On August 26th, the Bergrivier Municipality Town Hall in Velddrift hosted a meeting where members of the Bergrivier community were presented with updates and medium-term plans by Tertuis Simmers and Ricardo Mackenzie, the Western Cape Government’s provincial MECs of Infrastructure and Mobility, respectively.
Background
The Bergrivier region has been experiencing a marked rise in traffic volumes, which has become a major concern for the local community. The principal cause of this increase is the growing commercial sector in the area. Consequently, the community had expressed their concerns to the local government and awaited their response.
Infrastructure Plan
During the meeting, MEC Simmers revealed one of the key projects his department has planned for the medium term: the construction of a new Carinus Bridge. The Phase 1 of the project will see the upgrading of the R27 and R399 roads in Velddrif, followed by the construction of the new bridge in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
MEC Simmers emphasized that this project would not only improve the region’s road infrastructure and accommodate future traffic expansion but also contribute to local employment and economic growth. This project aims to create a safe and efficient transport network for all residents and businesses in the area.
Traffic Law Enforcement
In response to the community’s concerns about the conduct of heavy vehicle haulers on the roads, MEC Mackenzie shared his department’s immediate plans to bolster traffic law enforcement. From August 31, special traffic law enforcement operations will be conducted at key identified locations. These operations will be continuous, as the Western Cape is the only province in South Africa with a 24-hour traffic law enforcement presence, ensuring that violators of traffic laws are held accountable.
MEC Mackenzie also appealed to the corporate sector to demonstrate responsibility and leadership in their freight operations. He urged companies to ensure their trucks are not overloaded, drivers are not speeding, and routes can support the weight of their loads. These measures are crucial for enhancing road safety and alleviating the burden on small towns suffering from reckless operations.
MEC Simmers expressed his gratitude to the community for their active involvement and input, reassuring them that their suggestions would be taken into account by the technical teams. He acknowledged the Western Cape Government’s commitment to the dignity, safety, and well-being of its citizens and its clear demonstration through this engagement.
The Bergrivier Municipality and the Western Cape provincial government strive to maintain an open and collaborative relationship with the community, keeping them informed about the latest developments and progress in the region. Together, they aim to build a safer and more prosperous region for everyone.
