​By Staff writer
In a meeting convened by MEC Jacob Mamabolo, DNMZ Consulting
(Department’s appointed professional consultants) and Century Property
Developments (private property developer) have reached an agreement on the way-forward
regarding the rehabilitation of the Allandale Road (D51). 
Appreciating the negative impact of road closure on traffic
flow, both parties agreed to introduce the following set of measures:
➢ A temporary bypass will be
constructed to allow for road maintenance to continue, to accommodate traffic flow
and avert closure of the road.
➢ Century Property Development
has made land available to support the construction of the bypass and a site
camp at no cost to the taxpayer. 
➢ Century Property Development
has also offered to undertake bulk earthworks at no cost to the taxpayer. 
➢ In case of rock blasting,
chemical blasting will be explored. Should conventional rock blasting be
required, the road will be closed for short periods, outside peak hour. 
➢ Considering the need for
precautionary measures and risk mitigation for unforeseen circumstances, road
closure for a considerable period of time still remains an option. 
➢ Starting on Monday, 16 March
2020, parties will commence with construction of the bypass whilst the road
remains open to road users. 
➢ The contractor will work extra
hours to complete the works expeditiously. 
Traffic volumes along Allandale Road have grown over the
years and its capacity has remained the same, negatively impacting the current
road. This resulted in increased congestion and deterioration on the road
surface. This has necessitated the upgrading of the road into a dual
carriageway.   
The parties wish to caution road users to fully cooperate
with the process of road maintenance/rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, MEC Mamabolo has committed to fast-track the
resolution of all matters that caused delays to the upgrade of the road into a
dual carriageway over the years. He committed to provide parties with feedback
on progress made by 30 April 2020.