Tzaneen gets a boost from new SANRAL projects

Location, location, location - it's true that where you live matters. Having well-kept roads in your community, for instance, has a beneficial impact on your lifestyle. If you're eyeing up property in Tzaneen, you'll be happy to know road maintenance is being prioritised in the area. According to Madoda Mthembu, SANRAL Northern Region Operations and Maintenance Manager, there are a number of projects in the works.

Road upgrades for Tzaneen

"SANRAL has planned a new Routine Road Maintenance Project within the boundaries of the municipality which comprises of the R71, R36 and R529", says Mthembu. "We've also lined up a Periodic Maintenance Project, known as a Resurfacing Project, along national road R36 from Gabaza/Burgersdorp to Tzaneen town. There's also the upgrade of the R36 from Gabaza/Burgersdorp to Tzaneen."

SANRAL aims to kick-start these projects from next year. The new Routine Road Maintenance Project will begin in May 2021. The new Resurfacing Project is anticipated to begin on 1 February 2021. The upgrade project is planned to commence in 2025. Mthembu says these roadworks will uplift Tzaneen and its people.

Roadworks bring big benefits

Soon you'll be driving down world-class roads thanks to SANRAL's upcoming projects. Safety is a major factor prompting enhancements. The road maintenance projects involve grass cutting, storm drainage, and pavement maintenance.

"These ensure roads are free from anything that might be dangerous to its structural integrity", points out Mthembu. "It provides a sense of safety when you are travelling on a road where the grass is cut and the driver can see clearly without being unsighted by long grass."

These projects will also create work opportunities. The upgrade project alone will create a range of jobs for local SMMEs where they will get training and skills transfer. The maintenance projects will provide training and mentorship to coach, guide, and teach SMMEs how to tender and increase their profit margins during project execution.

If Tzaneen is part of your business enterprise, there's even more good news. The enhanced road infrastructure will also open up Tzaneen to greater economic activity.

Finally, Mthembu says SANRAL is hoping to elevate those in need where the projects are being implemented.

"The new SANRAL Horizon 2030 Strategy and its Transformation Policy seek to ensure that all prospective tenderers, especially previously disadvantaged communities, participate in SANRAL's procurement process. The strategy aims to address the exclusion of black businesses in the past and to ensure that all barriers to entry are removed or minimised."

Tender process for SMMEs

Subcontractors, take note. For the new Routine Road Maintenance Project, there will be an open tender process. The maintenance project will be split into Work Packages which are essentially sub-tenders within a project. If you're a local SMME, you will have a greater advantage by getting 'brownie points' over those who may come from outside the municipality. SMMEs will compete on different types of Work Packages. These comprise of the following:

• General Maintenance (road signs, guard rails, drainage, etc.)
• Pavement Maintenance (repair of potholes, surfaces, edge breaks)
• Vegetation Maintenance (cutting of grass)
• Earthworks Maintenance (shoulder maintenance and erosion control)

The same procedure will be applied for the Resurfacing and Upgrade Projects respectively. The activities involved in the upgrade project are more technical in nature and require more civil engineering knowledge and experience. There will be work packages allocated for the SMMEs to participate in.

Low impact on locals

And what of Tzaneen residents? Roadworks can often be a source of frustration for motorists trying to get from A to B. Mthembu assures that motorists won't face excessive changes in their journey.

"It may mean, for example, closing a half-width of a road to do permanent patches and implement Stop/Go operations and then open the road to traffic immediately again. There will be more traffic disruptions during the upgrade project. However, we have enough space within the road reserve to construct temporary deviations or detours. The traffic disruptions will, therefore, be minimal."

SANRAL's future investment in Tzaneen's roads will revitalise the community. It holds the promise of economic growth, safer travels, and job opportunities. By moving to the area, you can enjoy this positive change. Century 21 Tzaneen has a wide portfolio of property for sale from country estates, golf estates, eco estates, trout farms to equestrian estates. View our Tzaneen listings and get in contact.