Click on the questions below to view the answers to frequently asked questions.
Author: Herman Pieters
Mediaverklaring: Opdatering 2 van Dysselsdorp grondeise deur Gona-Hesse! Khwe en konstruktiewe gesprek met gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers
Mediaverklaring: Opdatering 2 van Dysselsdorp grondeise deur Gona-Hesse! Khwe en konstruktiewe gesprek met gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers
28 Februarie 2024
‘n Afvaardiging van die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het vroeër vandag ‘n konstruktiewe gesprek gehad met verteenwoordigers van die Dysselsdorp-gemeenskap. ‘n Deurslaggewende ooreenkoms is bereik dat geen plaaslike inwoners uitsetting in die gesig staar nie.
Die TDM gaan voort met sy regstappe teen die Gona-Hesse! Khwe Royal Koninkryk wat tans ‘n deel van Erf 2 en Erf 975 huur en nie kontraktuele verpligtinge nakom nie.
Gesprekke met die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit en ander sleutelbelanghebbendes sal voortgaan om gemeenskapskwessies verder aan te spreek.
Die gemeenskapverteenwoordigers van Dysselsdorp het die geleentheid om direk met die GRDM-afvaardiging te gesels hartlik verwelkom en die positiewe uitkomste van die verbintenis waardeer. Na afloop van die produktiewe vergadering het die gemeenskap takke en klippeuit die paaie verwyder en sodoende normale verkeersvloei en toegang tot Dysselsdorp herstel.
Die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) betuig sy dank aan die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienste, gemeenskapsleiers en die inwoners vir hul bereidwilligheid en samewerkende gees om te werk aan ‘n vreedsame en konstruktiewe oplossing.
EINDIG
Dysselsdorp se gemeenskap is gelukkig met die uitkomste van die gesprekke wat plaasgevind het tussen TDM en die Dysselsdorp-gemeenskap se verteenwoordigers. (Foto: Bonisile Desha)
Media Statement: Update on Dysselsdorp property land-claims by Gona-Hesse! Khwe and the outcomes of fruitful discussions with Dysselsdorp Community representatives
28 February 2024
A delegation from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), earlier today, held a constructive dialogue with representatives of the Dysselsdorp community, reaching a crucial agreement that no local residents will face eviction.
The GRDM is set to continue its legal actions against the Gona-Hesse! Khwe Royal Kingdom who are currently leasing a part of Erf 2 and Erf 975 and who are in breach of the contract they entered into with the GRDM.
Discussions with the Oudtshoorn Municipality and other key stakeholders are set to proceed to further address community concerns.
The Dysselsdorp community warmly welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with the GRDM delegation, appreciating the positive outcomes of the engagement. Following the productive engagement, the community removed obstacles from the roads, thereby restoring normal traffic flow and access to Dysselsdorp.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) extends its thanks to the South African Police Services, community leaders, and the residents for their patience, understanding, and collaborative spirit in working towards a peaceful and constructive resolution.
ENDS
‘n Foto geneem tydens die gesprekke wat plaasgevind het deur ‘n afvaardiging van Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (links) en gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers van Dysselsdorp (regs).
Media Statement: Dysselsdorp property land-claims by Gona-Hesse! Khwe
Media Statement: Dysselsdorp property land-claims by Gona-Hesse! Khwe
28 February 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is aware of the land-claims of two of its properties in Dysselsdorp (Erf 2 and 975) and remains committed to a fair and humane process to be followed going forward. The GRDM will engage several stakeholders to find a fair resolution for the situation.
Background
In 2021, the Gona-Hesse! Khwe Royal Kingdom, a non-profit entity, approached the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) with a proposal to lease land within the district’s jurisdiction. Their initial interest was in Kleinkrantz, a small community situated between Wilderness and Sedgefield. However, they were informed that Kleinkrantz was unavailable, but alternative land within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction could be leased, in particular erf 2 in Dysselsdorp.
Subsequently, the Gona-Hesse! Khwe decided to pursue a lease for erf 2 near Dysselsdorp, specifically the area known locally as ‘Bloupunt’. Initially, they made a deposit, but failed to fulfill their monthly rental obligations as per the lease agreement. By September 30, 2022, they had accrued rental arrears amounting to nearly R60 000,00. Despite repeated requests for payment, the Gona-Hesse! Khwe did not settle their debt, prompting the GRDM to implement measures in accordance with its Credit Control Policy to recover the owed amounts.
