 kilometers of roadway. She highlighted the urgency of the situation, insisting that RAL must prioritize the resolution of disputes with contractors to avoid further postponements.
In her directive, Premier Ramathuba noted, “We have agreed with the executives of Road Agency Limpopo and the shareholder representative that they must finalize whatever disputes they have with the appointed contractors within the next four weeks. This process must run concurrently with efforts to identify a credible contractor who not only has a good track record but also possesses a passion for infrastructure development.”
The Premier further remarked on the responsibility of contractors, stating, “Our contractors need to understand that public infrastructure is not only about profit; it is also about delivering a service to the community.”
The site visit saw active participation from local government officials and traditional authority leaders, including Acting Executive Mayor of the Mopani District Municipality, Cllr Masilo Maloko, and Mayor of Greater Letaba Local Municipality, Cllr Dagma Mamanyoha, reflecting a united front in support of this essential infrastructure project.
With RAL pledging to closely monitor the project’s progress once work resumes, the community holds hope that this vital road will soon be completed, enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth in the region.
