MINISTER SIMMERS VISIT LANGEBERG ON REHABILITATION PROCESS OF FLOOD-DAMAGED ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
The rehabilitation of the Keisers River bridge on the Langverwagten road between Robertson and McGregor is well on track and appears that it will be completed within a record time. This is made possible by the great partnership between the two spheres of government and the private sector.
The Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers kicked off the week with a visit to some of the severely damaged roads infrastructure sites on behalf of the Western Cape Government.
In the Langeberg Municipality, the approach to the Keisers River bridge on the Langverwagten road between Robertson and McGregor was severly damaged. At the bridge, Minister Simmers was joined by the Langeberg Executive Mayor Schalk Van Eeden. Construction to rebuild the bridge is underway and is expected to be re-opened before the end of October.
Mayor Van Eeden was astounded to learn that the bridge would be completed sooner than he anticipated. “I am excited to learn that our farmers and communities will be able to access the bridge so soon. This has had a devasting impact on our local economy, particularly our agriculture sector.”
He continued to say, “This will be of great relief to the greater McGregor community, this is news that will be welcomed by the farmers.”
Minister Simmers reflected on the day and the progress seen. “These floods have no doubt left a devastating impact on our province’s infrastructure. Particularly noting that much of the McGregor community was left disconnected from the main town of Robertson. A town where many of them work and attend school as well as do their grocery shopping. However, following my visits today and engagements with my counterparts at local government, citizens can rest assured that within no time they will see road networks being rebuilt and reopened for public use under the auspices of the Western Cape Government. At McGregor a site where the bridge is completely washed away, I am glad to share with the Executive Mayor and citizens that before the end of the month, our contractors will have completed the reconstruction of the bridge.”
“Our contractors are on site, and we expect the commencement of construction in the coming days. Fast-tracking the rehabilitation work at these is a priority to the Western Cape Government, as we are cognizant of their importance to the region as well as those wanting to visit.”
The technical teams continue to assess the flood-damaged areas, across the province. Communities and commuters on the roads are urged to remain patient and adhere to road signage posted on the affected roads.
