Kouga Municipality and SFPO join forces for road resurfacing

Kouga – In a bid to enhance infrastructure and empower residents, Kouga Local Municipality has recently signed a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the St Francis Property Owners Association (SFPO).

This collaboration – a first-of-its-kind in the region – will enable ratepayers to self-fund the resurfacing of roads in their area, fostering a collaborative approach to development.

“This partnership is a testament to the power of working together for the betterment of our communities,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman.

To date, several road resurfacing projects spanning approximately 1 kilometer have been successfully completed, showcasing the effectiveness of the partnership between the municipality, the SFPO, and local stakeholders. Among these achievements are the resurfacing of Spray Avenue and Moby Dick Wharf, expertly carried out by Scribante Construction toward the end of 2024.

“These projects showcase the potential of cooperative efforts between the municipality, property owners, and developers,” said Bornman.

How it works

For residents eager to improve their streets, the process is straightforward:

1. Initial Contact: Reach out to Lyn Aitkin at the SFPO via mobile (082 777 5624), email (info@sfpo.co.za), or telephone (042 294 0594) with details of the road(s) in question.
2. Site Meeting: A meeting will be arranged with representatives from Kouga Municipality, SFPO, the local project coordinator, and the contractor to define the scope of work and obtain a quotation.
3. Approval and Submission: If residents approve the quotation, the project coordinator will submit homeowner details to the SFPO for MoU inclusion.
4. MoU Preparation: The municipality will draft an MoU between the residents, SFPO, and the municipality.
5. Payment and Construction: Once the MoU is signed and payment received, the contractor will begin work. Alternatively, residents can arrange surety to expedite the process.
6. Coordination: The SRA will oversee roles during construction, with the project coordinator actively managing the process.

“This collaboration not only improves infrastructure, but also gives our residents a direct role in shaping their communities. It’s a model of governance that puts people at the heart of progress,” said Bornman.