Training for the first phase of the Rustenburg Rapid Transport North West Corridor project.

The rapid transport project is a pioneering infrastructure project of the Rustenburg local municipality for the province that is also committed to local skills development across all phases of its implementation.

The first phase of construction commenced in July 2012 and included two trunk routes on the R104 Swartruggens road from the main Rustenburg taxi rank to the R565 turn-off to Phokeng.

Starting at the rank, the construction is moving north in three sections over a 15-month period.

Since the start of construction, 15 workers have been trained in trades such as brick manhole construction, storm water pipe laying, block paving and kerb laying.

In commending the workers, Rustenburg mayor Mpho Khunou said: “The Rustenburg Rapid Transport is one of the biggest projects to have hit Rustenburg and through this training we are contributing towards the reduction of unemployment in the city.

“We consider training important to the sustainability of the local economy and one of the most important aspects of anyone’s career advancement. Hence we hope that these learners will be afforded further training so that by the end of this project, they will be fully skilled.

“We are seven months into construction work and are delighted that the public will start to see this project in a more physical form,” said Rustenburg Rapid Transport project director, Marks Rapoo.

“It is important that the workforce is recognised for the effort that they are putting into the project.”

For more details go to http://www.iol.co.za