MAHIKENG, North West — Acting North West Premier Nono Maloyi has committed to addressing the delayed refurbishment and maintenance of Nelson Mandela Drive, a vital economic artery in Mahikeng, during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday. Acknowledging the negative impact of construction delays on local businesses and daily commuters, Maloyi expressed his apologies and outlined the progress made, including the completion of 3.2 kilometers of the road, with an additional 450 meters nearing completion. He assured that a meeting with the contractor would follow his address to reaffirm the commitment to finishing the project.
According to South African Government News Agency, other infrastructure initiatives are also advancing, such as the Phelindaba to Pecanwood Road, expected to be completed by December 2026, and the Hartbeesfontein to Ottosdal Road, which may finish ahead of schedule in June this year. To further address road infrastructure needs, 12 roads have been handed over to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) for construction, encompassing significant routes like portions of the N18 and the R30, with projects spread across several districts.
In tackling the issue of road maintenance, Maloyi revealed plans to reseal over 320 kilometers of potholes, creating 429 job opportunities. He highlighted the insourcing of road maintenance and pothole patching by municipalities such as Matlosana and JB Marks, a practice expected to extend across the province. Additionally, new contractors have been appointed for the Majakaneng to Sun City Road, indicating a proactive approach to infrastructure improvement.
Addressing the province’s electricity supply, Maloyi noted a significant increase in access to electricity, from 58.1% in 1996 to over 94.7% currently. However, he acknowledged the adverse effects of load shedding on the provincial economy and households. In response, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is coordinating efforts to introduce renewable and alternative energy sources. A notable initiative is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese National Import and Export Corporation to construct gas to electricity power stations, a move expected to bolster electricity supply and create over 10,000 jobs.
Furthermore, Maloyi discussed ongoing efforts to enhance municipal governance, including the implementation of Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs) and skills audits for municipal employees. These measures follow the province’s exit from the section 100 intervention, marking a significant step towards restoring full executive function to provincial departments after the administration period initiated in 2018.