MAHIKENG MAIL-MAHIKENG: The North West Department of Public Works and Roads temporarily closed the Nelson Mandela Drive due to unforeseen delays in completing the project. The decision followed an oversight visit conducted by the MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, accompanied by the Head of Department, Moses Kgantsi.
The oversight visit uncovered that the initially pronounced date of completion set at December 2023, will unfortunately not be achieved. The cause of delays was the main culvert running underneath the road for storm water drainage which came in as additional work. This has led to slow progress because of the staggered supply of culverts by manufacturers and existing services which require relocations.
In a media statement MEC Molapisi said, “We had taken a posture to allow space for the contractor to work without any obstructions, performing fewer oversight visits as we had initially agreed, only to find out that there seems to be zero commitment to complete the project. The reasons advanced by the contractor for the delay, I cannot accept”.
MEC Molapisi has directed the HOD to closely monitor the project and ensure that the contractor is committed to completing the project.
The road closure was effective from Friday last week between Victoria Road intersection and McDonald food outlet in town and re-opened on morning on Monday, December 11.
Motorists will be diverted to alternative routes in line with the traffic accommodation plan during the three-day closure as follows: Road users will be directed by road signs to use Victoria Road and other alternative routes connecting back through the Mall and Dadford Road; Trucks from Nelson Mandela turn left on Voortrekker (Dada Motors).
Straight up until Quigley Street. Turn right at Quigley until Royal Estates. Pass Royal Estates until Shippard Street (Zeerust Road). Turn right until Nelson Mandela Drive; Arrangements have been made for Traffic Control Officers to be available full-time and throughout the closure; to monitor all signage and ensure road users adhere to safety regulations and speed limits.
The Department wishes to apologise to everyone for any inconvenience caused during this period.
“We urge residents in general and motorists in particular to exercise a little more patience, and allow us to complete the project. The desire to lead the Department towards the construction of quality road infrastructure remains a key priority, but the preservation of life is of outmost importance,” concluded Molapisi.
