Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications
For Immediate Release 21 June 2023
On an annual basis, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) provides fencing subsidies for a selected number of landowners on neighbouring provincial rural roads with fencing of their properties.
This is subject to a budget as received from the Western Cape Government.
The funding will only be applicable on a subsidy basis. It effectively means that 60% subsidy will be contributed towards the cost of the fencing. The subsidy is determined by an average price for material. The material is deemed as 60% of total cost. Labour cost is deemed as 40% of the total cost and must be carried by the applicant. All initial costs must be carried by the applicant and subsidy will be paid out after the successful completion of the fence. For more information refer to the Fencing Subsidy Policy of Garden Route District Municipality.
The new fences must adhere to the specifications of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape: Roads Infrastructure Department. Minimum specifications will be made available to successful applicants.
Application process
Application forms can be obtained from Mr Qamani Nkebana or Mr Lungisa Qendu at the Roads Transport & Planning Department. Contact numbers at the office is 044 803 1506 / 044 803 1577 or email Qamani@gardenroute.gov.za / Lungisa@gardenroute.gov.za. Alternatively download from www.gardenroute.gov.za .
Application period: 29 June 2023 to 14 July 2023.
Applications will be audited and evaluated according to risk analysis by a panel. Risk factors include: Status of road, traffic count, operating speed of vehicles, type of farming, condition of current fence, etc
The panel outcome will be decided by 15 August 2022. All applicants will be informed. A fencing subsidy contract will be signed with successful applicants. Unsuccessful applicants can apply again in the next financial year.
All fences must be fully completed by 30 November 2023 for payment before 28 February 2024.
Payment will be done after an inspection and an approval for the fence has been made.
Media Release: Update two (2): Gwaing Road (DR1618) Rehabilitation on schedule
For Immediate Release 15 May 2023
The R67 million Gwaing Road (DR1618) rehabilitation is progressing smoothly and remains on track for completion by June 2024. The budget for this project was allocated by the Western Cape Government (WCG). Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues its function through an Agency Agreement for the WCG and remains committed to delivering critical regional road infrastructure projects as planned.
A site inspection visit was conducted today, 15 May 2023 by WCG Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers with the GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, George Executive Mayor Ald. Leon van Wyk and other representatives from Provincial and Local Governments. Findings were positive with Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers and municipalities working towards common goals of completing a world-class road within the planned budget and on schedule.
According to John Daniels, GRDM Executive Manager for Roads Services, “a team of 70 employees are working on the project, with 44 of them being employed under the EPWP”. Simmers also took time to engage with the EPWP workers and to hear what their needs were. He was subsequently briefed during a walk-about on the DR1618 by Chesney Roelf, GRDM Senior Engineering Technician about the progress of the project.
Simmers boasted about projects of nearly R500 million that were completed in the Western Cape months ahead of schedule, of which one will be officially handed over by July and the other towards the end of November 2023.
“The WCG has exceeded all our Full-Time Equivalent EPWP targets and plans to push for more EPWP workers to be upskilled going forward,” said Simmers.
Chesney Roelf, during the walkabout, said: “As of now, we are focused on erecting new fencing along the project site and busy with the first of four road layer works. The GRDM is also constructing the roadbed, and upgrading the storm-water network. The road will be 6,8m bituminous surfaced width, ideal for commercial agricultural transport.” Simmers alluded to the impact of commercial Agricultural transportation on such roads and it was confirmed by Daniels that the road layers will include cement and bitumen mixes that are flexible to provide structural strength.
Chesney Roelf, GRDM Senior Engineering Technician (middle), briefs WCG Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers on the progress of the rehabilitation of Gwaing Road. Pictured (l-r), George Mayor Ald. Leon van Wyk, WCG Minister Tertuis Simmers, GRDM Engineering Technician Chesney Roelf, GRDM Executive Manager for Roads John Daniels and GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu.
