Limpopo has committed to improving road conditions across the province this December, bolstered by a major investment in equipment for its public works department. However, officials acknowledge that fully upgrading the province’s vast road network will require an estimated R200 billion—funding the province does not currently have.
R100 million fleet aims to boost service delivery
The Department of Public Works has procured over R100 million worth of tools of trade, adding more than 100 new white and yellow fleet vehicles to its asset register. The newly acquired machinery includes graders, dozers, front-end loaders, tipper trucks, trailers, minibuses, sedans, light delivery vehicles, and both single- and double-cab bakkies.
The fleet was officially handed over during an event at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Thursday. The investment forms part of the 2025/26 provincial budget, which allocated R100 million specifically for road maintenance.
Premier: “The impact must be felt immediately”
Speaking at the event, Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the new equipment would only have value if it translated into tangible improvements on the ground.
“Once these vehicles leave here today, their impact must be felt immediately. Roads that have long deteriorated must begin to show progress,” she said.
Ramathuba noted that the fleet will support the work of the 590 officials recruited since the start of the seventh administration, including 140 new staff members who began duty on 1 December 2025. She said the vehicles will strengthen internal capacity and help accelerate service delivery across the province.
MEC: Fleet will strengthen cost centres and initiatives
Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure MEC Tonny Ernest Rachoene told The Citizen that the 105 new vehicles would significantly enhance the department’s operations and give momentum to the #DikgerekgereWednesdays service delivery programme.
He outlined progress made since the current administration took office last year. Limpopo’s 21,000 km road network includes 8,000 km of tarred roads and 13,000 km of gravel roads.
Since May last year, the department has:
- Upgraded about 90 km of gravel roads to tar
- Bladed 10,000 km of roads
- Regravelled 5,000 km, all conducted internally and at lower cost
The price of upgrading Limpopo’s roads
Upgrading a gravel road to tar costs approximately R15 million per kilometre. With 13,000 km of gravel roads remaining, the province would need roughly R200 billion to complete the task—money it does not have.
Rachoene said the provincial government is working with the Office of the Premier and Provincial Treasury to seek additional support from National Treasury to continue upgrading roads.
Roads vital for economic growth
Roads Agency Limpopo, the construction arm of the public works department, emphasised the economic importance of reliable road infrastructure.
Acting CEO Makhitha Chesane said well-maintained roads improve access to key economic sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and commerce. This, he said, can boost trade, employment, and investor confidence.
“Good roads enhance safety, reduce travel costs, and ensure essential services and products reach communities effectively and efficiently,” Chesane added.