More than 3000 jobs are on the line because of a delay in the construction of the K14 Apies Bridge in Pretoria. This project will go a long way towards creating employment opportunities for residents who are struggling to survive.
The project to link the K14 Apies Bridge to the Rosslyn and Silverton automotive special economic zones will now only begin in 2024. Construction on this project was meant to begin in 2021.
This information was revealed to me in a reply to my questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), to the MEC for Roads and Transport, Jacob Mamabolo.
According to the MEC, construction will only begin in 2024 and as yet no tender has been issued. This situation is confirmation that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has been spot on with our concerted efforts to ensure that departments’ demand and procurement plans are in place at the start of every financial year. Without this being in place, a department cannot advertise or award tenders on time.
This is very concerning as it means that the potential to unlock a R12 billion investment into the Rainbow Junction Mega Mixed-Use Development in the north of Pretoria is now in jeopardy.
Investment opportunities like the one offered by the Rainbow Junction Mega Mixed-Used Development are critical if we want to create more employment opportunities in our province.
While the construction of the bridge is fully funded by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, it is critical that government speedily ensures that this project is put out to tender.
This project has the potential of creating thousands of jobs in the Pretoria North and East areas.
The DA will be closely monitoring the progress of this project which is still at the procurement stage for the services of a Professional Service Provider to complete the designs.