Johannesburg - Road construction taking place on Gauteng's major roads will come to a halt during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), Nazir Alli.
Alli told BuaNews during Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele's first tour of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) on Tuesday, that in addition, all barricades would be removed from revamped roads.
"We anticipate that there will be no major construction as work will be stopped to allow unimpeded traffic flow during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. There will be full use of three lanes on most roads."
Alli said work if any, might only continue on bridges.
He however could not confirm whether the R21 freeway en route to the airport would be completed in time for the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The R21 is currently being expanded to an eight-lane freeway.
The first phase of the GFIP includes upgrades of a total 185km of freeway network in Gauteng, by adding new lanes and improving lighting, to the tune of R51.1 billion.
Ndebele told BuaNews he was happy with the progress of the GFIP, adding that those who used to maintain that the country would fail to improve its road infrastructure will soon develop a change of heart.
"I am absolutely happy about the progress made on this major project. With this sophisticated project, our road infrastructure can be compared with that of the Western countries," he said.
City of Joburg Member of the Mayoral Committee, Rehana Moosajee, said the progress made on the project indicated government's commitment to improving the quality of people's lives.
Moosajee, who described the progress made so far as a proudly South African moment, said once completed, motorists would no longer spend extra time on the roads.
The minister together with members of the media visited the Giloolys and Marlboro Interchanges as well as the Allendale Interchange.