Roelf also explained that GRDM is installing 27 pipe crossings with concrete headwalls to ensure effective stormwater management. This was in response to George Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Ald. Leon van Wyk, pointing to the importance of proper stormwater management. GRDM will upgrade stormwater drainage channels.
“At specific sections of the project, concrete-lined drains will be implemented to enhance drainage efficiency and prevent water-related issues,” said Roelf.
WCG and the GRDM sincerely appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as it works diligently to upgrade the road infrastructure.
WCG Minister Tertuis Simmers thanked the EPWP workers for their dedication to the project and inspired them to work towards a future where they will also be able to be contracted to manage projects in the future.
The group of EPWP workers, pleasantly surprised by the visit of Minister Simmers, Mayors and the GRDM Municipal Manager and others to their site camp.
Feature Image caption: John Godfrey Daniels, GRDM Executive Manager for Roads Services, answered several questions from WCG Minister Tertuis Simmers (right), and George Executive Mayor, Ald. Leon van Wyk (middle). With them is Ald. Memory Booysen, who expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project.
Afrikaanse Opsomming: Opdatering twee (2): Gwaingweg (DR1618) Rehabiltasieprojek op skedule
Die Gwaingweg (DR1618)-rehabilitasieprojek, met ‘n begroting van R67 miljoen, vorder goed en sal na verwagting teen Junie 2024 voltooi wees. Die projek word deur die Wes-Kaapse Regering (WKR) befonds en deur die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit bestuur (TDM) – die TDM voer die Paaie-funksie namens die WKR uit. ‘n Terrein-inspeksiebesoek is onlangs deur staatsamptenare, insluitend die WKR Minister van Infrastruktuur Tertuis Simmers en die TDM se Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Raadsheer Memory Booysen gedoen, wat hul tevredenheid met die vordering uitgespreek het.
Die projek het ‘n span van 70 werkers in diens, van wie 44 deel vorm van die Uitgebreide Openbare Werke Program (UOWP/EPWP). Tydens die besoek het Simmers met die UOWP/EPWP werkers gesels om hul behoeftes te verstaan en het ook die belangrikheid bespreek om hulle op te lei vir toekomstige werksgeleenthede. Die projek behels die oprigting van nuwe heinings, die bou van die padbed, die opgradering van die stormwaternetwerk, en die implementering van 27 pypkruisings met betonkopmure vir effektiewe stormwaterbestuur.
Die pad sal ‘n 6,8m bitumineuse oppervlakwydte hê, geskik vir kommersiële landbouvervoer. Die padlae sal sement- en bitumenmengsels insluit om strukturele sterkte te verseker. Addisioneel, sal beton-gevoerde dreine in spesifieke afdelings geïmplementeer word om dreineringsdoeltreffendheid te verbeter en negatiewe waterverwante kwessies te voorkom.
Tydens sy toespraak het Simmers die suksesvolle voltooiing van ander projekte in die Wes-Kaap, met ‘n totale waarde van nagenoeg R500 miljoen, wat voor hul voltooing skedule klaar was, uitgewys. Hy het die WKR se verbintenis tot die bereiking en oorskryding van EPWP-teikens asook die bevordering en opleiding van werkers beklemtoon.
Media Release: GRDM rolling out R67 million Gwaing Road construction project
For immediate release 13 February 2023
As the roads authority for divisional roads in the Garden Route district, the Western Cape Government Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) recently commissioned the upgrading and construction project of Divisional Road 1618 in Gwaing, George. Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is contracted through an agency agreement to implement certain roads projects on DTPW’s behalf.
The Gwaing Road (DR1618) is situated just outside George, near Blanco and connects to the R404, a regional route that connects George with Herold’s Bay, and the R102, situated between the Glentana intersection and the George Airport.
During the project, a section of the road will be upgraded from its start at the R404 to km 4.44 at the R102. The existing 4.44 km gravel surface will be upgraded to a bituminous ‘tarred’ surface.
