Matjhabeng Mayor Khalipha Hands Over R29 Million Road Project in Thabong Ward 12

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08-09-2025
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Central News
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Matjhabeng Mayor Khalipha hands over R29 million road project in Thabong Ward 12, as Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha officially delivers the 3 km upgraded road on Thursday, 4 September 2025, funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant and implemented by the local municipality, with construction starting on 6 May 2024 and completing on 21 August 2025, creating 44 local jobs and contracting four SMMEs to boost community upliftment and skills transfer in the Free State region hard-hit by economic challenges from mining decline.

Milestone Handover Boosts Local Infrastructure

The official handover of the 3 km road project in Thabong, Ward 12, marks a key step in Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s drive to improve service delivery for its residents. Led by Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha alongside Members of the Mayoral Committee, the event on Thursday showcased the completed upgrade from gravel to block-paved road, complete with stormwater drainage and curbing. This development not only enhances road safety and accessibility but also tackles longstanding issues like flooding during heavy rains, common in the area’s low-lying spots.

Funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, the project cost over R29 million and reflects the municipality’s commitment to using national allocations for tangible community benefits. Construction began on 6 May 2024, with workers facing typical challenges like weather delays and supply chain hiccups, but wrapped up on 21 August 2025, ahead of the rainy season. The scope focused on sustainable improvements, ensuring the road withstands heavy traffic from local commuters and vehicles serving nearby mines and businesses.

This initiative aligns with Matjhabeng’s Integrated Development Plan, which prioritises infrastructure upgrades in underserved wards like Thabong, home to over 20,000 residents reliant on reliable transport for work, school, and healthcare. Previous media reports have highlighted similar efforts, such as the mayor’s oversight visits to key projects in May 2025, where he inspected progress on roads and stormwater systems to address community complaints about potholes and erosion.

Socio-Economic Benefits for Local Communities

Beyond the physical upgrade, the project delivered important socio-economic gains. A total of 44 local labourers found employment, gaining hands-on experience in construction skills that can lead to future opportunities in the sector. Four local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) were contracted for various tasks, from paving to drainage installation, fostering entrepreneurship and keeping money circulating within the community.

Municipal spokesperson Tshediso Tlali noted: “This development reflects the Municipality’s commitment to enhancing service standards for residents as part of its core mandate of delivering quality services. Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project also created important socio-economic opportunities. A total of 44 local labourers were employed, and four local SMMEs were contracted, contributing to job creation, community upliftment, and skills transfer within the local construction sector.”
In a region like Matjhabeng, hit hard by mining decline and high unemployment rates exceeding 40% in some wards, such projects are vital. They not only create short-term jobs but also build long-term skills, helping residents move away from reliance on dwindling mine work. Similar initiatives, like the upgrading of 3 km paved roads and stormwater in Thabong/Tandanani Ext 22 mentioned in provincial reports, show a consistent focus on Ward 12’s needs.