Kimberley\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
By: Lebogang Moeng<\/strong><\/p>\n The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works has tabled a bold and development-focused R2.282 billion budget for the 2025\/26 financial year. Delivered by MEC BFP Makatong, the budget speech centered on inclusive growth, infrastructure expansion, climate resilience, and job creation across the province.<\/p>\n Framed during Mandela Month, the MEC reminded the legislature that \u201covercoming poverty is not a gesture of charity; it is an act of justice.\u201d With this moral foundation, she presented the budget as a tool to address the province\u2019s structural inequalities through targeted investment.<\/p>\n Infrastructure Expansion to Boost Access and Economic Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n A core priority in the 2025\/26 budget is the upgrading of the provincial road network. The Department plans to upgrade over\u00a061 km of gravel roads to surfaced roads<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0re-gravel 626 km<\/strong>, improving connectivity and rural mobility.<\/p>\n In partnership with SANRAL,\u00a0649 km of key provincial roads<\/strong>\u00a0will be transferred for national maintenance, expanding on the 3,712 km transferred since 2004. These routes are critical for mining transport, border access, and tourism.<\/p>\n Strategic roadwork projects are advancing in the JTG district, Fraserburg-Williston, and the Sutherland-Middelpos corridors. The Department also continues work on surfacing, resealing, and rehabilitating roads across the province, including Mamathwane and Modderrivier.<\/p>\n Climate-Smart Construction to Address Environmental Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n Responding to recent flood damage, MEC Makatong announced a reprioritization of funds toward\u00a0emergency repairs<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0climate-resilient infrastructure<\/strong>. The Department is investing in\u00a0nano-technology, smart materials<\/strong>, and\u00a0stabilizing agents<\/strong>\u00a0to strengthen the durability of roads against extreme weather events.<\/p>\n \u201cThese innovations will help reduce long-term maintenance costs and ensure that our roads actively support the province\u2019s sustainable development goals,\u201d said the MEC.<\/p>\n Building Schools, Clinics, and Libraries to Uplift Communities<\/strong><\/p>\n The budget also funds over\u00a030 major social infrastructure projects<\/strong>\u00a0to improve education, health, and cultural services.<\/p>\n Twelve school projects are currently under construction across the province. These include full-service primary and secondary schools, ECD centers, and sports courts. Highlights include:<\/p>\n In the health sector, upgrades are underway at\u00a0Tshwaragano Hospital<\/strong>,\u00a0Dr. Arthur Letele Depot<\/strong>, and\u00a0Schmidtsdrift Clinic<\/strong>, creating over 300 jobs.<\/p>\n The Department is also supporting cultural upliftment with the\u00a0construction of a new library in Galeshewe<\/strong>\u00a0(R42 million) and\u00a0upgrades to the Mayibuye Centre<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Expanded Public Works Programme Delivers Jobs and Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n The EPWP continues to serve as a major platform for employment and empowerment. In 2024\/25, the Department created\u00a010,977 work opportunities<\/strong>, exceeding its target by 4%.<\/p>\n In 2025\/26, an additional\u00a03,433 work opportunities<\/strong>\u00a0will be created through Root Out the Dust, poverty relief, and infrastructure maintenance, supported by a\u00a0R4.5 million national incentive grant<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Municipal EPWP targets reflect a broader provincial impact, with\u00a0over 21,000 positions funded<\/strong>\u00a0and a projected\u00a0R1.264 billion investment<\/strong>\u00a0across infrastructure, environment, and social development sectors.<\/p>\n Empowering Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities<\/strong><\/p>\n The Department is expanding its empowerment programs through training and enterprise development. In 2024\/25:<\/p>\n For 2025\/26, a further\u00a0170 training interventions<\/strong>\u00a0are planned, backed by\u00a0over R5.6 million in SETA grants<\/strong>. These will include entrepreneurship development and the expansion of disability-friendly enterprise programs to all districts.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Entrepreneurship Development Program for Female Contractors<\/strong>\u00a0helped 49 women earn credits toward national construction qualifications, paving the way for long-term participation in infrastructure delivery.<\/p>\n Property Disposal for Economic Inclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n The Department has revised its\u00a0Disposal Policy for Immovable Assets<\/strong>, unlocking economic value from over\u00a013,000 hectares of vacant land<\/strong>\u00a0and 33 derelict buildings. New models like the\u00a0Renovate, Operate, and Transfer (ROT)<\/strong>\u00a0approach aim to attract private sector participation while ensuring access for historically disadvantaged communities.<\/p>\n Financial Challenges in Property Rates<\/strong><\/p>\n A major funding gap remains in property rates and taxes, with a\u00a0R16 million shortfall<\/strong>\u00a0projected for 2025\/26 and\u00a0R700 million in arrears<\/strong>. The MEC called for urgent collaboration between Provincial Treasury, SALGA, and municipalities to establish a sustainable, market-aligned solution.<\/p>\n Looking Ahead: A Province Built on Justice and Progress<\/strong><\/p>\n MEC Makatong closed her address with a strong call to action: \u201cThis budget reaffirms our dedication to building a capable state that is centered on the needs of the people, focused on the future, and responsive to the challenges of our time.\u201d<\/p>\n With a budget shaped by justice, inclusion, and development, the Northern Cape is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and equitable future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Kimberley\u00a0 By: Lebogang Moeng The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works has tabled<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1457,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1456","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-current"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n
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