Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, accompanied by senior managers, led an oversight visit to the K69 Road upgrade project in Mamelodi, on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
The purpose of the visit was to gauge the ongoing progress on this major road infrastructure project, which is a key component of the Gauteng Government’s vision to provide quality road networks throughout the province.
The Department’s Head of Communications, Ms Melitah Madiba, said the K69 Road upgrade, now in its final stage, involved transforming the route from a single-carriageway to a dual-carriageway, thereby improving its capacity and safety. The scope of work included constructing and rehabilitating four road-over-rail bridges, one road-over-river bridge on the Pienaars River, installing 16 km of asphalt walkways and cycle lanes, upgrading road markings and traffic signals, and rehabilitating as well as widening the existing carriageway.
Speaking at the event, MEC Diale-Tlabela expressed the provincial government’s pride in the progress made and the opportunities created through this project. She indicated that the new, improved road had significant employment and benefits for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the short term and would stimulate socio-economic development in the area over the long term.
“We stand here today full of unbridled joy because of the progress we are witnessing on this road. This upgrade will not only improve connection networks but will also play a significant role in lessening traffic congestion and promoting road safety,” said the MEC.
The MEC also highlighted the project’s socio-economic impact, noting that local communities had benefited significantly through job opportunities, contracts to supply materials, and the training of local labourers. She added that the Department ensured that procurement processes favoured and benefited local SMMEs, with 93 such enterprises awarded work opportunities to date.
MEC Diale-Tlabela also expressed gratitude to the interfaith communities for their participation and assistance towards the completion of this project.
The MEC said the road upgrade, spanning approximately 9 km, is almost 98% complete, beginning at Road R104 and extending northwards to the K54 (Tsamaya Road) intersection. “This project is a testament to the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to sustainable and smart mobility, as well as providing economic prosperity in the region.
“Thank you to all those who contributed to this transformational project. To all those involved in the process, we appreciate your support and encourage you to continue to collaborate with us in creating a future where secure and efficient transport networks greatly benefit communities and promote the growth of Gauteng in a meaningful way,” the MEC concluded.
