The upgrade of the Thembalethu Bridge in George in partnership with George Municipality holds significant economic benefits for the Southern Cape and local SMMEs.
Residents will experience great relief when their daily trips to school and work do not involve being stuck in a congested bottleneck during peak traffic. 30% of the project value has been committed to targeting enterprises for subcontracting so, the opportunities for start-up and emerging SMMEs to benefit from the project participation is huge.
Once complete, 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 5.2m. The total construction period is between 24 and 30 months, which should create project participation opportunities for SMMEs as well as both direct and indirect jobs for the local community.
This project is a collaborative venture between SANRAL (the agent) and George Municipality, with the Department of Transport.
The scope of works involves the widening of the Thembalethu 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.
A new bridge will be constructed on the western side. Once completed, the existing bridge will be raised and joined to the new one.
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 the George Local Municipality will explore opportunities to provide training and development of SMMEs in the road construction sector, to ensure that they are equipped, capacitated and ready to tender for work packages that become available on this project.
