A private-public project aimed at eradicating potholes on Free State roads, undertaken with the taking of hands by the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, and the Free State government, is envisaged to have a far-reaching impact on transferring much-needed skills and creating job opportunities for youths in the province.
The initiative is further expected to unlock investment opportunities in, among others, infrastructure, human capital and the improvement of road infrastructure to achieve the main objective of turning the province into an investable and prosperous destination.
The pothole eradication programme is spearheaded by the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and transport.
This innovative project focuses on empowering unskilled women and youths, while also maintaining and repairing roads.
This arose from a demand to address infrastructure challenges arising from the neglect of road infrastructure.
Launched in November last year, the programme has reportedly already created jobs for about 550 young people, targeting to provide 650 students with Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta) accredited training during the eradication of potholes over a distance of 70 000 m² on sections of roads during March.
Work is underway in all the five districts, namely Fezile Dabi, Mangaung, Xhariep, Thabo Mofutsanyana and Lejweleputswa.
