Residents of the Nkomazi community in Mpumalanga province now have access to an upgraded road connecting the D797 highway and the Dludluma ring road.
The section of the road in Dludluma, which was previously gravel, has been converted into a paved road, making daily journeys more reliable and safer for people living in the local municipality of Nkomazi in Mpumalanga.
The D797 road, which links the Dludluma ring road (D2950), was officially handed over by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport this week following the completion of the modernization works.
Residents can now use the paved road when traveling to schools, medical facilities, businesses, and other essential services. The improved route should also facilitate the transportation of goods and access to neighboring settlements for both people and businesses.
The project also contributed to the creation of economic opportunities in the region. According to the department, local residents were employed during construction, and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMEs) from Nkomazi had the opportunity to participate in the project.
The department reported that the road was completed by the local contractor within the established deadlines. Thulasize Thomo, the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Public Works, Roads and Transport in Mpumalanga, noted that this project demonstrated the ability of local companies to provide public infrastructure while supporting the local economy.
The official opening of the new modernized link between D797 and the Dludluma ring road in Mpumalanga was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Thulasize Thomo stated: 'When we build roads, we must also develop local potential.' This new paved road is part of a series of infrastructure projects being implemented in Nkomazi. The department also highlighted the construction of the road from Phiva to Mdladla and the D2943 Drikkoppi bridge, which aim to improve connectivity between communities and support movement within the municipality.