​Qaqambile Mdledle
Investment in road infrastructure upgrades at Emfuleni Local Municipality provides an opportunity for generating economic growth, alleviating poverty, and increasing its international competitiveness.
It is for this reason that the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is committed to maintaining an integrated transport network for the efficient and cost-effective transportation of both goods and persons.
"Roads are an integral part of Gauteng transport system and an important infrastructure in enabling economic activity and access to social amenities. In playing this crucial economic role, 78.7% of land freight in the province is hauled on its roads," said Premier David Makhura on Wednesday.
The Premier was speaking at the official opening of 21 newly renovated roads in Emfuleni Municipality.
Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in infrastructure development, the province was able to complete the roads ahead of schedule.
The construction and upgrade covered the road network between Sebokeng and Evaton, Vereeniging, Three Rivers, Sharpeville, Vanderbijlpark and Bophelong. 
The project has created 182 permanent jobs and skills development as well as empowerment of contractors, with the main contractor sub-contracting a percentage of work to local Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs).
Roads and Transport MEC, Jacob Mamabolo said through the provision of safe, reliable and efficient transport infrastructure, GPG seeks to ensure easy access and swift passage of people and goods between communities. 
"The expected benefits for motorists include improved road user mobility; increased roadway capacity; reduced travel times; easier access to business, residential and agricultural estates as well as improved road safety," said MEC Mamabolo.