Satisfactory progress made with Ga- Malekane steel bridge project

Tags

---

06-05-2024
Read : 95 times
Lowvelder
Source

RAL said the pace of construction of the bridge is impressive. This project is 45% completed.

The Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) is making significant progress with the steel bridge project.

This collaborative effort with eight mining companies in Sekhukhune has reached 45% completion stage.

The project officially began on June 4, 2023, following the sod-turning ceremony of the steel bridge over the Steelpoort River at Ga-Malekane on February 21, 2023.

The RAL and the mining companies are jointly constructing the new steel bridge on the D2219 and rehabilitating the old single-lane one.

The Limpopo MEC for public works, roads and infrastructure, Nkakareng Rakgoale, who spearheaded the sod-turning ceremony last year, said it has been a long process of negotiations since the start of discussions with the mining companies.

“As government, we are excited about the collaboration that has now come to fruition.

“We call upon all our stakeholders to co-operate, because should this implementation be delayed, there will be a need for additional funding, which might end up stalling the project,” she said during the sod-turning ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of the eight mining partners, Conroy van der Westhuizen said the collaborative effort is part of heeding the call made by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy for a major infrastructure development in Limpopo, especially in Sekhukhune.

He said the bridge plays a pivotal role through facilitation of access of the community during funerals and weddings, and for travelling to and from work and business opportunities.

“We will construct this bridge to make travelling possible, to improve the local economic development and enable children to go to school with ease.”

On Monday April 29, RAL’s spokesperson, Danny Legodi, said: “Accelerated construction is expected now that the team on-site has successfully navigated past the water of the river flowing beneath the bridge.”

He said the pace of construction of the bridge is impressive.

RAL’s chairperson, Matome Ralebipi, said service delivery is not a prerogative of government alone. “We need the private sector to contribute in this regard.”

He said the mines’ partnership is highly appreciated as it will go a long way to uplift the Sekhukhune District’s economy.

The old steel bridge has been a landmark for the people of Ga-Malekane and is currently 99 years old. The recent evaluations of the bridge’s structural integrity found it would remain strong for at least the next nine years.

The eight mines that contributed R127m to the steel bridge project are Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine, Rakhoma Mining Resources, Glencore, Rustenburg Platinum, Samancor Chrome Mine, Booysendal Platinum, Tjate Platinum and Two Rivers Platinum.