The great strides made through the partnership between Bakwena, concession holders of the N1N4 toll route, and SANRAL received muchdeserved praise during the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 11 February 2016.
“Many of our SOCs (state owned enterprises) are performing well,” said President Jacob Zuma at SONA. “SANRAL has built some of the best roads in Gauteng and in many parts of the country. These make us the envy of many parts around the globe.”
The assertion comes after a year during which the partnership between SANRAL and Bakwena achieved new heights, including an expanded agreement for interoperability of etags along all national routes through the introduction of Shesha Lanes. This agreement assisted in creating smooth traffic flow for holiday makers over the 2015 festive season.
“Bakwena works closely with both SANRAL and government entities to ensure that the roads along the N1N4 Platinum highway are kept to the highest standards, ensuring that upgrades and maintenance inflict the least amount of disruption for road users and surrounding communities,” says Bakwena Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Blewitt
Other ways in which Bakwena has upheld its commitment and responsibilities as custodians of the N1N4 corridor, is through continued community involvement. Bakwena’s contributions have expanded from key communications and ongoing programmes regarding road safety, education and environmental preservation to include the provision of drinking water to towns afflicted by the ongoing drought, such as Swartruggens in the North West province.
“There is a sense of deep responsibility within Bakwena for the communities that are affected by the services we provide,” continues Blewitt. “We are committed to continue working with SANRAL on achieving ever safer and more reliable road infrastructure for all South Africans.”