On February 2, 2024, the GRDM filed a notice of application pursuant to section 4(2) of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, No 19 of 1998 (the PIE Act), against the Gona-Hesse! Khwe. The group, despite neglecting their lease obligations, controversially issued illegal title deeds, falsely asserting ownership over the land based on their claimed royal status. This action was contrary to official deeds records. Consequently, the GRDM had no option but to take legal action to protect its property rights.
The one eviction notice pertains to erf 2. The other eviction is of the illegal occupation of erf 975, but the GRDM Council has decided to withdraw this eviction notice. The contractual violation specifically involves erf 2 and is associated with the Gona-Hesse! Khwe group. The individuals protesting are residents of erf 975 and have been misled by the Gona-Hesse! Khwe, who have failed to honour their contractual obligations regarding erf 2.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council is set to deliberate on the situation concerning erf 975 with the Oudtshoorn Municipality, aiming for a harmonious resolution.
For more information, please contact the GRDM Communication Manager, Herman Pieters at 044 803 1419 or at herman@gardenroute.gov.za.
-END-
Mediaverklaring: Dysselsdorp grondeise deur Gona-Hesse! Khwe
28 Februarie 2024
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) is bewus van die grondeise van twee van sy eiendomme in Dysselsdorp (Erf 2 en 975) en bly toegewyd om ‘n regverdige en menslike proses te volg om die situasie te beredder. Die TDM onderneem om verskeie belanghebbendes te betrek, om sodoende ‘n regverdige oplossing vir die situasie te vind.
Agtergrond
In 2021 het die Gona-Hesse! Khwe Koninklike Koninkryk, ‘n nie-winsgewende entiteit, die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) genader met ‘n voorstel om grond binne die distrik se jurisdiksie te huur. Hulle aanvanklike belangstelling was in Kleinkrantz, ‘n klein gemeenskap tussen Wildernis en Sedgefield, maar was egter ingelig dat Kleinkrantz nie beskikbaar is nie. Alternatiewe grond binne die munisipaliteit se jurisdiksie wat wel beskikbaar was vir huur, Erf 2 in Dysselsdorp was aanbeveel. Erf 2 is ongeveer 100 km in afstand vanaf Kleinkrantz, waar die Gona-Hesse! Khwe Koninklike Koninkryk aanvanklik ‘n eiendom wou huur.
Later het die Gona-Hesse! Khwe besluit om ‘n huurkontrak vir Erf 2, in Dysselsdorp na te streef, spesifiek die gebied wat plaaslik bekendstaan as ‘Bloupunt’. Hulle het aanvanklik ‘n deposito betaal, maar het versuim om hul maandelikse huurverpligtinge na te kom soos bepaal in die huurooreenkoms. Teen 30 September 2022 het hulle agterstallige huurgeld tot R60 000,00 opgeloop. Ten spyte van herhaalde versoeke om betaling, het die Gona-Hesse! Khwe versuim om hul skuld te vereffen, en wat daartoe genoop het dat die TDM maatreëls inplementeer in ooreenstemming met sy Kredietbeheerbeleid om sodoende die verskuldigde (uitstaande) bedrae terug te eis.
Op 2 Februarie 2024 het die TDM ‘n kennisgewing ingedien ingevolge artikel 4(2) van die Wet op die Voorkoming van Onwettige Uitsettings en Onwettige Besetting van Grond, No 19 van 1998 (die PIE Wet), teen die Gona-Hesse! Khwe. Die groep het, ten spyte van die nalating van hul huurverpligtinge, omstrede onwettige titelaktes uitgereik, waardeur hulle valse eienaarskap oor die grond beweer het, op grond van hul beweerde koninklike status. Hierdie optrede was teenstrydig met die amptelike aktes se rekords. Gevolglik het die TDM geen ander opsie gehad as om regstappe te neem om sodoende sy eiendomsregte te beskerm.
