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Department: Transport 1.5km of road constructed. Furthermore, the Qumbu to Tsilitwa paving project is advancing well, with an overall completion rate of 80 per cent for the planned 2km. In terms of outsourced construction projects, the progress is as follows: The procurement process for the DR08606 Sterkspruit to Mlamli Hospital project has been completed, although the department is currently engaged in litigation with the contractor regarding a separate matter. Regrettably, the upgrading of the road from R61 at St Barnabas Hospital to Hluleka Nature Reserve Phase 2 is facing challenges, with site establishment complete, but limited earthworks undertaken, resulting in an overall project completion rate of 6 per cent and a 4-month behind schedule. The department is closely monitoring the project and has provided the contractor with a rate of progress letter. The Department has continued to provide support to local government through maintenance projects by utilising Service Level Agreements on the ongoing projects. Progress to date is as follows: the SLA EC DoT Enoch Mgijima LM project, which involves upgrading Fikile Gwadana Drive, is nearing completion, with 98 per cent of the work done and only minor tasks outstanding. In the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, the SLA EC_DoT project has seen the successful completion of the upgrading of Van Behrens Ring Road in Riebeek East. However, the rehabilitation of M Street and Albert Street in Makhanda is experiencing delays due to poor contractor performance, with overall project progress currently at 25 per cent completion. Meanwhile, the SLA EC_DoT Great Kei LM project is progressing through the design development and Gateway Review Stage for two key initiatives: the upgrading of DR394 Haga Haga Road (13 kms) and the upgrading of the road to Kei River from Main Street (1 km). The Department's key strategic projects were scheduled to commence during the period under review. Among these, the Willowvale to Dwesa Nature Reserve Phase 3 project is still undergoing procurement and evaluation. In contrast, the upgrading of DR08034 Clarkbury road has begun, with the Executive Authority introducing the contractor to the community in February 2025. The contractor has been given a 2-month mobilisation period to prepare for the project. Meanwhile, the Stutterheim to Tsomo Phase 1 project will no longer be undertaken by the Department, as plans are underway to hand over the road to SANRAL. Progress on the Middleburg Integrated Traffic Control Centre Phase 2A is extremely slow. This is largely attributed to the contractor%u2019s poor performance. The contractor has been issued with a number of intentions to terminate project due to non-compliance and non-meeting of construction targets. The construction progress is at 32 per cent whilst time lapsed on the project is 88 per cent. The Department is closely monitoring the project and following due processes. The provision of road safety awareness programmes through Road Safety has continued, with two road safety awareness interventions conducted against an annual target of 2, and 299 schools reached in respect of road safety education against an annual target of 401. Public Transport Services has provided subsidised bus services through Algoa Bus Company, covering 2 201 routes around Nelson Mandela Metro. Additionally, the programme has provided subsidised services through Mayibuye Transport Corporation, covering 56 routes around Chris Hani and Amathole Districts. Through Africa Best 350, 134 routes are covered around Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Amathole, Chris Hani, and part of Joe Gqabi Districts. The routes covered in total is 2 391, which is above the yearly target of 2 273. To ensure compliance with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), the Department conducted 12 assessments each at the Bhisho and Mthatha Airports. The construction of the Mthatha Fire Station remains a challenge for the Department. Following the termination of the project in 2022/23, the Department is still awaiting the appointment of a new contractor from DPWI, the implementing agent appointed for the project. The Department continues to engage with DPWI to ensure progress on the project. 658