In addition, improvements will be made to the storm water drainage system, along with other activities. These include the construction of concrete lined side drains, the installation of concrete storm water pipes, and the realignment of certain sections of the road to improve drainage and road safety.
The project is estimated at R 67-million and will last 18 months, starting in January 2023. As part of the GRDM EPWP program, approximately 44 jobs will be created during the construction phase.
During the period of construction, temporary road signs, delineators, flag operators, and speed controls will be utilised to ensure safe use while under construction.
“Road infrastructure is a critical connector to economic, education, health and social opportunities,” said Tertuis Simmers, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure. “The Western Cape is known for the quality and great maintenance of its roads and we remain committed to this. We take cognisance of the inconvenience this project will have on the lives of our road uses and profusely apologise for this inconvenience. We would like to thank our road users for their patience during this time.” Simmers concluded.
Western Cape Government hands over Construction Graders worth R9.4 million to GRDM
For immediate release 26 July 2022
Last week, 21 July 2022, the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works handed over two Construction Graders worth R4.7 million each to the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Roads Department. The keys were handed over to the main operators Phillip Scholtz and Andre Mouton by the GRDM Portfolio Chairperson of Roads and Transport Services, Ald. Petru Terblanche and the Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk.
GRDM Portfolio Chairperson of Roads and Transport Services, Ald. Petru Terblanche (2nd, left) hands over the key to Operator Andre Mouton (4th, right) in the presence of (fltr): GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, Executive Manager for Roads and Transport Planning, John Daniels, GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk and Chief Engineer: Mechanical Services at the WCG, Marilise van Wyngaardt.
GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk (4th, right), hands over the key to Operator Phillip Scholtz (2nd, left), right) in the presence of (fltr): GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, GRDM Portfolio Chairperson of Roads and Transport Services, Ald. Petru Terblanche, Executive Manager for Roads and Transport Planning, John Daniels, and Chief Engineer: Mechanical Services at the WCG, Marilise van Wyngaardt.
This year to date the GRDM received three graders from Western Cape Government. The first machine was delivered on 14 June and last week the team took the brand new graders into acceptance. According to Gerald Sinkfontein, Deputy Manager for Mechanical Services at GRDM Roads, “the first machine was allocated to the Regravel Long Distance Team and it was handed over to the Main Operator, Adam Damons and back-up Operator, Andrew Mars. These latest additions will be utilised by two (2) maintenance teams serving roads on the outskirts of George.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, at the event, said: “It is indeed wonderful to witness events such as today. We are always under extreme pressure in terms of the expectations for the maintenance of the roads, and these machines are remarkable additions to the plant that we already have”. To the Operators, Stratu said that not any person is able to operate a machine valued at approximately R5 million machine – “so you are the chosen ones”. Adding to this, Stratu extended words of gratitude to the WCG and for the support and the appreciation of the work that GRDM delivers. “We are proud to be the district with the largest fleet in the Western Cape and we promise to continue looking after the machines that we receive – your cooperation is important to us”.
Sharing a moment in front of the machines were (fltr): Deputy Manager for Mechanical Services at GRDM Roads, Gerald Sinkfontein, Executive Manager for Roads and Transport Planning, John Daniels, Executive Personal Assistant: Roads, Zoliswa September and Senior Administrative Officer, Qamani Nkebana.
The GRDM Roads and Transport Planning team at the event, were (fltr): Gert Verwey, Fernando Tiemie, Herodean Coetzee, Zanele Nkomana, Buhle Banzi, Njongikhaya Skwatsha, Micheal Mqhokrwana, Patrick Xalisa, Andre Mouton, David Coericious, Phillip Scholtz, Ben February and Gerald Sinkfontein.
Rodney Oliver from the WCG (left), Heinie Brand (2nd, left) and Themba Msimanga from Komatsu (3rd, right), with the GRDM Roads team members, including Andre Mouton (3rd, left), Phillip Scholtz (2nd, right) and Gerald Sinkfontein (right), at the event.
