Mayor officially visited Welisizwe Rural Bridge Project in Potoane village

Mayor officially visited Welisizwe Rural Bridge Project in Potoane village

Moretele Local Municipality mayor cllr Masango George Manyike was accompanied by speaker cllr Freda Mapela,single whip cllr Nkele Mleta,MMC Sarah Ndlovu, Municipal manager Mr Sipho Ngwenya,Infrastructure director Mr Pholoso Molautsi and councillors from various wards during his official visit to Potoane bridge that is under construction.

This program is as a result of President Cyril Ramaphosa launching and driving the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme, a strategic initiative announced in his 2022 State of the Nation Address to address urgent infrastructure backlogs in rural South Africa. The programme, collaborates with the SANDF and Public Works, constructs modular steel bridges to ensure safe, year-round access to services. 

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is aimed at ensuring that rural communities are able to go on with their daily lives, easily and safely reach schools, workplaces and other amenities. The initiative also forms part of the Strategic Integrated Project, and supports government’s economic recovery programme.

The need for such a programme came after persistent heavy rains in rural areas causing damages to roads and bridges, making it impossible for community members to cross over rivers, forcing them to stay home and halt economic and learning activities.

The project has already started with design and survey,SANDF and Public Works members are on site. This project will create temporary employment for local residents (Expanded Public Works Programme – EPWP) and trains artisans in skills like welding and groundwork, it is anticipated to be completed within four to five months period.

Issued by Communications Unit:

Office of the Municipal Manager
Communications Manager: Mr Mothupi Malebye 083 737 3493

Communications Officer: Mr Buti Molopyane 072 883 1153