Die een uitsettingskennisgewing het betrekking op Erf 2. Die ander uitsetting is vir die onwettige besetting van Erf 975, maar die TDM Raad het intussen besluit om hierdie uitsettingskennisgewing terug te trek. Die kontraktuele oortreding het spesifiek betrekking op Erf 2 en word geassosieer met die Gona-Hesse! Khwe groep. Die individue wie protes aanteken, is inwoners van Erf 975 en word mislei deur die Gona-Hesse! Khwe, wat nie hul kontraktuele verpligtinge met betrekking tot Erf 2 nagekom het nie. ‘n Administratiewe en politieke delegasie is tans oppad na Oudtshoorn om met die gemeenskapsverteenwoordigers te praat.
Met die oog op die toekoms is die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) Raad en die administrasie besig om te beraadslag oor die situasie met betrekking tot Erf 975 met die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit, met die doel om ‘n harmonieuse oplossing te bereik.
Vir meer inligting, kontak asseblief die TDM Kommunikasiebestuurder, Herman Pieters by 044 803 1419 of by herman@gardenroute.gov.za.
-Einde-
28 February 2024 Public Notice: Special Council Meeting on 28 February 2024 at 09h00
Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 28 February 2024 at 09h00
Notice nr. 23/2024
Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the GRDM Council and via Zoom on 28 February 2024 at 09:00.
MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300
Click here to download the official notice
15 Februarie 2024 Mediavrystelling: Basiese Brandbestrydingsopleiding na Van Wyksdorp-inwoners uitgerol
Mediavrystelling: Basiese Brandbestrydingsopleiding na Van Wyksdorp-inwoners uitgerol
15 Februarie 2024
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM), Brand en Reddingsdienste het hierdie week vanaf 12 tot 15 Februarie 2024, inwoners van die Van Wyksdorp-area opgelei in basiese brandbestryding.
Die opleiding het begin met een (1) dag van teorie en (1) dag van praktiese vaardighede wat gefokus het om brande rondom strukture en binnenshuis te hanteer. Die studente is ook geleer oor die basiese beginsels wat gepaard gaan met die hantering van veldbrande in hul ontstekings fase.
TDM se Brandweerdienste sal ook ‘n 1000-liter watertenk en pomp-sleepwa aan die span voorsien. Dit sal aansienlik bydra tot vinnige reaksietyd op brande wat skielik ontstaan in die Van Wyksdorp-omgewing.
Daniel Dippenaar, TDM Stasiebevelvoerder: Brandveiligheid en Opleiding, het die opleiding gefasiliteer. Hy is ondersteun deur TDM-brandbestryders van Ladismith, asook Cornelius Willemse en sy medewerkers van die Kannaland Munisipaliteit se Beskermdienste.
Soorgelyke opleiding word beplan om plaas te vind aan die einde van Februarie 2024 vir die Witsand-area in die Hessequa-streek.
Media Release: First Responder Basic Firefighting Training rolled out to Van Wyksdorp residents
15 February 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services rolled out Community First Responder Basic Firefighting Training this week from 12 to 15 February 2024 to 15 locals.
The Training was done as a step in the direction of establishing a First Responder Team in Van Wyksdorp, Kannaland.
The training commenced with one day of theoretical and one day of practical skills to deal with fires around structures and within homes. The participants were also taught the basics of how to deal with suppressing wildfires.
GRDM Fire and Rescue Services will also supply the team with a 1000-litre water tank and pump trailer. This will greatly assist with rapid responses to fire outbreaks within the Van Wyksdorp area.
Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety and Training, facilitated the training and was assisted by the GRDM crew in Ladismith as well as Cornelius Willemse and a team of Kannaland Municipality Protection Services.
A similar intervention is planned for the Witsand area at the end of February 2024.
ENDS
15 February 2024 Impact Based Weather Warning: Damaging Winds and Severe Thunderstorms
Impact-Based Weather Warning: Damaging Winds and Severe Thunderstorms
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a weather warning valid from 15/02/2024 at 20h00 until 16/02/2024 at 21h00.
- Areas affected by damaging winds, include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay
- Areas affected by severe thunderstorms, include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay
Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.
14 February 2024 Frequently Asked Questions: Questions and Answers about Waste Management at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)
Frequently Asked Questions: Questions and Answers about Waste Management at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)
1. Who collects waste from households?
Local or metropolitan municipalities collect waste generated by households. District Municipalities provide technical support to local municipalities and assist with regional planning and coordination.
