Johanna Drive is a busy road that links The Rest Nature Estate and Curro Nelspruit with Enos Mabuza Drive and has been a source of frustration for motorists for some time.
FEATURE IMAGE: From left: Site manager Samkelo Myoli of YBS Projects in Mbombela, assistant site agent Sizolwethu Nkuvha, community liaison officer Siyabonga Shongwe and Thea Rix.
The project, which will include the rehabilitation of the 2,8km of road between Enos Mabusa Drive and Curro Nelspruit, as well as work on the storm-water system, will cost around R20 million and will take approximately six months to complete.
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Site manager Samkelo Myoli of YBS Projects in Mbombela says that they are waiting for the final project scope before they can start working. The resurfacing will start on the Curro side of the road.
A community liaison officer, Siyabonga Shongwe, has also been appointed to act as intermediary between the community, the City of Mbombela and YBS Projects.
He will also help to facilitate the appointment of workers for the project.
“It is important to appoint people from the local community in a fair and transparent manner,” he says.
He says he will use social media and local WhatsApp groups to advertise vacancies. Local sub-contractors will also be used on the project as far as possible.
Thea Rix, councillor for Ward 15 where the project is located, says that although some traffic delays, lane closures and congestion will occur during the course of the six months, the end-product will be worth the inconvenience.
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“Road users will be kept informed of the progress of the resurfacing and I urge them to remain patient. The improved road will in the end benefit us all,” she says.
