Note to broadcasters: Please find attached an audio clip by MPP Matlhodi Maseko
R 606 405 984,49 is currently being spent on three major road upgrades in the Garden Route area.
These Projects are:
• The Maalgate Bridge safety improvements (R49 405 984,49)
• Gwaiing Road upgrade (R67 000 000,00)
• Louis Fourie Road upgrade (R490 000 000,00)
The Maalgate Bridge project has been undertaken because it has been identified as a narrow bridge crossing that has been deemed unsafe and requires intervention. This project aims to realign and rehabilitate the bridge, while also widening the bridge.
The Gwaiing road upgrade project has been undertaken because of increased traffic volumes and development in the area, which led to the road having to undergo maintenance frequently. The project aims to upgrade the road from gravel to a surfaced standards and will be surfaced with a bituminous seal.
The Louis Fourie (R102) road upgrade project has been undertaken because of increased traffic volumes and development in the area and there is now a need for improved capacity, which made intervention necessary. This mega project aims to:
• Convert Single lanes into dual-lane carriageways,
• Improve localised networks,
• Replace rail-over-road bridge,
• Replace the river bridge,
• Periodic maintenance between Marsh Street and Hartenbos and
• Construction of NMT facilities from Waboom Street towards Sonskynvallei.
MPP Matlhodi Maseko said: “As the pressure on the Western Cape’s infrastructure increases, it is imperative that we develop and fortify to accommodate this pressure. Numerous essential infrastructure projects are currently in progress throughout the province, with several already successfully completed.
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape remains committed to championing the cause and ensuring that our vital infrastructure remains modern and does not lag behind the evolving needs of our growing population and our economic needs. World-class infrastructure is a prerequisite to economic growth, and the Western Cape Government is making sure that all the building blocks are in place to accelerate job creation in the province.”