2. Who is responsible for operating a regional solid waste disposal site?
According to Section 84 of the Municipal Structures Act, regional solid waste disposal sites is a function of the District Municipality, in so far it relates to the determination of a waste disposal strategy; the regulation of waste disposal; and the establishment, operation and control of waste disposal sites, bulk waste transfer facilities and waste disposal facilities for more than one local municipality in the district.
The GRDM Council resolved that a service provider will operate the site for a period of ten years.
3. Who is responsible for operating a local waste disposal site?
Local municipalities are responsible for managing their own local waste disposal sites like Grootkop Landfill site in Oudtshoorn Municipality and Steynskloof Landfill Site in Hessequa Municipality. Due to the technical nature of operating a landfill site in accordance with Waste Management Licence conditions, it is common practice that municipalities outsource the operations to external service providers.
4. When was an Environmental Impact Assessment concluded for the Regional Waste Management Facility?
- It was completed in 2012.
- GRDM received Environmental Authorisation & a Waste Management Licence was issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment in 2014.
5. Why is a regional waste management facility needed?
The reason is because Bitou, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay Municipalities do not have landfill sites available anymore, requiring the GRDM to establish a regional waste management facility. These municipalities currently make use of the PetroSA Landfill site in Mossel Bay, which is near its full capacity. It is also a better choice to have a regional waste management facility because of economies of scale. It offers a reduced capital and operational costs and improved overall compliance. Further, the National Waste Management Strategy (Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment) and the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DES&DP) advocates the regionalisation of waste management and disposal. DEA&DP is the licencing authority for general landfill sites and has indicated that they licences will only be issued for regional sites going forward.
6. What are more benefits of having a regional waste management facility?
- Pooled funds ensure compliance to Waste Management Licence conditions, cost of compliance and rehabilitation is exorbitant.
- Avoids detrimental environmental impacts – as opposed to a number of landfill sites spread across the district.
- Reduces the utilisation of limited land for landfill sites.
- Access control to the regional waste management facility will be limited – waste pickers and muggings will not happen at a regionally controlled site.
- Waste will not be burned illegally.
- Accurate reporting will be possible when it is controlled at a district-level because there will be weighbridges and sampling done.
7. Why has it taken so long for the Regional Waste Management Facility to get to this point?
- The process already started in 2006 when municipalities agreed to pursue a regional waste management facility. The finalisation of all environmental processes and authorisations were concluded in 2014. The project first followed a Public Private Partnership approach, which includes substantial red tape and legislative processes, and unfortunately the appointed service provider withdrew from the PPP at the final stages of the process on 29 September 2020. The GRDM Council subsequently resolved to make use of a loan for funding the construction and to appoint a service provider to operate the facility on GRDM’s behalf.
8. Who designed the new site that is currently under construction?
Zutari (Pty) Ltd was appointed for the design, drafting of tender documentation & contract supervision for the Regional Waste Management Facility and associated infrastructure. A Service Level Agreement with Zutari was signed on 11 October 2021.
9. When was the loan tender process finalised?
- The loan tender process was finalised and Standard Bank appointed. This required a Debt Agreement to be in place, which was signed on 03 July 2023.
10. Who is constructing the regional waste management facility?
Tefla Group was appointed as contractor to construct the Regional Waste Management Facility for R320 million.
11. What happens if waste is not stored, collected or disposed of properly – who intervenes?
GRDM’s Municipal Health Services monitors this in accordance with the provisions of the Health Act and reports on non-compliance to the local municipality or issue non-compliance notices to businesses in the private sector. The DEA&DP is the licencing authority and is responsible for the enforcement of waste management licences. The Environmental Management Inspectorate further enforces the National Environmental Management Act in terms of any environmental degradation emanating from non-compliance issues.
