R231m road upgrade set to transform eMbalenhle-Secunda route

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18-08-2026
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Ridge Times
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Construction is scheduled to commence on October 18, with completion expected on May 18, 2028.

The long-awaited rehabilitation and upgrading of Road P216/1 linking eMbalenhle and Secunda has officially begun, with the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport committing more than R231m to the first phase of the major infrastructure project.

Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, and Govan Mbeki Municipality Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, announced the commencement of the project during the official introduction of the appointed contractor and sod-turning ceremony held on August 14.

The project is expected to improve road safety and mobility while supporting economic activity and restoring a critical transport link used daily by residents, workers, businesses, school transport operators and commuters.

Zuma highlighted the historical and socio-economic importance of the road to communities in eMbalenhle and Secunda, saying its deteriorating condition had increasingly affected residents and other road users.

He said increasing traffic volumes had also exceeded the road’s existing capacity and standard.

The Govan Mbeki Municipality Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, and Thulasizwe Thomo, Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC, led the rehabilitation and upgrading of Road P216/1 linking eMbalenhle and Secunda. Photo: Mphikeleleli Masangu

“This history is very important to us because we are honouring and remembering the lives of those people who were lost on this road,” said Zuma.

According to Zuma, the rehabilitation is about more than fixing a deteriorating road, as it will also help restore the dignity of communities and enable residents and businesses to participate more effectively in the local and national economy.

Zuma said Govan Mbeki Municipality had, for several years, engaged both the provincial and national spheres of government regarding the need to upgrade the route.

Thomo said the full rehabilitation of the road would require an investment approaching R1b. At the same time, the provincial department has an overall road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance budget of about R2.6b for Mpumalanga.

He said the project would therefore be implemented in phases to ensure that available resources are distributed equitably across the province.

“The first phase covers approximately 6.1 kilometres and has been awarded at a contract value of more than R231m,” said Thomo.

The first phase will include the rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing road structure, including asphalt surfacing, pavement layers, drainage infrastructure, culverts, roadworks and related improvements.

Thomo said the upgraded route would ultimately accommodate traffic in both directions as part of the broader development.

The project is also expected to create at least 100 employment opportunities, while local small and emerging businesses are expected to benefit from project-related opportunities.

Thomo called on community members, local businesses and other stakeholders to take ownership of the project and cooperate with the contractor and government authorities to ensure its successful and timely completion.

[five people with reflector jackets, hard hats shovel gravel]
Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC, Thulasizwe Thomo, leading the SOD turning for upgrading of Road P216/1 linking eMbalenhle and Secunda. Photo: Mphikeleleli Masangu

He also issued a strong warning against extortion, intimidation and so-called construction mafias interfering with the project.

“This major infrastructure project would receive appropriate law-enforcement attention and all project-related activities must be conducted within the prescripts of the law. We request that this project not be politicised.

“This is a government project that must serve all citizens of South Africa, irrespective of their political affiliation,” said Thomo.

The department also urged the appointed resident engineers and contractor to maintain high standards of professionalism, accountability and performance. Thomo warned that delays, poor artistry and failures to report challenges timeously would not be tolerated.

Ronny Masia, Chief Director for Transport Infrastructure within the department, provided an overview of the project and confirmed that the first phase would cover approximately 6.1 kilometres from the eMbalenhle side towards Secunda.

Masia said construction is scheduled to commence on October 18, with completion expected on May 18, 2028.