The Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport has identified 14 places in need of bridges to allow for better movement of vehicles and people.
MEC MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae told OFM News it’s a partnership, called the Welisizwe Rural Bridge Programme, between her department, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and the SANDF. The project will start in Mangaung with the construction of three bridges costing R23,334,610:
- Turflaagte – Caleb Motshabi. Pedestrian bridge for R6,531,443
- Turflaagte. Pedestrian bridge for R5,756,117
- Turflaagte L – Phase 6. Vehicular bridge for R11,047,050
There will be no tender advertised for any of the 14 bridges as this is a partnership with other departments. The SANDF, among others, will provide a team of engineers.
The construction of all bridges will create job opportunities, as 40 local people will be employed for each, mostly women, followed by youth, men and disabled persons.
This is a partnership between the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and the South African National Defence Force.
Letsoha-Mathae recently met with Mangaung Metro Mayor Gregory Nthathisi and Mayco members to discuss the implementation of the project. The deadline for the bridges is three months after commencement.
The Welisizwe Rural Bridge Programme was announced in late October by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala. R3.3 billion has been made available to construct 134 Welisizwe bridges in six provinces over the next three years, i.e. Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West.
In his speech, he said, “The sight of school children crossing swelling and dangerous rivers because of a lack of bridges in the country’s rural areas will soon be a thing of the past”. Welisizwe bridges will allow access to health facilities, schools and economic amenities.
The Welisizwe Rural Bridge Programme was announced in October by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala.
The Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport has employed more than 2,000 people, mostly women and the youth, through their road infrastructure project.
