R522 road remains a deathtrap, with RAL yet to appoint a contractor

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14-02-2025
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Zoutpansberger
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Although the recent good rains over the Soutpansberg have been widely welcomed, they have also worsened the already terrible condition of the R522 road between Louis Trichardt and Vivo. February marks the tenth month since the rehabilitation project began—a project marred by controversy, including Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) not renewing the contract of the appointed contractor, Tycofield, due to unsatisfactory performance. All construction work remains at a standstill.

In mid-April 2024, large sections of the road’s surface were completely removed, turning parts of it into a hazardous dirt-track deathtrap. What followed was a stop-start approach to the project by Tycofield, which eventually left RAL, as the accounting authority, with no option but to sack them at the end of November last year by not renewing their contract.

At that time, Danny Legodi, RAL's senior manager for communications, confirmed that Tycofield was not the only contractor whose services had been terminated. That same month, on 13 November 2024, RAL announced the termination of its contract with First Class Fabrication for the upgrade of the D3669 road. This project involved the rehabilitation of a 3.7-kilometre stretch of road between Mavhunga and Phadzima.

The termination of these two contracts came amidst a period of significant turmoil within RAL. In July last year, the RAL Board became defunct after three of its members resigned, leaving it without a quorum. On 19 August 2024, an interim accounting authority was appointed, and on 21 November of 2024, RAL announced the dismissal of its CEO, Gabriel Maluleke. This followed his suspension on 30 August last year on charges of dishonesty, financial misconduct, negligence, and violations of the Public Finance Management Act. His disciplinary hearing on 20 November 2024 found him guilty on all charges. At that time, RAL was overcommitted by R1.3 billion on projects.

When Tycofield’s contract was not renewed, only 15% of the R522 rehabilitation project had been completed. At that stage, Legodi stated that the new expected completion date was June 2025, depending on when the project resumed.

Following the recent heavy rains, the current state of the R522 remains a major source of frustration for road users, with many now opting to avoid it entirely and take longer alternative routes. As complaints continue to mount, Legodi was once again asked about the project’s progress and whether a new contractor had been appointed.

In response, Legodi acknowledged the importance of the R522 road. “Roads Agency Limpopo regards Road R522 between Vivo and Louis Trichardt as one of the key connectors in the provincial road network,” he said.

However, it is clear that road users will have to endure the inconvenience caused by the road’s poor condition for some time to come. “The sourcing of a new contractor to proceed with the work has started. A request for proposals from qualifying contractors was publicised and is closing on 17 February 2025. The work will focus on a 24km stretch for rehabilitation maintenance and various other interventions to make the road driveable. The process of appointing a new contractor will follow the closing date of the tender and the project timelines made known when the commencement of the project is announced,” said Legodi.

For now, a new contractor has yet to be appointed to complete the project, and at this stage, it remains unclear whether the June 2025 completion date is still feasible.