CONSTRUCTION R82 ( OLD VEREENIGING ROAD @KASIBC_NEWS

CONSTRUCTION R82 ( OLD VEREENIGING ROAD @KASIBC_NEWS

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is currently fasttracking the resumption of roadworks in the construction project of R82 (Old Vereeniging Road) between De Deur and Walkerville in the Sedibeng District Municipality. 

The contractor was handed over back the site on 12 May 2025. The project is estimated reach completion in October 2026. This follows the Department’s decision to terminate services of previous consulting engineers due to poor performance.  A contractor, Maphutha Business Enterprise (MBE), has been appointed to carry out the construction of this major arterial road. 

The contractor is currently on site to resume at the De Deur Post Office until Walkerville Manor, approximately fourteen (14) kilometres. Amongst the objectives of the upgrade include improving access and increase road capacity from the current single to a dual carriageway. Other installations include streetlights at various intersections to improve safety, traffic signalling to facilitate mobility as well as cycleways and sidewalks. 

MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has issued a stern warning to service providers, that the department will no longer tolerate any form of abuse and will go to great lengths to defend, recover, and protect public resources. “In the past two years, the Department has placed focus on strengthening its built environment and project management capabilities thereby turning a tide against poor performance. 

It is further working to fast-track and complete all delayed road and transport infrastructure projects,” the MEC explained. 

The R82 is a strategic route connecting Johannesburg to the industrial hubs of Meyerton, Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark in the Sedibeng District Municipality. It also a major arterial route critical for the economic well-being and growth of the region. 

Through several engagements, the contractor was introduced to the local and business community to provide details on this project continuation as well as the K164 project. 

These also served to communicate project readiness with designs concluded and reviewed by the Department’s Design Review Committee. Engagement sessions were held with local communities, particularly those from affected wards - 5, 8, and 1 at the De Deur Primary School in Midvaal. “This ensures Department’s projects include community development programmes and initiatives to support skills transfer and economic benefit to small and emerging contractors,” said the MEC. 

Road infrastructure projects support the Department’s strategic objectives of contributing to the Province’s Growing Gauteng Together (GGT2030) through Smart Mobility.