Rustenburg - North West Department for Public Works, Roads and Transport has handed over four FIFA Protocol routes to the 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Monday.
The four routes, which cost R500 million, are Dr Moroka Drive, (P16/2) Phokeng Ring Road, Western Bypass and the Bafokeng Link Road.
The handover proved the readiness of the province to ensure a safe and efficient road network around Rustenburg ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup this weekend.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, provincial department MEC Mahlakeng said these projects divulge provincial government's commitment to partner with FIFA and the LOC to deliver the "best tournaments ever."
"We are not only handing over these routes but we are also pledging our support to the LOC's efforts to host the most memorable tournament," he said.
MEC Mahlakeng added that the projects were not just for use during the FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup only but for the long lasting benefit of local communities.
"These routes represent a legacy for our province and will continue to benefit our people long after the 2010 World Cup," he explained.
The Dr Moroka Drive links to the Kloof Interchange on to the N4 to the Nelson Mandela Drive. The road will provide direct access to the Olympia Park stadium, which has been identified as one of the training venues for the tournaments.
The Western Bypass on the other hand involves the construction of a 9.3km single carriage road between the N4 to the Sun City road.
The Phokeng Ring road, which surrounds the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, is expected to enhance access to the stadium while the 3km Link Road connects the Western Bypass to the stadium.
More than 480 job opportunities were created by the four road projects for rural based communities, including women, from the villages around Rustenburg.
Meanwhile, Rustenburg is expected to come to a standstill on Wednesday at midday for a show of forces as the soccer fever grips the country.
The show of forces parade through Rustenburg will include the Police, South African National Defence Force, Traffic law enforcement officials and Disaster Management Coordinating teams among others.
The parade is intended to showcase the state of readiness for the games to be played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
"We are definitely going to rise to the occasion. The functional integrated joint command and operations structures we have set in place gives us confidence of a successful implementation of safety, security and disaster management masterplans," North West MEC for Public Safety Howard Yawa.
The parade, which is scheduled to commence at midday at the Rustenburg Civic Centre, will proceed along Nelson Mandela Drive to Olympia Stadium.
