On Wednesday evening, 30 August, the provincial Ministers of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers and Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie presented Bergrivier community members with the short and medium-term plans for the respective portfolios. The meeting was held at the Bergrivier Municipality Town Hall in Velddrift.
This follows months of correspondence and engagements with the Bergrivier Municipality relating to the local communities’ concerns over increased traffic volumes and road infrastructure.
Bergrivier has seen an increase in traffic volumes which can be attributed to the growing commercial sector in the region. The local communities had submitted their concerns and were keen to hear what the Western Cape Government’s response and plans for the area were. Revealing one of his department’s key projects in the medium term Minister Simmers said: “The construction of the replacement of the Carinus Bridge is planned and envisaged to commence within the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). Part of the project will be the upgrade of the R27 and R399 in Velddrif.”
Minister Simmers continued, “While we will continue with our regular planned maintenance operations, this project will see an upgrade in the road infrastructure suitable to accommodate traffic volume expansions in the future. It will also contribute to local employment and economic growth.”
The conduct of the heavy vehicle haulers on the road has become a growing safety concern for the communities of Bergrivier.
Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie said his department’s immediate plans will start within the next 24 hours. “As of 31 August, our traffic teams will embark on special traffic law enforcement operations at key identified locations. We are the only province in the country with a 24-hour traffic law enforcement presence so these special operations will run continuously. The communities can rest assured that operators who contravene the
traffic laws will meet the long arm of the law. We also urge the corporate sector to show leadership with their freight operations. To ensure that trucks are not overloaded, and drivers are not speeding or using routes that do not support the weight of their load. This is critical for improving road safety and relieving small towns bearing the brunt of irresponsible operations.”
In closing, Minister Simmers thanked the community for being active citizens.
“Thank you for your inputs and suggestions I will take these back to our technical teams. I trust this engagement has shown you that the Western Cape Government is indeed an all-inclusive government dedicated to the dignity, safety, and well-being of its citizens.”
Both the municipality and provincial government are committed to keeping the communities informed of the latest developments on this matter.
B@D B0Y
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Trixie
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