Hillary Construction to rehabilitate old N1 through Musina

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) announced on Monday that Hillary Construction Pty Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor to undertake the rehabilitation of the old N1 highway through the border town of Musina. The project is valued at an estimated R227-million, excluding VAT and price adjustments.

SANRAL Northern Region Project Engineer Hennie Kotze explained that the 5.8 km project involves the reconstruction of the existing layers on the route, resurfacing, new road markings, cleaning the culverts, and extending and replacing sidewalks.

“SANRAL will improve the current road, and the old (defunct) railway line will be removed. The traffic circles will be replaced with four-way stop signs. Stop-and-go signage will be installed soon for traffic control,” Kotze said in a press release.

According to SANRAL, the contract was awarded three months ago. Since then, there has been a mobilisation period of two months during which the project liaison committee (PLC) was established, and a labour- and targeted-enterprise database was set up. “There is some work underway in the town, and the contractor is currently issuing tenders for procuring SMMEs to carry out certain tasks,” Kotze added.

He stated that the contract stipulates that 8% of its value will be spent on targeted labour from the Musina area, while 30% will be allocated to targeted enterprises with at least 51% black ownership.

Hillary Construction CEO Trevor Freestone said subcontractors and service providers had not yet been appointed. “The machinery currently working on the road is only conducting excavation work on certain sections,” said Freestone. “The tender process will be public, and the adjudication of service providers will be conducted fairly. Compliance and eligibility will be strictly checked. Our first priority is the residents of Musina,” he added.

Freestone mentioned that applicants and SMMEs could use Hillary Construction’s online platform to apply for subcontracting tenders. “I will discuss with colleagues the possibility of having a tender box at the entrance to allow hand-delivered applications for those not accustomed to online submissions. We are Level 01 BEE contributors,” said Freestone.

Freestone also noted that the company would enforce strict hiring standards for truck drivers. “Having a driver’s licence doesn’t necessarily mean you have the required skills. We need skilled and competent drivers. I’m pleased that the project liaison officer is here, so that we can commence the project together,” he said.

Project Liaison Officer Davis Mashaba expects more locals—including youths, women, and people living with disabilities—to be employed. “We welcome SANRAL’s commitment to improving the old N1, which has been damaged by heavy-duty trucks crossing the Beitbridge border post day and night. The high traffic volume has deteriorated the road surface and its layers,” she said.

“In some areas, the road is riddled with potholes that damage car rims and cause unnecessary accidents,” Mashaba added.

Stanley Semata, a well-known businessman specialising in civil work in Musina, expressed satisfaction that SANRAL and Hillary Construction Pty Ltd had clarified how SMMEs would benefit. “What we don’t need is political interference in the project. The majority of the youth are unemployed and involved in drugs and alcohol abuse, so we expect them to be employed as labourers,” Semata explained.

Businesswoman Patience Mbewe said she would be pleased if women received a fair share of the opportunities. “When you empower a woman, you empower the nation,” she remarked.

Date:22 August 2024

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