Picture: The Mandela Drive road in Mahikeng will be closed/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi said, motorists who are using the Mandela Drive in Mahikeng, would have to wait a little bit longer for the completion of the road. Molapisi said his department will temporarily close the busiest road in Mahikeng due to unforeseen delays in completing the project.
He further said the decision follows an oversight visit they conducted recently.
“It has been uncovered that the initially pronounced date of completion set at December 2023, will unfortunately not be achieved. The cause of delays is the main culvert running underneath the road for stormwater drainage, which came in as additional work.
“This has led to slow progress because of the staggered supply of culverts by manufacturers and existing services, which require relocations. We had taken a posture to allow space for the contractor to work without any obstructions, performing fewer oversight visits as we had initially agreed,” said Molapisi.
He added that, unfortunately, they found out that, there seems to be zero commitment to complete the project. Molapisi said the reasons advanced by the contractor for the delay cannot be acceptable.
“In the process, I have directed the Head of Department, Moses Kgantsi to closely monitor the project and ensure that, the contractor is committed to completing the project.
“Due to deep excavations on the roadworks (between McDonald food outlet and Victoria Road) and the hosting of the Annual Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival, the department will close the road temporarily,” he said.
Molapisi said the road closure will take place effectively on 8 December between the Victoria Road intersection and the McDonald food outlet in town. He said the road will then be re-opened in the morning of Monday, 11 December 2023.
“The motorists will be diverted to alternative routes in line with the traffic accommodation plan during the three-day closure. Road users will be directed by road signs to use Victoria Road and other alternative routes connecting back through the Mall and Dadford Road.
“Trucks from Nelson Mandela turn left on Voortrekker (Dada Motors), straight up until Quigley Street, and turn right at Quigley until Royal Estates. Pass Royal Estates until Shippard Street (Zeerust Road),” said Molapisi.
He said motorists would then turn right until Nelson Mandela Drive. Molapisi said the arrangements have been made for Traffic Control Officers to be available full-time and throughout the closure to monitor all signage and ensure road users adhere to safety regulations and speed limits.
He said the department wishes to apologise to everyone for any inconvenience caused during this period.
“We urge residents in general and motorists in particular to exercise a little more patience and allow us to complete the project.
“The desire to lead the department towards the construction of quality road infrastructure remains a key priority, but the preservation of life is of utmost importance,” concluded Molapisi.
The Guardian 