The Kouga
Municipality has invested millions of rands over the past two years to upgrade
its road network to connect people to opportunities and boost the economy.
According
to Vicky Knoetze, DA Tsitsi-Kouga Constituency Leader, in total 25 roads (28
000 metres) have been upgraded from gravel to tar in Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp
and Thornhill.
She
said on Tuesday, August 30, she was joined by Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio
Hendricks, in conducting a road network oversight inspection in Thornhill,
where R4.9 million was spent on upgrading seven roads.
Knoetze
further said in Jeffreys Bay 10 roads were upgraded in Pellsrus in the amount
of R8.8 million, while in Humansdorp (Kwanomzamo, Arcadia and Kruisfontein)
almost R7.3 million was spent on tarring eight roads.
“Between
October 2017 and August this year, the municipality repaired 46 524 potholes
and a new contractor has now been appointed to repair tens of thousands more,”
said Knoetze.
“A
tender is also currently being advertised for the resealing of existing tar
roads.”
Knoetze
said although the challenge to address the neglect of the road is a mammoth
task, further exacerbated by population growth, the Kouga Municipality
continues to illustrate its commitment to improving and maintaining its roads.
“Striking
a balance between investment in new road infrastructure and the maintenance of
existing road infrastructure remains a top priority for the Kouga Municipality,”
said Knoetze.
“Improving
this infrastructure is vital for sustainable economic growth and the overall
improvement of the quality of life of residents. It connects people to
opportunities and rural or informal areas to the mainstream economy.”
