Judging from his work, North West Province MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi, is an official who delivers for the community. He has delivered on a network of newly constructed roads, marking the completion of the first phase of a major infrastructure project. The latest addition to the province's road network is a 32.2-kilometre stretch that links Lokaleng and Mogosane villages within Mmabatho, the provincial capital.
This milestone is celebrated as a fitting gesture during the National Transport Month of October, highlighting the government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and connectivity across the province. The newly tarred road promises smooth driving for motorists and symbolises government's dedication to fostering economic growth and development in the North West.
The completion of 15 kilometres stretch of connecting Lokaleng and Mogosane to Mmabatho represents a significant accomplishment and demonstrates the province's commitment to enhancing the lives of its citizens. These rural communities have long awaited better access to the provincial capital, and the improved road network promises to facilitate more accessible travel, boost commerce, and enhance residents' overall quality of life.
The provincial event, which marked the successful completion of the first phase of this vital project, was attended by numerous government officials, community leaders, and residents. MEC Molapisi expressed his enthusiasm about the project, saying, "Today, we celebrate not just the opening of a road but also the opening of new opportunities for the people of the North West. "This is a testament to our dedication to infrastructure development and ensuring that all citizens have access to essential services and economic opportunities."
The importance of investing in road infrastructure cannot be overstated. Better roads make transportation more efficient and safer and play a vital role in promoting economic growth. The improved connectivity between rural areas and the provincial road in the is expected to boost trade, attract investments, and stimulate economic activity in the region. This development is just one example of the North West Province's commitment to infrastructure development.
Other road projects are underway in different parts of the province, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility. These initiatives reflect the province's vision of becoming a more prosperous and interconnected community. As we celebrate National Transport Month, this achievement serves as a reminder of the vital role that well-maintained and efficient road networks play in the development of any region. The North West Province's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure is a source of pride for its residents and a beacon of progress for the entire nation.
Molapisi added his enthusiasm about the project, saying, "We are excited to celebrate this milestone in conjunction with National Transport Month. It represents our commitment to infrastructure development and ensuring that all citizens have access to essential services and economic opportunities." In this edition, we are running a story around the ongoing rehabilitation of the Nelson Mandela Drive in Mahikeng.
This is a crucial route as it links South Africa and Botswana. It is mainly used by trucks that ferry goods to countries beyond the Ramatlabama border gate via Botswana. It still puzzles one why the R18, which connects with Mandela Drive, still needs a toll gate. This is because one finds it nonsensical that foreign countries' vehicles drive free on our roads, and we have to pay.
That is the same situation in the Free State, where Lesotho nationals travel daily to Bloemfontein without coughing a cent. Motorists in the Free State and North West provinces have for a long time expressed their dissatisfaction over the construction of toll gates within the provinces whereas their counterparts from neighbouring countries only pay for the customs at the border gates.
Typical examples are the Brandfort and Swartruggens respectively. Driving from Mahikeng to Rustenburg, one has to fork out a total of R90 at Swartruggens toll gate. That is the same scenario when one drives from Bloemfontein to Welkom on the Z.R. Mahabane road.
**The views expressed above are of the writer, who wrote in his personal capacity and does not represent Mo Media as a publication, its readers, personnel, advertisers and all other related stakeholders**
