/ 23 April 2008

R640m allocated to upgrade Gauteng’s roads

Gauteng has allocated more than R640-million for the upgrading and development of roads in terms of the ''Twenty Prioritised Townships Programme'' since 2006. The provincial government said on Wednesday the programme seeks to ensure the tarring of all roads in historically disadvantaged areas

Gauteng has allocated more than R640-million for the upgrading and development of roads in terms of the ”Twenty Prioritised Townships Programme” since 2006.

The provincial government said on Wednesday the programme seeks to ensure the tarring of all roads in historically disadvantaged areas to improve living conditions and ensure better access to services.

”The roads programme is expected to be completed by the end of 2009,” it said.

The programme was initiated as part of the provincial government’s commitment at the 2006 opening of the provincial legislature to help redress historical imbalances in socio-economic infrastructure and address the legacy of apartheid spatial planning.

The townships that form part of the programme are Atteridgeville, Saulsville, Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Kagiso, Munsieville, Mohlakeng, Boipatong, Bophelong, Sharpeville, Sebokeng, Ratanda, Katlehong, Kwatsaduza (KwaThema, Tsakane and Duduza), Wattville, Daveyton, Tembisa, Refilwe and Rethabiseng, as well as Orlando and Zola in Soweto.

Provincial minister Ignatius Jacobs said roads play an important role in the socio-economic growth and development of communities by providing better access to much-needed services and places of economic activity.

”That is why government is also implementing a ‘Better Roads Plan’ together with the Gauteng freeway improvement scheme. Over the last few months, we have launched several roads-related projects worth millions of rands so as to help improve the quality of life of Gauteng residents,” he said. — Sapa