MEC FUFE MAKATONG OFFICIATES A SOD TURNING CEREMONY IN THE JTG DISTRICT

MEC Fufe Makatong recently officiated a Sod Turning Ceremony just outside Perth in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. The ultimate vision of the Department is to upgrade the entire length of the road from Laxey village to the North West Provincial Border, which is estimated at 59.1 kilometers and will be implemented in three phases. 

It is with much excitement that community members at the Sod turning Ceremony are anticipating the upcoming construction of the Laxey, Kelso to Lurie Road (MR974), which can be classified as phase 1 of the entire scope of the project. 

On this occasion MEC Makatong addressed the community of Perth and surrounding villages regarding these anticipated developments, requesting their patience, cooperation and participation. The upgrading of the 20 kilometers of gravel road from Laxey to Lurie will mean a much smoother ride for emergency vehicles, taxi’s and ordinary motorists who make their way to the economic hub of Kuruman on a daily basis. Upon implementation, this project will create approximately 180 job opportunities for local residents coming from the surrounding communities. 

MEC announced that an estimated 30% of the project value will benefit the local people, which will be inclusive of the labour costs. The Department of Roads and Public Works have invested the majority of its annual budget to maintain and upgrade roads in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. Despite the limited budget, the Department remains committed to improving the overall condition of roads in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. 

To address the inherited backlog on the upgrading of roads in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the Department invested a substantial amount to maintain and upgrade the roads in this area, recognising its critical role in promoting seamless access to markets and driving economic growth, which will translate to job opportunities. MEC Makatong was accompanied by the Head of Department, Dr. Johny Mac Kay, the Chief Director of Roads, Mr. Itumeleng Bulane, and the local leadership namely Kgosi Bareki and Mayor of Joe Morolong, Cllr. Dineo Leutlwetse-Tshabalala