Minister Zikalala impressed with Steel Bridge Project
Ga-Malekane
Minster of Public Works and Infrastructure, Zihle Zikalala, has on Friday 14 July, paid homage to Ga-Malekane Steel Bridge construction site in Ga-Malekane Village in Steelpoort area to monitor progress.
The oversight visit was part of the Sekhukhune District Development Model’s (DDM) Presidential Imbizo, held at Ga-Motodi Sports Grounds where President Cyril Ramaphosa was expected to address thousands of Sekhukhune residents.
The construction of the highly-anticipated new concrete bridge and rehabilitation of the old steel bridge started earlier this year by Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), and a group of eight mining companies through their collaboration.
The eight mining partners collaborating with RAL on the steel bridge construction project include, Rakhoma Mining Resources, Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine, Glencore Mine, Rustenburg Platinum Mine, Samancor Chrome Mine, Booysendal Platinum Mine, Tjate Platinum Mine and Two Rivers Platinum Mine.
Zikalala expressed his words of gratitude from the National Department of Public Works, citing that private sector partners are important in the development of communities.
“Initiatives such as this one are not new and we remain grateful as government wherever they are taking place. To all the mining companies, we appreciate your good gesture which will yield good socio-economic benefits for this area,” he said.
RAL CEO, Gabriel Maluleke, took the minister through the journey of the development of the partnership, inclusive of challenges encountered and remarked that all issues were resolved for the betterment of the community.
“This project is important not only for the Steelpoort area, but the Limpopo Province as a whole. Mining is one of the key economic pillars of the province and infrastructure service delivery such as this will go a long way in changing the economic landscape of this area,” he said.
The entourage furthered inspected progress and proceeded to join the main event at Motodi Stadium in for Presidential Imbizo which was underway.