THEMBALETHU BRIDGE UPGRADE MAKING STEADY PROGRESS
Issued on behalf of SANRAL
Western Cape, 21 October 2022 – Progress on the construction of the Thembalethu Bridge in George is steadily gaining momentum, with 31 local labourers actively working on site and around 20% of the work already being completed.
The scope of works involves the widening of the Thembalethu Bridge across the N2 from a single carriageway to accommodate two lanes in each direction, with additional turning lanes as well as extra space for pedestrians and cyclists.
This is a joint project with the George Municipality and is directly geared to contribute to economic development of the Southern Cape, through local labour and project participation opportunities for small businesses.
“We are however concerned about road safety, not only with regard to pedestrians cutting across the construction site, but overall pedestrian behaviour, particularly for learners of Mzoxolo Primary School situated at the interchange. We will be engaging the school to facilitate a road safety education engagement with the learners,” said Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Manager.
“Notwithstanding challenges of economic inclusion for as many subcontractors as possible, we continue to make strides in breaking down monopolies and prioritising meaningful transformation in the sector,“ said Theron
Bongani Tonisi of Creamillion (Pty) Ltd, a local construction company in George, who attended the information sessions that were held in various communities in George, and fiercely interrogated the processes and opportunities, was one of the subcontractors who successfully tendered and was awarded a package to supply truck tippers to the main contractor. “We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this project, and we look forward to seeing what more can be done to pave the way for small contractors to grow and develop,” said Tonisi.
As the second round of tender packages nears completion, the Project Liaison Committee (PLC) remains ever vigilant and present, to ensure fair practices and also to communicate opportunities for project participation to the various communities they represent.
Capacity development of SMMEs remain high on the agenda and through its Transformation Unit, SANRAL is determined to reach 48 000 SMMEs over the next three years. ACS/Tjeka JV has been appointed to facilitate training with interested and qualifying businesses.
To qualify for the training, applicants need to meet the following criteria:
• Be a registered company;
• Have a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grading of 1-4CE;
• Be tax compliant;
• Must be 50% black-owned and
• Registered on the central supplier database (CSD)
Trainees will undergo 15 days of intensive tutoring, followed by assessments. They will receive CETA-approved certificates. Business owners will also be able to nominate an employee to attend.
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Issued on behalf of SANRAL by FTI Consulting.