DRPW LAUNCHES MAJOR ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECT AND NEW YELLOW FLEET

On Wednesday, 24 June 2026, the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr, Zamani Saul, officially launched the Operation Vala Zonke Pothole Patching and Road Maintenance Programme in Kimberley, alongside the unveiling of the province's newly acquired R98 million Yellow Fleet, marking a significant investment in road infrastructure and service delivery. 

Premier Saul was joined by the MEC for Roads and Public Works, Ms Fufe Makatong, Executive Mayor of the Frances Baard District Municipality, Cllr. Wende Marekwa, and Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Cllr. Martha Bartlett, during the launch in Kimberley. 

The programme commenced with the deployment of road maintenance machinery and pothole patching operations along Long Street before the delegation inspected ongoing road repair work in Galeshewe. The day's activities concluded at the Kimberley Taxi Rank, where government also launched a community cleaning campaign aimed at improving the cleanliness and appearance of public spaces. 

The pothole patching and road maintenance intervention will be rolled out over a three-month period across all wards within the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality. The accompanying community cleaning initiative will continue as an ongoing programme to promote cleaner neighbourhoods and enhance public spaces. 

The initiative forms part of the provincial government's broader commitment to improving road infrastructure, strengthening municipal service delivery, creating employment opportunities, and restoring community pride through the Operation Vala Zonke and Rooting Out the Dust programmes. 

Addressing residents and stakeholders during the launch, Premier Saul described the programme as a decisive intervention to restore Sol Plaatje Municipality into a modern, clean, functional and economically vibrant city. We are committed to addressing infrastructure backlogs, improving the quality of life of our people, and rebuilding public confidence through visible and practical service delivery interventions," said Premier Saul. 

He added that the investment in the new Yellow Fleet will significantly strengthen the province's capacity to maintain roads, respond to infrastructure challenges, and improve access to essential services.