Road officially launched
2006-07-13
“I AM proud of the work done and everyone who helped in the process,” said the Western Cape MEC of Transport and Public Works, Marius Fransman, at the official opening of the reconstructed southern section of Jan van Riebeeck Drive in Paarl last week.
Speaking to invited guests at the opening function, Fransman emphasised the advantages which an improved road holds for road users.
“Despite challenges like poverty, we have been able to satisfy the need for infrastructure by working together,” Fransman said.
The project, which started in 2004, cost a total of R26,8 million.
Jan van Riebeeck Drive is an important link connecting Paarl with the N1. It is a heavily trafficked route carrying about 17% heavy vehicles.
The construction contract was given to Haw & Inglis and Westland Civils. Drakenstein Municipality contributed to the project by donating R1,8 million including funding for landscaping of the median.
Unemployed locals were employed and skills training was provided on technical engineering and entrepreneurial skills.
In an effort to create jobs, five local students were included in learnerships during the construction of the road. Each of them received a certificate in road construction (NQF1) from Fransman.
“It is a good investment, as these five gained a whole lot more than just construction skills, they walk away with life skills.
“In the future I would like to make more use of women in this industry - they are the anchors of society,” he said.
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