KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube–Ncube, has unveiled 55 new trucks, which will be deployed to improve turnaround times to patch potholes across the province.
The procurement of the trucks, unveiled at the launch of the 2023 October Transport Month campaign this week, is part of the premier's commitment to improving provincial road network conditions during her State of the Province Address earlier this year.
The trucks, fitted with the latest pothole patching technology, will be distributed to all the Department of Transport’s district offices. They will carry a team of nine people, who will be responsible for routine and safety maintenance, including pothole patching, blacktop patching, drain cleaning and verge maintenance, among other duties.
Dube-Ncube said the transport sector was the heartbeat of the province’s economy, and crucial to stimulate socio-economic development.
“Under the Department of Transport, over the coming months, the province will ensure that employment-intensive road maintenance programmes are increased to provide employment opportunities for more women and the vulnerable in our province. The Zibambele Maintenance Programme will create 41 000 job opportunities,” Dube-Ncube said.
This year’s October Transport Month campaign is being rolled out under the theme, ‘Siyakha – We are building better infrastructure to grow South Africa together!’.
During this month, the Department of Transport and its entities will showcase transport infrastructure services in aviation, maritime, public transport and roads. – SAnews.gov.za
