Author: Herman Pieters
24 October 2024 Media Release: De Hoop Road – Bo-Kouga in Uniondale almost restored to its former glory
Media Release: De Hoop Road – Bo-Kouga in Uniondale almost restored to its former glory
24 October 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, accompanied by members of the Mayoral Committee and GRDM administration, visited the De Hoop Road (DR1835) in the Bo Kouga area near Uniondale today to inspect the completed repairs and upgrades. 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.
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, under the leadership of Minister Tertuis Simmers, responded by allocating R20 million for emergency repairs to restore and improve the affected roads.
The restoration work to date had gone beyond simply repairing flood damage. The allocated funds were also used to enhance the drainage systems along these roads to prevent future damage, said Mayor Stroebel. The GRDM Construction team is leading the restoration and construction effort, with a total of nine roads in the region scheduled for completion by early 2025. According to Mayor Stroebel, Ongoing construction work is currently focused on Uniondale and Riversdale, with upcoming projects set to begin in Van Wyksdorp and Knysna.
A brief background of the 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. This project also incorporates the Expanded Public Works Programme, which provides local workers with valuable training and hands-on experience in the construction field.
Feature image: Mayor Andrew Stroebel with several Mayoral Committee Members, the Executive Manager for Roads Services and other support staff of Garden Route District Municipality.
ENDS
22 October 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative
22 October 2024
Since May 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) engaged the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to secure a land transfer of 15 to 30 hectares for a Fresh Produce Market. During an engagement on 19 October 2024, Councillor Hilton Stroebel, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Property and Asset Management, participated in discussions with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure regarding the same request. He emphasized that the proposed land and projects align with national and provincial development goals, stating: “These land parcels are essential for creating sustainable economic opportunities for our communities.”
Under the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, Section 84(1)(k), GRDM, like other District Municipalities are allowed to develop and manage fresh produce markets and abattoirs that serve a significant portion of the municipality. A feasibility study and business plan have already been developed for this, which are aimed at supporting both subsistence and commercial farmers throughout the agricultural value chain.
Further to the above, local campuses of Nelson Mandela University and the Western Cape College of Nursing also inquired whether GRDM can negotiate additional land for the development of student accommodation.
GRDM has therefore, since this calendar year, formally requested the transfer of several properties located in George to the District – a response is awaited. Some of the properties are located within residential zones and Priority Human Settlements and Housing Development Areas, making them ideal business nodes with convenient access to public transport, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers.
More about the event where lobbying took place
At the event on 19 October, the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure established a task team and working streams to help speed up the transfer of Forestry Villages to Local Municipalties and also the properties that GRDM requested to have under its ownership. All stakeholders at the engagement will form of the structures. Through this approach, it is anticipated that the transfer of properties will happen far quicker than initially anticipated.
Feature image caption: Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa, GRDM MMC for Properties and Asset Management, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Western Cape Minister for Infrastructure, MEC Tertuis Simmers, Deputy Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, Member of Parliament, George Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis, Regional Manager for the Western Cape Public Works and Infrastructure, Phucuka Penny Penxa and George Municipality MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Brendon Adams.
ENDS
21 October 2024 Media Statement on behalf of Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel: Findings of Wasteful Expenditure relating to Senior Management Payouts
Media Statement on behalf of Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel: Findings of Wasteful Expenditure relating to Senior Management Payouts
21 October 2024
As the newly appointed Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), I, Andrew Stroebel, along with the Council, am committed to urgently addressing the concerns raised by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Local Government, led by Minister Anton Bredell, responsible for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning.
In August 2024, I tabled a detailed report to the Council regarding alleged wasteful expenditure, which pertained to the financial years prior to my appointment – 2017 to 2022. The Provincial Government’s Section 139(1)(a) Notice as per the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, included directives concluding that irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure in the form of salary payouts be addressed.
A report will be tabled to the Council for consideration and implementation, outlining specific proposed actions to address these alleged overpayments made to senior officials. These identified overpayments specifically relate to benefits that resulted in certain senior officials receiving annual salary packages exceeding the upper limits as set out in the relevant promulgated upper limits document.
I remain committed to fulfilling my obligations under the Municipal Finance Management Act, with the support of the GRDM administration, to reinforce our dedication to accountability. Therefore, the GRDM Administration, Council and I will work closely with provincial authorities to resolve the issues and restore public trust in the district municipality. This is one of the matters that I pledged to address upon appointment as Mayor, and I am fully committed to successfully resolving it and rebuilding the trust between the GRDM and taxpayers.
Media updates will be provided as this matter evolves.
Ends
Save the date: Council Meeting on 30 October 2024 at 11:00
NOTICE OF A COUNCIL MEETING ON 30 OCTOBER 2024 AT 11:00
Notice is hereby given that an COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George,
on 30 October 2024 at 11:00.
YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/RQ-GXDpEfF0?feature=share
MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice Number 131/2024
14 October 2024
