KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality is set to roll out a significant capital investment programme for the 2026/2027 financial year, with major infrastructure projects aimed at improving service delivery, expanding basic services and upgrading critical municipal infrastructure across the region.
The investment forms part of the municipality’s continued drive to address infrastructure backlogs while supporting economic development and improving the quality of life for residents.
The programme is funded through a combination of Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP), Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) allocations and internal funding sources.
Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding will support several key projects, including the procurement of specialised waste management vehicles valued at R1 530 899, the upgrade of the Phillipsville Sportsfield at R6 275 776, and the upgrading of gravel roads across Kouga, amounting to R10 337 345.
Additional MIG-funded projects include the refurbishment of the sewer pump station in Arcadia Street for R2 623 984, the upgrade of the Ocean View sewer pipe at R6 123 132, and the design phase for new high mast lighting infrastructure valued at R4 347 826.
Under the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP), the municipality will invest in the construction of a new sewer pump station and rising main in KwaNomzamo valued at R15 965 217. A further R1 679 361 has been allocated for environmental impact assessment processes and internal reticulation design work.
The Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) will fund the KwaNomzamo bulk water project to the value of R10 074 782, aimed at strengthening water supply capacity and improving reliability for households in the area.
In addition, the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) will facilitate the electrification of 1 250 households across Kouga, with an allocation of R5 026 086.
Internal municipal funding will also be utilised for the replacement of the distribution system in Jeffreys Bay, with an investment of R2 000 000.
Smaller but important infrastructure projects funded through internal allocations include the construction of a new sewer rising main valued at R344 883, bridge and culvert repairs at R600 000, and the construction of sidewalks and accessible pedestrian walkways amounting to R850 000.
Further allocations include R245 640 for the installation of street names and signage, R400 000 for the reinstatement of stormwater infrastructure, R600 000 for roads resealing and maintenance, and R800 000 for the fencing of sewer pump stations.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said the capital programme reflects the municipality’s commitment to sustainable development and improved service delivery across all communities.
“This capital investment programme is about delivering real, visible change in our communities. We are prioritising infrastructure that improves daily life, strengthens service delivery systems and lays the foundation for long-term economic growth. Every project included in this budget has a direct impact on the well-being of our residents,” said Bornman.
He added that the municipality remains focused on ensuring that infrastructure investment is both strategic and inclusive.
“We are deliberately investing in both bulk infrastructure and community-level upgrades because development must be felt in every ward. From roads and water to sanitation and electrification, these projects reflect our commitment to building a more functional, connected and resilient Kouga,” he said.
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