By: The Youth Voice Reporter 

In a bid to tackle deteriorating road infrastructure and improve service delivery, the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport has unveiled 19 new motor graders valued at R50 million, marking a significant investment in the province’s road maintenance programme.

The handover, which took place at the Government Complex grounds in Mbombela , is expected to strengthen the department’s capacity to maintain and rehabilitate roads, particularly in rural communities where poor road conditions have long affected mobility and economic activity.

Speaking during the event, MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, said the acquisition of the graders demonstrates the department’s commitment to improving infrastructure and responding to the needs of residents. 

“This investment is a clear indication that we are serious about restoring the dignity of our communities through better roads. Reliable infrastructure is not a luxury, it is a necessity for economic growth and access to essential services,” said Thomo.T

“These graders will enhance our operational efficiency and ensure that we are able to attend to road challenges more swiftly and effectively,” he said.

He further revealed that the department plans to build on the investment in the next financial year.

” In the upcoming financial year, we will procure additional road maintenance machinery worth R40 million to supplement this fleet and further strengthen our service delivery capacity,” Thomo said.

Officials noted that the investment forms part of a broader strategy to upgrade infrastructure, create job opportunities and support local economic development through improved transport networks.