Road projects handed over

As the Johannesburg Roads Agency has completed various capital expenditure projects, it has handed over the new and resurfaced roads to their communities.
NEW roads in Doornkop and Klipspruit, in Soweto were handed over to the joyful community by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) on Wednesday, 26 October.

JRA MD MasekoJRA MD Dudu Maseko tours capital projectsThe roads – officially opened by the member of the mayoral committee for transport, Rehana Moosajee – form part of the JRA’s capital expenditure projects. The projects include the construction of new roads, storm water drainage systems and bridges.

Accompanying Moosajee was the managing director of the JRA, Dudu Maseko, City officials and employees. They visited a number of areas across the city where work on the road infrastructure is ongoing.

One of the projects that impressed Moosajee was the road stabilisation in Klipspruit Extension 2. A large part of the area is water logged, and in stabilising the roads, JRA workers used gravel soil dug from the area and mixed with a special liquid binding agent.

This forms a hard and water resistant tar-like surface that is strong enough to withstand heavy rains and has a life span of up to three years.

Speaking on site, Moosajee urged community members to take ownership of the roads. “These roads do not belong to the JRA, nor do they belong to the councillors; they belong to the community. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that the roads are looked after.”

Refuse
People were urged to refrain from dumping refuse on the roadside. “This is your community and you are the only people who can ensure that your surroundings are clean and loved.”

Equally enthusiastic about community ownership was the local councillor, Zodwa Nxumalo. She said: “We need to educate residents about taking responsibility. This includes reporting those who will be dumping illegally and vandalising roads.”

MMC Rehana Moosajee opens a new road in DoornkopMMC Rehana Moosajee opens a new road in DoornkopIn Doornkop, Moosajee unveiled a R38-million road project. The surfacing of the 9km long gravel began at the beginning of the 2008/9 financial year and was completed in the 2010/11 financial year. It includes installation of 3,8 kilometres of storm water pipes, road markings and sign boards.

“We want to thank you, the community of Doornkop, for allowing work to continue smoothly,” Moosajee said. “The JRA has done its bit; now it is all up to you, the rightful owners of these roads, to ensure that they are well taken care off. When you come across a pothole, it is also your responsibility to report [it].”

Maseko urged JRA employees based at the Dobsonville work station to ensure that the roads were maintained.

The group also visited Alexandra, where they inspected the pedestrian footbridge over Jukskei River. The bridge was destroyed by heavy floods early in the year and residents and schoolchildren are forced to walk through the water.

Bridge
An estimated R4,3-million is needed to rebuild the bridge. Speaking at the site, Maseko confirmed that the money was not yet available. “We are exploring a few options, including declaring it a disaster area, so that the national government can somehow assist us with funding.”

After the inspection, Moosajee said all stakeholders would have to put their heads together to find speedy solutions to ensure that it was fixed as soon as possible.

Eldorado Park was also visited, where Moosajee and Maseko walked along the resurfaced Boundary Road. The road is the main thoroughfare from Kliptown and Eldorado Park.

A collapsed bridge in Alex will soon be fixedA collapsed bridge in Alex will soon be fixedTo conclude the day’s proceedings, they lead the delegates to Soweto, where the JRA’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) graduates were handed certificates. The programme is a national government initiative to reduce unemployment and alleviate poverty by creating jobs coupled with training.

EPWP
More than 200 people received certificates after completing training in various courses.

One of them, Thulani Dube, said: “I took up the opportunity to train in the EPWP because I want to start my own construction company one day. I want to be my own boss.”

Dube, a nurse by profession, but who is unemployed, has dreams of building a successful construction company “I have all the belief that my company will grow and will succeed.”

Some of the courses she completed included kerb laying, road safety, paving blocks, pothole repair, and road markings.
Speaking about emerging contractors, Maseko said the City kept a record of them on a database, for future business opportunities.

“In most instances, the City is the first employer of these emerging contractors. But the thing with emerging contractors is they need mentoring, hand holding and guidance throughout the process,” said Maseko.