R517m Garstfontein Road upgrades hit 15% progress mark
With a total budget exceeding R517-million, the K50 project has reached 15% completion since construction began, and is progressing well, according to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.
The upgrade of one of Pretoria east's busiest roads is expected to unlock and integrate major economic nodes in the region.
Spokesperson for the MEC of Roads and Transport Lesiba Mpya, said the conversion of Garstfontein Road into a double carriageway is critical to support the Mooikloof Mega City development.
Mooikloof Mega City is located off Garstfontein Road and a few kilometres from the junction with De Ville Bois Mareuil Drive, where Woodlands Boulevard Mall is located. It is also not far from Solomon Mahlangu Drive, which gives access to the N4 and other main arterial routes.
The development is set to become South Africa's largest sectional title housing development.
'As the development grows, it's essential that the supporting infrastructure keeps up with the demand,' Mpya said.
'These K50 upgrades are vital to accommodate the area's expected population growth and to promote economic activity.'
He said the completion of the upgrades is set for July 20, 2027, and the project is aimed at enhancing mobility, improving traffic flow, and connecting key development areas across eastern Tshwane.
As the Mega City development grows into the large sectional title housing project, upgrading surrounding infrastructure has become essential.
The upgrades are essential to accommodate the area's growing population and support economic activity.
The project is expected to enhance mobility, drive regional development, and connect key economic zones across the eastern parts of Tshwane.
Mpya said so far (the end of April this year), R48.73-million has been spent on the project.
'Monthly progress and costs are being measured continuously. While the construction schedule remains intact, the project has faced a few challenges,' he said.
He explained that the project had challenges related to the safe relocation of underground services, as well as temporary work stoppages caused by community members demanding subcontracting opportunities, and traffic congestion in the construction zone.
He added that despite the presence of safety signage, traffic barriers, and a 40km/h speed limit, some motorists continue to speed, placing both workers and fellow drivers at risk.
'We urge drivers to respect the speed limit and exercise caution, especially in active construction zones,' Mpya said.
He added that the upgrade of Garstfontein Road, which links Menlyn node to the Garsfontein and Woodlands development zones and connects with the N1 freeway, is critical for enhancing traffic flow and promoting economic activity.
'This stretch of road runs through several important suburbs including Ashlea Gardens, Menlyn, Newlands, Waterkloof Glen, Constantia Park, Garsfontein, and Moreleta Park, ending in Alphen Park.'
He said the recent addition of a new interchange by Sanral between the N1 and Garstfontein Road has further increased traffic volumes, making the upgrade even more urgent.
'The Garsfontein upgrade aligns with the city's spatial Development Framework and Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act directives to promote inclusive urban growth.'
According to Mpya, the project is still well on track.
'The project officially commenced on November 28, 2024, with site handover to the contractor taking place on January 21. As of June 2025, the project has reached 15% completion and remains on track to meet its 30-month timeline, with a completion date set for July 2027.
'Since the start of the project, we've completed full site establishment and clearing,' he said.
He added that relocating bulk services, including water lines, electricity cables, fibre, and sewage systems, is also ongoing.
'There's steady progress on the installation of stormwater drainage, box-cutting for the new lanes, and preparation of the roadbeds. In some sections, layer works have already started, and structural widening of the Constantia Spruit bridge is currently underway,' he explained.
He said the construction period was optimised from the start and is currently on track.
'At this stage, there are no plans to fast-track any section as it would have cost implications,' he said.
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the project is aligned with the provincial goal of delivering an efficient, integrated and sustainable road network.
'The upgrade will directly align with the province's vision of creating a modern, integrated, efficient and sustainable transport and road infrastructure system in Gauteng,' he said.
Mashigo said the Garstfontein Road upgrade is not only a significant financial investment but also a crucial step toward future-proofing the metro's infrastructure, reducing congestion, and creating a more equitable city for all its residents.
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Deputy director-general in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources department, Tseliso Maqubela, and Minister Gwede Mantashe told Parliament in February 2025 that they were looking to regional partners – including Angola's Sonangol or Botswana Oil – to help rebuild the refinery. The state thus now sits with a defunct and out-of-date refinery with enormous social and environmental liabilities. It may not have the capital to get it going again, and even if it does, many experts suggest it will be a stranded asset in the near future. Its former owners, Shell and BP, have disappeared into the sunset. All the while, the communities of South Durban continue to bear the disastrous health costs and environmental devastation caused by the refinery. DM Open Secrets is a nonprofit organisation which exposes and builds accountability for private-sector economic crimes through investigative research, advocacy and the law. 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