SANRAL outlines R280 million flood-damage repair projects in Mpumalanga

The rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by severe flooding in several Mpumalanga communities took centre stage during an engagement session between the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL), traditional leaders and other stakeholders in Bushbuckridge.

The meeting, held at the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, focused on concerns surrounding delays in the commencement of construction work on the R40 Section 5 flood-damage rehabilitation project.

The damage follows severe flooding experienced across Mpumalanga between December 2025 and June 2026. Following assessments, SANRAL identified five municipalities as among the hardest hit: Bushbuckridge, City of Mbombela, Nkomazi, Thaba Chweu and eMalahleni.

In response, SANRAL has developed emergency infrastructure repair projects valued at approximately R280 million. The projects will be implemented in phases, with the aim of restoring damaged infrastructure and addressing the impact of the floods on affected communities.

The initiative will also prioritise the participation of local businesses through Contract Participation Goals (CPG), with 30% of the project work earmarked for local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). Specific opportunities will be created for businesses owned by women, young people and persons with disabilities.

During the engagement, the importance of involving traditional leadership structures in development initiatives was emphasised. Stakeholders highlighted the need for transparency, meaningful community participation and ensuring that local communities benefit directly from infrastructure development projects.

CoGHSTA MEC Speed Mashilo led the departmental delegation during the engagement, which sought to strengthen cooperation between government, SANRAL, traditional authorities and affected communities.

The floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure, private property and community livelihoods, leaving many residents facing significant challenges. The planned rehabilitation projects are expected to play an important role in restoring essential infrastructure and supporting recovery efforts in the affected areas.