Oudtshoorn, 31 October 2023 – In a significant development, the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality has taken decisive action to address the pressing issue of road repairs, with approximately R34 million from the municipal capital budget now allocated for this crucial task. This announcement was made by the Executive Mayor, Alderman Chris Macpherson, on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 and brought before council during an ordinary council meeting on Monday, 30 October 2023. The municipality’s response to this urgent need involves enlisting the assistance of five private contractors who will work in collaboration with municipal teams.
A substantial portion of these allocated funds, specifically R7.9 million, will be dedicated to a project that targets the repair of critical roads and intersections. This project is directly overseen by the office of the Municipal Manager, with the Senior Manager of Roads and Stormwater assuming the role of project manager. In this capacity, the project manager will report directly to the Municipal Manager. This carefully coordinated effort ensures that vital road and intersection repairs are executed efficiently and under close supervision, underlining the municipality’s commitment to addressing these critical issues.
Additionally, the remaining R26.5 million has been designated as emergency funds. These funds were made available on Friday, 26 October 2023, to tackle repairs to streets and stormwater infrastructure. This allocation demonstrates the municipality’s dedication to not only planned projects but also responding promptly to unforeseen and urgent repair requirements. The proactive approach of the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality reflects its commitment to maintaining and improving the local infrastructure for the benefit of its residents and visitors.
Parts that require immediate attention are a series of streets where they intersect with the Grobbelaars River. These include Rademeyer, Albert, Bloem, Vrede, St John, Church, and Van der Riet Street. To facilitate the necessary repairs, a rotating street closure system will be implemented to allow for alternative routes to be used. Currently, Rademeyer and Church Street are undergoing maintenance. In addition to these areas, our dedicated crews will also be focusing on improving intersections and main routes.
The public will be kept informed continuously on the progress of the contractors and teams. The repairs will, if necessary, result in the temporary closure of some streets and the public is requested to be patient and cooperate where street work is being done.