For Waste Management-related queries and assistance, contact Johan Gie (Mgr. District Waste Management), via e-mail: johang@gardenroute.gov.za
Alternatively, contact Innocentia Sikweyiya, via e-mail: innocentia@gardenroute.gov.za
10 February 2024 Media Release: Tacoma Sister Cities representatives from the USA have arrived
Media Release: Tacoma Sister Cities representatives from the USA have arrived
10 February 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and domestic stakeholders hosted a meet-and-greet event today, 10 February 2024, at the Apprentice Restaurant within the Francois Ferreira Academy premises. This event marks a significant moment in the partnership between GRDM, local municipalities, the George Business Chamber, and many more with the Tacoma City Sisters.
The partnership between Tacoma and the Garden Route district seeks to support a wide range of cultural, educational, professional, and civic exchanges to improve trade and commercial activities. It encourages collaborative learning, working, and problem-solving, while also nurturing community bonds through cultural appreciation and joint endeavours.
Melannie Denise Cunningham, in her interim chairperson position of the formational phase of the Tacoma Garden Route Sister Committee, emphasised the importance of finding common ground to establish a foundation for impactful initiatives.
The Tacoma Sister Cities are embarking on this reconnaissance journey, while they are already aware of several opportunities that lie ahead. Their shared commitment allows them to explore avenues like golf with equal enthusiasm, and many more.
Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor thanked the George Municipality and Pastor Horne for their initial partnering with the Tacoma Sister Cities. “The experience around the tables here makes today a perfect gathering,” said Booysen. Ald. Booysen also explained that he sees the partnership as a conduit to make a meaningful difference to people at the grassroots level.
The George Business Chamber and George Municipality’s Cllr Dirk Wessels provide insights and contributions to the discussions. Cllr Wessels highlighted that he sees the Tacoma City Sisters as being here to uplift communities and to create a positive environment.
“It is fitting for us to be at the premises of the Francois Ferreira Academy where dozens of previously disadvantaged youth have been allowed to become the breadwinners of their families,” said Cllr Wessels. “Perhaps practical experience can be gained by some aspiring chefs in Tacoma in the future – that’s just one of many ideas for future collaboration”.
Keith Sharp from the George Business Chamber touched on the George Business Chamber and stated that one of their philosophies is to help businesses to employ more people. “Joblessness is the root cause of our social ills”. “We provide a platform for businesses to network more with one another and we are open for business with the Tacoma Sister Cities,” Sharp concluded.
An engaging week ahead lies ahead. The program, spanning until next Friday, includes various activities aimed at fostering closer ties and mutual understanding between all stakeholders. Starting with the GRDM will 11 February 2024 present its Growth and Development Strategy and the Garden Route Skills Mecca, local municipal areas will also be visited to discuss economic opportunities and community programmes and projects.
GRDM looks forward to fruitful discussions that will enhance partnerships and yield benefits to communities that are most in need of support.
Read about the previous engagement here https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2023/02/28/28-february-2023-media-release-garden-route-dm-to-partner-with-tacoma-sister-cities-from-the-usa/.
Feature image caption: The Meet-and-Greet attended by the City of Tacoma Sister City representatives, Garden Route District Municipality, George Municipality, the South Cape Economic Development Partnership, George Business Chambers and Eagle’s Nest Ministries.
ENDS
31 January 2024 Media Release: Statement on Montagu Pass and Seven Passes Road
Media release by Western Cape Government: Montagu Pass and Seven Passes Road
For Immediate Release
31 January 2024
There were unprecedented levels of flood damage across much of the provincial road network during the 2023 winter. The most severe storm took place over the Heritage Day long weekend, but this was by no means the only damaging winter storm last year. The Montagu Pass and Seven Passes Road are two of the Western Cape roads that had to be closed after sustaining severe flood damage during flooding.
The Department of Infrastructure’s (DOI) first responsibility concerning damaged roads is to re-establish access so that all communities that rely on a particular road are reconnected to the wider road network. Once access has been established, the order of repairs is prioritised. First, by the amount of traffic a particular road carries, and then by the road’s critical economic importance. Once access has been established, road users may have to use long detours or alternative routes until other repairs are possible.
Given the current resource constraints and following the need to prioritise the order in which road repairs can be made, DOI has had to prioritise routes that carry higher traffic volumes and that are associated with greater economic activity than the Montagu Pass and the Seven Passes Road. Despite our efforts, it is not currently possible to provide a timeline for the reopening of the Montagu Pass or the Seven Passes Road.
