OVERVIEW
Transport and logistics The Moloto Corridor is a key regional route.
SECTOR INSIGHT The Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market offers many logistics opportunities.
Roadworks underway between Ogies and Kriel. (Photo: Raubex)
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n June 2018, the National Department of Transport held an information session in Mpumalanga to explain to SMMEs how they can take advantage of opportunities in the infrastructure sector. Deputy Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga made presentations together with representatives from the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Sanral has presented its long-term vision, Horizon 2030, as part of its contribution to the National Development Plan 2030. Road improvements which have boosted the transport infrastructure of Mpumalanga recently include the upgrades to the R570 (linking Malelane on the N4 to Swaziland), the N11 (Hendrina–Middelburg) and part of the vital R573 Moloto Road, which carries huge volumes of traffic to Gauteng and Limpopo. Sanral’s three-year plan for the R573 allocates R1-billion to the project. A clause in Sanral’s contract with big companies to work on the R573 ensured that small companies were involved. Raubex Construction consequently formed a joint venture with Biz Afrika, Khuluphala Tradings and Themolo Business Enterprise. The R573 forms part of the Moloto Corridor. In the long term the aim is to create a coordinated road and rail corridor including rapid rail facilities. With about 50 000 motor vehicles currently using the route every day, it represents one of the busiest parts of South MPUMALANGA BUSINESS 2018/19
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Africa’s road network. The plan to upgrade the corridor is one of 18 national Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIPs). Not only will the corridor provide better linkages between the provinces and boost development along the route but improve access to the mineral reserves of the Waterberg region. The Maputo Development Corridor is Africa’s most advanced spatial development initiative (SDI) comprising road and rail infrastructure, border posts, and port and terminal facilities. Run by the Maputo Development Corridor Logistics Initiative (MCLI), the corridor runs from just outside Pretoria in Gauteng, through Witbank, Middelburg and Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, and on to Maputo in Mozambique. The already successful Maputo Development Corridor will soon receive a further boost with the upgrading of the Komatiepoort Dry Port into a Special Economic Zone. The National Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has designated the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) as the lead agent to develop the SEZ.