GRDM Roads Team members, Njongikhaya Skwatsha (left) and Micheal Mqhokrwana (right) appreciating the feel of one of the new Grader machines at the event.
Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk, highlighted that, “it is quite a proud moment to see the super tools of trade in front of us for the job that lies ahead with our roads stretching from Slangrivier to Bitou through to Kannaland.” Adding to this he emphasised: “Without the tools of trade it will all be in vain. Hence we are proud to accept these two (2) significant machines”. To all representatives present, including Marilise van Wyngaardt, Chief Engineer Mechanical Services at the WCG and Heinie Brand from Komatzu, he said: “We can assure you that the machines will be fully utilised in the best interest of the people of the region”. Van Niekerk also extended words of gratitude to everyone involved and present, for their efforts in the process.
Ald. Petru Terblanche, after witnessing keys being handed over to GRDM, said to the operators: “Looking at almost R5 million under your seats, you are encouraged to look well at each machine that is yours to operate.”
Heinie Brand from Komatsu, in closing, shared words of gratitude to the WCG and GRDM and said: “We have been fortunate that you had faith in Komatsu for having our machines on your sites and to put it into good work and maintaining your beautiful side of the country”.
John Daniels, a proud GRDM Executive Manager for Roads and Transport Planning facilitated the event in the presence of many other Roads and Transport Planning employees.
ENDS
Did you know?
The Garden Route District Municipality Road Agency services an area of approximately 47 000 sq km. The area is divided into 15 wards that are serviced by 16 maintenance grader operators. According to the agreement with Provincial Government, a minimum of 10 000 km of gravel road surface must be graded annually. Where needed, re-graveling projects are undertaken and it is the Road Agency’s responsibility to rehabilitate the quarries where the gravel is sourced from. Each ward also has one maintenance team.
14 June 2022 Media Release: Update 3 – Status of Saasveld Road (George) Construction (MR355)
For Immediate Release 14 June 2022
Garden Route District Municipality, is the agency function contracted to execute work on behalf of the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works on MR355, Madiba Road.
The following outcomes were agreed upon during a recent planning session to address the construction works at Madiba Road:
1. Due to the high moisture content in the base layer, priming and sealing is not an option at this stage. Madiba Road is in a shaded area surrounded by hundreds of trees, resulting in little direct sun during the autumn and winter months.
2. To protect the base layer from rainwater and to promote the drying of the base layer, a dry layer of 100mm gravel wearing course will be placed onto the base layer.
3. The base layer will be dried out once a sealed gravel layer is placed to drive rainwater away from the road surface.
4. Weekly assessments of the base layer’s moisture content will be done.
5. As soon as the moisture reduces to satisfactory levels, we can compact the wearing course layer.
6. The road will then be opened to traffic with a temporary gravel surface. (NB: no date can be linked to this yet due to various factors like weather and direct sun)
7. Once conditions as per above become favourable the base and seal layers will need to be constructed in half widths, the road will not be closed again when this takes place.
Media Release: Update 2 – Status of Saasveld Road (George) Construction
For Immediate Release 11 May 2022
GRDM Construction Team is hard at work on-site at Madiba Drive under the supervision of the Senior Engineering Technician, Mr Lungisa Qendu.
Construction and repairs to Madiba Drive are progressing swiftly after pipe laying was completed on 13 April 2022. The second layer of bedding, a cradle constructed from boxed wet soilcrete, which allows for weathered edges at collars, began on 28 April 2022 and was completed on 6 May 2022. A 200mm by-pass pipe was removed and water is now flowing through the newly laid 1.8m diameter pipe.
According to Lungisa Qendu, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Senior Engineering Technician, the project has now reached 75% of its completion (excluding the headwalls and gabions). “Headwalls and gabions are outside the roadway and will be constructed at a later stage because the priority for us is to open the road to the public,” said Qendu. “
The GRDM is working hard to maintain and repair roads damaged by floods. Please drive carefully whenever approaching construction sites. Let us work together to ensure that our roads are safe.
