Rehabilitation processes of the flood-damaged road infrastructure

The Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers kicked off the week with a visit to some of the severely damaged roads infrastructure sites on behalf of the Western Cape Government.

He began the visits at the R43/ R44 interchange in Hermanus, in the Overstrand Municipality. The Executive Mayor of Overstrand Dr. Annelie Rabie accompanied the Minister on the site walkabout. The severely damaged interchange has been reopened on a stop-and-go operation. The technical assessments of the damage and planning of the required rehabilitation works are still underway for this site. The two principals then proceeded to the Palmiet Bridge on the R44, one of the roads that was closed during the peak of the floods. A section of the approach to the bridge has been washed away by the storm, and it is now operating on a stop-and-go. The citizens and commerce in the region will be relieved to note that construction at these sites will begin soon.

Mayor Rabie was appreciative of the Western Cape Government’s urgent response to rebuilding these key routes. “I want to thank the Western Cape Government for their swift and urgent response. The closure of any of these two roads would be devastating to the economy of this region as well as the well-being of our citizens.”

“Therefore, speedy rehabilitation and upgrading of these routes is critical as the delivery of medical services, petroleum products, and agricultural goods is reliant on the access of these roads” she added.

The Minister’s itinerary shifted to the Langeberg Municipality, where some of the key agricultural routes were severely damaged with the McGregor Bridge completely washed away. At the bridge, Minister Simmers was joined by the Langeberg Executive Mayor Schalk Van Eeden. Construction to rebuild the bridge is underway and is expected to be re-opened before the end of October.

Mayor Van Eeden was astounded to learn that the bridge would be completed sooner than he anticipated. “I am excited to learn that our farmers and communities will be able to access the bridge so soon. This has had a devasting impact on our local economy, particularly our agriculture sector.”

He continued to say, “This will be of great relief to the greater McGregor community, this is news that will be welcomed by the farmers.”

Minister Simmers reflected on the day and the progress seen. “These floods have no doubt left a devastating impact on our province’s infrastructure. Particularly noting that much of the McGregor community was left disconnected from the main town of Robertson. A town where many of them work and attend school as well as do their grocery shopping. However, following my visits today and engagements with my counterparts at local government, citizens can rest assured that within no time they will see road networks being rebuilt and reopened for public use under the auspices of the Western Cape Government. At McGregor a site where the bridge is completely washed away, I am glad to share with the Executive Mayor and citizens that before the end of the month, our contractors will have completed the reconstruction of the bridge.”

He further deliberated on the Overstrand road constructions. “Similarly, to Langeberg municipality, our contractors are on site, and we expect the commencement of construction in the coming days. Fast-tracking the rehabilitation work at these is a priority to the Western Cape Government, as we are cognizant of their importance to the region as well as those wanting to visit.”

The technical teams continue to assess the flood-damaged areas, across the province. Communities and commuters on the roads are urged to remain patient and adhere to road signage posted on the affected roads.