​By David Ndodana 
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has held a number of stakeholder engagements with communities that stand to benefit from the major road rehabilitation along the Golden Highway (R558) in Soweto and surrounding areas. 
 
Since September to October 2024, the Department had ward-based social facilitation sessions with various communities, small and emerging contractors to introduce the project and contractor, get community buy-in and support for the project.
 
Sessions were held with communities in various wards including 6,18,24,119,120,122 and 125. Meetings with public transport operators are on-going.
 
R553, popularly known as the Golden Highway, is a stretch of regional route that connects Vanderbijlpark and Johannesburg, via Sebokeng, Orange Farm, Lenasia, Eldorado Park and Soweto. It is also a crucial artery for commuter traffic.
 
This busy route, notoriously for high accident rates, currently requires urgent intervention to significantly rehabilitate the road into a drivable, safer and more efficient corridor.
 
The Department has noted the rehabilitation is not just a road project but a comprehensive overhaul designed to enhance safety, drive job creation, economic growth and investment.
 
The project is also not merely about improving safety only but also serves to foster economic growth, transformation and community development. The project promises to benefit local communities through employment and business opportunities.
 
In line with relevant prescripts, the Department is prioritizing the inclusion of youth and women-owned businesses, as well as people with disabilities. It is also providing training and support to small, medium, and micro enterprises who meet the requirements.
 
These SMMEs are set to perform work packages that include road building, road marking, fencing, grass cutting and earthworks. The training and skills transfer provided by the contractor is expected to add value to the experience gained working with primary contractors and enables their growth, create employment and work on future projects in the construction and related sectors.
 
During the sessions, representatives of local communities enquired about the decision-making processes regarding the project's impact on the area. They further raised a number of concerns ranging from the composition of the project steering committee; appointment of Community Liaison Officer; spreading the 30% budget amongst various wards; starting date; skills development and payment rates for labourers.
 
SMME’s on the other hand, enquired about the project amount, number of local contractors to be accommodated; the payment plans by the main contractor and what are work packages, amongst many others.
 
The injection of funds into maintenance and capital projects by the Department is intended to facilitate economic growth, improve pavement life and mobility, promote participation of small and emerging contractors whilst also empowering communities.
 
This is in line with the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to delivering a world-class road infrastructure that promotes economic growth, social cohesion and inclusivity.