05 May 2022 Notice: Applications for Fencing Subsidies to assist Landowners are now open!
Garden Route District Municipality gives subsidies for fencing on a yearly basis to assist landowners on neighbouring rural roads with fencing of their properties. This is subject to a budget as received from the Western Cape Government.
The funding will only be applicable on a subsidy basis. It effectively means that 60% subsidy will be contributed towards the cost of the fencing. The subsidy is determined by an average price for material. The material is deemed as 60% of total cost. Labour cost is deemed as 40% of the total cost and must be carried by the applicant. All initial costs must be carried by the applicant and subsidy will be paid out after the successful completion of the fence. For more information refer to the Fencing Subsidy Policy of Garden Route District Municipality.
The new fences must adhere to the specifications of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape: Roads Infrastructure Department. Minimum specifications will be made available to successful applicants.
Application process
Application forms can be obtained from Mr Qamani Nkebana or Mr Lungisa Qendu at the Roads Transport & Planning Department. Contact numbers at the office are 044 803 1506 / 044 803 1577 or email Qamani@gardenroute.gov.za / Lungisa@gardenroute.gov.za.
Applications will be audited and evaluated according to risk analysis by a panel.
Risk factors include: Status of road, traffic count, operating speed of vehicles, type of farming, condition of current fence, etc
The panel outcome will be decided by 01 July 2022. All applicants will be informed. A fencing subsidy contract will be signed with successful applicants. Unsuccessful applicants can apply again in the next financial year.
All fences must be fully completed by 30th November 2022 for payment before 28 February 2023.
Payment will be done after an inspection and an approval for the fence has been made.
Click below to download all the applicable documents:
Media Release: Saasveld road construction is nearing completion
For immediate release 12 April 2022
Good progress is being made on repairs of Madiba Drive, also known as Saasveld road. Months of earth-and foundation work have been done by the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Roads Services. Ten Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contract workers are appointed to assist with the project. The work is performed using in-house resources, personnel, and EPWP contract workers. The Saasveld road has been inaccessible since November’s flash flood last year.
Earlier this year, the old Armco structure under the road was removed, and the work area was accessed. Approximately 600 m3 of material had to be excavated to reach the bottom of the pipe and to lay the 200 mm diameter pipe (bypass pipe) in order to prevent the trench from flooding.
On Tuesday, 1 March 2022, a further 600 mm was excavated due to the wetness of the in-situ material. The GRDM Construction Team had sourced more materials to strengthen the bedding before they could lay off the 1.8 m concrete pipe.
Four to five layers of bedding were constructed; the first was rock-filled, the second was gravel material mixed with cement, and the third, the laying of the pipes.
Pipe laying commenced on 4 April 2022. Mr John G Daniels, Executive Manager of the GRDM Roads Services and the Portfolio Chairperson of Roads and Transport Services, Alderman Petru Terblanche, were on-site to witness the laying of the first pipe. The anticipated date to finish laying all the pipes is 14 April 2022. Upon completion, in-situ material mixed with cement will be used as a cradle to support the pipes and bulk backfilling to 300 mm below road level will commence. Three layers will then be constructed; 150 mm of sub-base, 150 mm of base course and the surface layer.
According to Mr Lungisa Qendu, Senior Engineering Technician on the construction site, they have already laid six units. “The in-situ material has been taken to the laboratory for testing, and other materials are currently in the procurement process,” said Qendu.
Mr Qendu further explained that the team’s aim and priority are to lay all pipes, backfill, and open the road as soon as possible. Activities like headwalls and gabions will not affect road users as these are outside the roadway.
The road closure has caused inconvenience to regular users of the road who has to make use of alternative routes. We thank them for their patience and assure them that we are doing everything possible to have the route reopened as soon as possible.
Click on the link below for a short video of on-site operations.
