Delivering the State of the Province Address, North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi announced the provincial government is preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Free State-based institution to roll out a comprehensive pothole-filling project.

“The provincial government is looking forward to signing a memorandum of understanding with Central University of Technology on the filling of potholes project across municipalities in the province. 

“The project will give opportunities to 7,000 unemployed youth. The department of public works and roads will procure asphalt for identified municipalities to see to the full implementation of this project,” said Mokgosi.

Employment opportunities

The initiative is expected not only to improve road infrastructure but also to create employment opportunities for thousands of young people, addressing both service delivery and joblessness in one intervention.

Mokgosi previously acknowledged the province’s largely rural character presents unique challenges. With over 60% of residents living in rural areas, infrastructure rollout becomes more complex when compared to highly urbanised provinces such as Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Potholes and deteriorating local roads have long frustrated motorists, with growing calls for urgent government intervention to restore critical transport routes.

To address these concerns, the provincial government has committed significant funding toward road rehabilitation and maintenance.

“Over R700m has been set aside for the rehabilitation and special maintenance of an 82 km road from Swartruggens to Magaliesberg over four years,” said Mokgosi.

“This strategic corridor road between the North West, Gauteng, and Botswana will enable economic activities within the freight and commuter transport industry.”

Beyond pothole repairs, the province has earmarked R1.6 billion for catalytic infrastructure projects in Phelindaba, Makwassie, Verdwaal, and Ramokokastad. These projects aim to restore access, stimulate local economies, and reconnect communities. In Mahikeng, the Nelson Mandela Drive project has also been revived.

“The Nelson Mandela Drive in Mahikeng has been budgeted at over R700m over a multi-year period, and is now back on track and will include the widening of the bridge that will serve as a dual carriageway. A contractor will be on site from April as we transition from compliance processes to visible construction.  

“This investment will strengthen integration with national, provincial, and municipal routes and improve access to economic opportunities, and ensure mobility for residents in our communities. 

Commuter transport

“In relation to the latter, we have kept our commitment of providing commuter transport in villages such as Ganyesa, Taung, Bodibe, Masamane, and Mabeskraal spread across the three District Municipalities, of Ngaka Modiri Molema, Bojanala-Platinum, and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, benefiting over 130,000 residents.”

 Mokgosi also addressed concerns surrounding NTI employees, who recently raised grievances over unpaid salaries that were subsequently settled.

“NTI employees were up in arms over salaries, which were later paid. Plans to recapitalise the entity through an equity partner are underway to preserve jobs and ensure the business sustainability of the entity. We expect this process to be concluded in the next three months.”  

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg