Thursday, March 07, 2024

An investment of R6,98 billion in roads infrastructure was made over the last five (5) years. This allocation was utilised to upgrade roads from gravel to surface, expansion of existing roads, re-gravelling of certain roads, restoration of roads damaged by force majeure across the province. As a result of the improvements to the road infrastructure, communities have better access to services including health care facilities, schools and shopping centres. An additional allocation of R70 million is made to Public Works and Roads for resealing and pothole patching including the re-establishment of Asphalt Material Factory in all four districts of our province. This funding is to supplement the R1.567 billion allocation for Provincial Road Maintenance Grant (PRMG) to make provision for resurfacing, patching and pothole repairs. Included in the allocation for PRMG is an additional...[Read more]

Wednesday, January 21, 2024

Despite the improved global outlook for 2024, South Africa’s near-term growth remains hamstrung by lower commodity prices and structural constraints. We estimate real GDP growth of 0.6 per cent in 2023. This is down from 0.8 per cent growth estimated during the 2023 MTBPS. The revision is due to weaker-than-expected outcomes in the third quarter of 2023, particularly in household consumption and fixed investment. Between 2024 and 2026, growth is projected to average 1.6 per cent. The growth outlook is supported by the expected easing of power cuts as new energy projects begin production, and as lower inflation supports household consumption and credit extension. But, there are also risks to the domestic outlook. These include persistent constraints in electricity supply, freight rail and ports; and a high sovereign credit risk...[Read more]

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Since 2019 to date, we have completed seventy-seven road projects to the total value of just over two billion rands. These roads cut across four districts of the province, and they form a larger part of our road network of over 19 000 km. We have connected rural communities with the province’s main towns and economic hubs in Lokaleng in Mahikeng, Kgomo-Kgomo in Moretele and Manokwane in Taung. During the 2023/24 financial year, twenty-five maintenance projects across the four districts were implemented as part of the Routine Road Maintenance strategy, with a budget of two hundred and fifty-six million rand (R256m). The rehabilitation and widening of the Phelindaba to Pecanwood road is progressing well and due for completion in December 2026. The Hartbeesfontein to Ottosdal road is envisioned to be completed ahead of schedule in June this year. We apologise for the delays in the construction of Nelson Mandela Drive in Mahikeng...[Read more]

Thursday, January 18, 2024

The story of the first 30 years of our democracy can be best told through the life of a child called Tintswalo born at the dawn of freedom in 1994. Tintswalo – democracy’s child – grew up in a society that was worlds apart from the South Africa of her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. She grew up in a society governed by a constitution rooted in equality, the rule of law, and affirmation of the inherent dignity of every citizen. Tintswalo, and many others born at the same time as her, were beneficiaries of the first policies of the democratic state to provide free health care for pregnant women and children under the age of six. Tintswalo’s formative years were spent in a house provided by the state, one of millions of houses built to shelter the poor. Tintswalo grew up in a household provided with basic water and electricity, in a house where her parents were likely to have lived without electricity before 1994. Tintswalo was enrolled in a school in which her parents did not have to pay school fees, and each school day she received a nutritious meal...[Read more]

Thursday, January 18, 2024

MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi condemns with the strongest possible terms the ongoing violent protest at the Department's Head Office in Mahikeng. It is believed that a protest action organized by certain individuals follows an announcement to kick-start the Routine Roads Maintenance Project. Protesters are causing havoc by burning tyres in front of the main entrance and alternative gates; prohibiting officials' access to the premises, and affecting day-to-day work and service delivery. According to MEC Molapisi, "Ongoing protests is as a result of misinformation spread by individuals, hellbent on discrediting the Department and its leadership". The department recently issued a statement announcing the resumption of Routine Road Maintenance project after delays caused by administrative-related issues. It must be indicated that the department held a meeting with the same group of protesters to clarify issues around the project. It is mysterious that protesters have decided to embark on a protest action before the date...[Read more]

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

North West Department of Public Works and Roads resumes the Routine Road Maintenance Project. The project implemented under the Departments’ Vuk’phile Contractor Development Programme suffered delays due to administrative-related issues as communicated last week.Addressing participants of the Vuk’phile Contractor Development Programme, MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi emphasised the importance of successfully exiting (57) participants in line with the agreed-upon exit plan; bringing to closure all outstanding issues relating to the programme and ensuring that this project is labour intensive.MEC Molapisi believes “The Department has come a long way to develop an exit plan for the current contractors. Successful implementation of the ‘exit plan’ will allow a new intake of one hundred and sixty (160) contractors before the end of the 2023/2024 financial year. Routine Roads Maintenance projects to be undertaken by Vuk’phile Contractor Development participants include drainage maintenance, roadside maintenance...[Read more]