MONTAGU PASS
Initial repair work on Montagu Pass was stopped following intervention by members of the public and Heritage Western Cape (HWC). Since the pass is a Provincial Heritage Site, DOI first had to receive the necessary HWC permit before work could be restarted. Before permission was received to restart work, there was further adverse weather that caused the road to deteriorate to the point where it was no longer safe for public use and had to be closed.
Various processes then followed before work could be initiated. During this time, the road further deteriorated due to more adverse weather.
Currently, due to a lack of funding and resource availability required, repairs have been delayed. Repairs have further been severely impacted by the flood repair requirements across the province following more flooding. This delay is due to the damage to the road network during the 2022 and 2023 winter floods, most notably the Heritage Day long weekend floods in 2023. Despite the economic value of the Montagu Pass including its value to the tourism sector, this is not a critical route because an alternative is available (the Outeniqua Pass). Priority must be given to roads where there aren’t viable alternatives to ensure that communities remain connected to the broader road network.
HWC has engaged with various stakeholders on the maintenance and repair of Montagu Pass over the past few months with several meetings attended by representatives of HWC, DOI, law enforcement, and conservation bodies. A permit has now been issued to DOI by HWC for the maintenance and repair of the Montagu Pass. The main constraint to restarting work is the current lack of resources. As the Outeniqua Pass provides a viable alternative route, repairs on the Montagu Pass are not considered to be critical, given the prioritisation criteria provided above.
Allegations of problems with a contractor have been made in the public domain, but these are baseless. No contractor was involved in any work on the pass. The Department required heritage approval. The heritage approval processes did not previously prohibit maintenance on Montagu Pass and maintenance continued as normal work. Unfortunately, complaints by concerned groups in the area caused work to stop and meant DOI had to follow a Heritage Western Cape approval process.
The Department has been asked what it is doing to support businesses along closed routes. There are no businesses in the closed section of the pass meaning businesses remain open. However, the DOI does not have a mechanism or the resources to support businesses affected by closed roads, irrespective of the reason for the closure. This road is no different.
The work will be prioritised along with all other roads that were damaged by the floods, and the maintenance will resume as soon as the necessary capacity and resources, including finance, are available. This is likely to be done in a phased approach, based on budget and resource availability, with the priority being to restore some form of access, even if traffic is restricted to a single lane with stop/go controls. There is currently no prospective date for reopening the road soon. The pass will only be reopened when the necessary maintenance has been completed.
SEVEN PASSES ROAD
Seven Passes Road also sustained significant damage during the 2022/2023 winter floods. This road will be reopened once it has been repaired to its pre-flood-damaged state. This will take considerable time and resources during a period when there are severe resource constraints. Unfortunately, other damaged roads that carry more traffic and are more economically important are a higher priority.
During 2022/2023 there were significant slips on the road, most notably between Nelson Mandela University and Wilderness Heights, MR355. The damage was of such a nature that lane closures were implemented where the most notable slips occurred. Traffic was allowed to pass with applicable signage in place. The situation was monitored to see if this could be a safe alternative as an interim measure.
Unfortunately, due to the geometry of the pass and narrow road width, coupled with irresponsible road user behaviour, there was a high risk of crashes. The difficult decision had to be taken to fully close the road in the interest of road safety and to protect the asset from further damage.
The DOI has received information about cyclists using the route and distributing their own subjective reports on its suitability for traffic. When a route is closed, it is closed to all road users and for their safety. There is damage below the surface level that is not immediately visible. The DOI will not keep a route closed unnecessarily as it is in our interest to have every part of the broader road network fulfil its role.
The pass will only be reopened when the necessary maintenance has been completed as soon as the resources are available. Unfortunately, other damaged roads that carry more traffic and are of higher economic importance than the Seven Passes Road remain a greater repair priority.
We remain committed to reopening these passes as soon as possible to do so, given the constrained fiscal environment. We ask residents to please be patient and to work with us, particularly with regards to their safety. Both passes remain closed to all road users, and we ask pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to all adhere to the closure of the road.
ENDS
Media queries:
Mr. Ntobeko Mbingeleli
Spokesperson for Provincial Minister Tertuis Simmers
ntobeko.mbingeleli@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 8067 (o)
061 447 7851 (m)
Mr. Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Infrastructure
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za