Economic booster for local enterprises through roads project

Transport infrastructure project linking Franschhoek with Paarl will be an economic booster for local enterprises

The periodic maintenance project and upgrading of the Main Road underway between the N1 Paarl and Kliprug Road is an economic enabler for local enterprises and small businesses in the region. The project commenced in June 2022 and is well on track to be completed in the 2nd quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year.

Main Road 201 (known as the R301) is an important Class 2 rural road that forms part of the provincial road network, linking Franschhoek with Paarl. This section of Main Road 201 consists of a single carriageway with two surfaced lanes and surfaced shoulders. Under this contract, 3.9 km of Main Road 201 between the N1 (km 58.70) and Kliprug Road (km 62.60) will be upgraded to a dual carriageway.

“The success of our well-maintained road network in the Western Cape has always rested on our strategy of maintaining a rigorous preventative and periodic road maintenance programme. Our future focus of upgrading roads where we can, is vital to ensure that we anticipate needs and respond proactively,” said Adv. Chantal Smith, Acting Head of Department. “This project costs over R200m and is set to be completed during the second quarter of the 2024/25 financial year,” she added.

The Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, spoke on the importance of road maintenance in Drakenstein municipality. “In an area where we see vital agricultural and tourism activity, this road is of critical importance in the larger road network in Drakenstein. In the absence of reliable rail infrastructure, road maintenance becomes the backbone of agriculture and tourism economies. Investing in the upkeep of our roads is not just an investment in transportation but in the prosperity of the region.”

“We also want to leverage these projects to support our local businesses and contractors. A target was set for 20,000 person-days of work to be created on the project, which translates to 200 work opportunities. As part of the project, we ensured that 14 local businesses participated and 6 emerging contractors receiving an opportunity to develop their skills. This is just one infrastructure project making a difference in the Western Cape," the Minister added. 

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