The residents of Sekhukhune District, particularly those commuting daily between Burgersfort, Steelpoort, Groblersdal, Malekana, Jane Furse, and surrounding areas, are set to experience improved travel conditions with the imminent completion of a new bridge that has transformed the local landscape.
The massive road infrastructure project, located in Ga-Malekane village under the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality, is nearing completion. The bridge, now at 80% completion, is expected to be finalised by March 2025.
Today, the MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure, Mr Ernest Rachoene, conducted a walkabout at the construction site to assess progress. “We are pleased with the contractor’s work and humbled by the uncompromised quality we see here,” said MEC Rachoene.
The R117 million project is a result of a strategic partnership between the Department, through Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), and eight mines operating in the area.
The new double-lane bridge, constructed adjacent to the historic single-lane steel bridge from 1914, is situated on the road D2219, which links to the R555 T-junction. It is a much-needed upgrade that promises improved driving conditions and enhanced safety for motorists. The old steel bridge, a local heritage site, will be refurbished and repurposed exclusively for pedestrian use.
The new bridge will also feature special horn-shaped designs, adding an aesthetic element to the area’s landscape.
While assessing the D2219 road, a 33.83 km stretch leading to the bridge, the MEC acknowledged its deteriorated state following heavy rainfall in the province. He assured residents that the road would be prioritised in the upcoming financial year and rehabilitated in phases once the budget is approved. In the interim, the #DikgerekgereWednesday service delivery programme will be deployed to make the road more drivable.
The MEC also appealed to communities to refrain from damaging roads during protests. “One of the major contributors to the poor state of this road is the burning of tyres during service delivery protests. Such actions accelerate road damage and are unacceptable,” he said.
Kgosi Malekane expressed gratitude for the MEC’s visit and commitment to the area. “We are pleased with the MEC’s visit and the assurances he has made towards improving the road infrastructure,” he said.
The event was attended by representatives of the Mayor of Fetakgomo-Tubatse Municipality, Mayor Cllr Maboa Maleka; Sekhukhune District Executive Mayor’s representative, Cllr Mafefe; Kgosi Malekane and his
Traditional Council; RAL Interim Accounting Authority Mr Moses Tseli; Acting Head of Department Mr Daddy Phukuntsi; other government officials; and community members.
