MAHIKENG MAIL - KRAAIPAN: Ratlou Mayor, Cllr Matlhomola Jafta, was hailed as a true leader by locals when he introduced the contractor and consultants for the construction of a 2.5 km internal access paved road in Ward 8 in Kraaipan last week.
Residents reacted with great appreciation and loud ululation to the news of the new road project which they said was long overdue.
The project is expected to bring much relief to the road infrastructure problems in the village amounting to the tune of R19.1 million and is estimated to last for eight months.
It forms part of the municipality`s 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) project aimed at upgrading municipal internal roads infrastructure to improve mobility across Ratlou.
The Introduction follows a competitive tender process concluded in late 2025 to finally ensure the delivery of a quality infrastructure for the local residents. The road is expected to ease accessibility to local schools and other essential services, which demand the use of roads in the area.
Accompanied by the MMC for Technical Services and Municipal Senior Management, Cllr Jafta asserted: “This project is a lifeline for the economy and mobility of our community. We are not ashamed that this Municipality led by the ANC is here to serve the people. We don’t expect protests as it happens when people need water, roads and electricity.
“This is not the project for certain individuals but for the community. The process of appointment has been fair, transparent and open to everyone. I’ve implemented many projects together with all stakeholders involved without hurdles because we need to restore the dignity of the people we serve,” conceded Jafta.
The mayor urged the project coordinator to rigorously monitor the progress and ensure that the contractor met all the technical specifications and the set timelines.
The scope of the construction entails interlocking pavement bricks, which include rip, and compacting 150mm layer to 85% compacting density and importing G5 material to 150mm layer of sub-base 95% compaction density all specified under Committee of Land and Transport Officers Standard Specifications (COLTO).
The construction of storm water, such as concrete v-drains and cross culverts, road markings and signages were also specified. The community and the local businesses were expected to draw financial spin-offs from the project.
“Sometimes there may be delays. Our people need services and we came up with a plan to construct a road for them. Everyone with interest must identify entities they come from. It’s not automatic that if you know the Municipal Manager, that you will get the contract. I don’t want to hear such stories. The process of appointment must be fair to all,” warned Jafta.
Bokone Plant and Scaffolding and SML Projects were introduced as project contractors and consultants respectively.
