​Thembisa Shologu​
The Gauteng Provincial Government has launched the October Transport Month with the official re-opening of the Snake Road (R23) in Benoni with a special focus on Smart Mobility as a key driver for economic growth.
Snake Road had been closed since November 2019 after the development of a sinkhole which resulted in chronic congestion on roads surrounding the Benoni central business district. In February 2020, the Department of Roads and Transport undertook major rehabilitations on the road to the tune of R17 million.
"With the re-opening of this road, we are shining the light on the importance of a smart transport infrastructure as the connector of different sectors of the economy in the province and the country.
"Our Smart Mobility concept prioritises investments in transport infrastructure as one of its pillars," said MEC for Roads and Transport, Jacob Mamabolo.
MEC Mamabolo said that the re-opening of R23 would assist in facilitating the easy movement of goods and people within Ekurhuleni and across Gauteng City Region, which would contribute to economic growth.
Snake Road is also a major arterial and local distributor route linking the N12 freeway and northern and southern areas of Benoni to the N17.
"Goods and services from the harbours that are destined for our country and other strategic destinations in Africa and across the globe pass through Gauteng.
"It is for that reason our Smart Mobility concept focuses on making the movement of goods and people more efficient, safe and contribute to protecting the environment," Mamabolo said.