“This whole project of the road and bridge construction cost R78.5m and 51 full time jobs were created over the 23-month contract period,” Minister Peters said.
She said the labour was sourced between the two countries, with most of the construction material used coming from Botswana.
Minister Peters was supported by her counterpart in Botswana, Minister of Transport and Communications Onkokame K Mokaila during the official opening of Swartkopfontein Bridge at the Swartkopfontein Border Post in the North West on Monday, 7 November.
The road was upgraded from a gravel to an asphalt surface and includes the construction of the 80-metre long Notwane River Bridge.
The construction of the road and bridge to link the border posts of Swartkopfontein comes after a memorandum of agreement was signed in July 2014, in which the governments of the two countries agreed to promote cross-border trade, economic activity and regional integration.
Part of the agreement included a practical initiative to upgrade roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure.
The Swartkopfontein entry point is located between the commercial border posts of Kopfontein and Skilpadshek and now offers a convenient alternative for commuters who make the journey.
“I have no doubt that it will relieve the pressure on traffic between Zeerust in South Africa and the towns of Gaborone, Lobatse and Ramotswa in Botswana. This will lead to a safer travel experience for commuters within the region,” Minister Peters said.
Swartkopfontein Bridge was constructed by the agency of the Department of Transport and the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL).
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