GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) construction team is leading the restoration and construction effort of roads damaged by floods in recent times.
A total of nine roads in the region is scheduled for completion by early next year.
Earlier this year, heavy rainfall severely damaged multiple roads in the region, with some sections completely washed away, isolating communities and disrupting access to and from farms.
The Western Cape Provincial Government’s (WCG) Department of Infrastructure responded by allocating R20 million for emergency repairs to restore and improve the affected roads.
The allocated funds are also used to enhance the drainage systems along these roads to prevent future damage, according to Garden Route Mayor Andrew Stroebel.
He and members of the mayoral committee and administration visited the De Hoop Road (DR1835) in the Bo-Kouga area near Uniondale on Thursday 24 October to inspect completed repairs and upgrades done there.
"Uniondale forms part of the George municipal area and plays an integral part of the agricultural value chain with sheep, seed and fruit farming being the most popular," said Stroebel.
He said ongoing construction work is currently focused on Uniondale and Riversdale, with upcoming projects set to begin in Van Wyksdorp and Knysna.
Background to flood damage and repairs
The flooding of the DR1835 road occurred when the adjacent river overflowed, washing away the road’s structural layers. The repair process required a complete reconstruction of the road’s foundation.
In addition, significant improvements to the drainage system were made, including the replacement of stormwater culverts and the installation of drainage humps along the pass section.
To protect against future erosion, hand-built stone-pitched headwalls are being constructed using materials sourced from the road reserve.
Stroebel said this project also incorporates the Expanded Public Works Programme. "This programme provides local workers with valuable training and hands-on experience in the construction field."
Part of the road that is being restored.
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