The Limpopo Road Agency has embarked on a project to upgrade the road between Musina and Tshipise at a cost of more than R4,3 million.

The 22 km road is going to be completed later this month, after commencing in August 2006. About 25 people have been employed, with 17 of them coming from Musina.

Expressing his appreciation for the work that has been done so far, Councilor for Public Works and Tourism at Musina Local Municipality Cllr Simon Phiri says he hopes the road will be completed in time before the festive season.

The project’s contractor is KPMM Roads and Earthworks, engineering services are being provided by WR-Khanya Consultants with the Department of Roads and Transport carrying the government’s mandate.

People who get employed during the construction process will undergo training twice per month.

Coordinated by Marubini Business Systems, each employee will end up attending training for six days and then each trainee will be trained according to his/her skills development needs.

Courses will include life skills, generic skills, business, engineering, finance and HIV/Aids.

Besides sealing cracks on the road surface, the project involves repairing of damaged surfaces, edge breaks, guard rails, kerbing and side fills.

Other elements of the construction process involve inverted bitumen emulsion rejuvenation for the complete road, construction of new three barrel 1 800 mm X 600 mm portal culverts, including deviation for construction.

The project will also include cleaning of the storm water pipes and in- and outlets, constructing of pipe in- and outlets, cutting and forming side drains, reinstating damaged and replacing missing road signs, road marking and repairing fences.