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August 22, 2024After years of anticipation and repeated promises, the residents of Zoeknog are set to receive a long-awaited development: the tarring of roads within their community. Thulasizwe Thomo, the MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Transport, initiated the project with a ceremonial sod-turning on August 14, signaling the start of the upgrading of 9km of the D3954 and D3958 roads between Casteel and Zoeknog in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.
The project, promised by Thomo within his first 100 days in office, is expected to commence construction later this month. It aims not only to improve infrastructure but also to stimulate local employment and benefit Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs). “This milestone marks the beginning of a project that these communities have eagerly awaited,” Thomo stated. He emphasized the importance of hiring local workers for the construction, urging the contractor to prioritize residents from the area.
The community of Zoeknog, having endured years of unfulfilled commitments from local authorities, expressed relief and optimism at the news. Community members have been vocal in their demands, frequently organizing protests to draw attention to their needs. With the road construction finally underway, there is a strong sense of accomplishment and hope that the development will bring substantial economic benefits to the area.
Residents also called for transparency in the hiring process, hoping to ensure that the project truly benefits the local populace. They stressed the importance of safeguarding the new infrastructure and appealed for cooperation to avoid disruptions such as protests or damage to the construction efforts.
The road is more than just a pathway; it represents a significant improvement in the quality of life for the Zoeknog community, potentially opening up further economic opportunities and enhancing connectivity within the region.