THE long-awaited construction of the 41-kilometre road between Excelsior and Tweespruit in the Free State is back on track following the appointment of a new contractor.
Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, together with the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula, officially relaunched the project last Friday, ensuring that work will continue after setbacks with the previous contractor.
The project, valued at R48 million, had been delayed due to poor workmanship and failure to meet standards, which ultimately led to the termination of the previous contractor’s contract.
“When we undertake road construction projects, there are established rules and regulations, and contractors are well aware of these when they sign contracts with the department,” Mbalula said.
“In this case, there was consistent interaction between the project leader and the contractor, who was repeatedly informed of the department’s dissatisfaction.
“Despite being given chances to rectify the issues, the contractor failed to meet our expectations.
“We are constitutionally obligated to prevent government resources from being wasted, and this led us to terminate the contract.”
Now under new management, the road project is already delivering benefits to the local community, with 652 job opportunities created and 22 subcontractors engaged.
The construction is expected to be completed by July 2026, bringing improved access and economic prospects to the area.
Letsoha-Mathae emphasised the project’s positive impact, highlighting improved access for ambulances, public transport and businesses.
She also urged the new contractor to prioritise hiring individuals from farms and vulnerable households, underscoring the government’s commitment to equitable development. Meanwhile, the premier assured the community of Mahlatswetsa that housing issues would be addressed, with plans to return alongside the MEC for Human Settlements to tackle these challenges. – Staff Reporter