Kouga welcomes completion of R220m road rehabilitation project

KOUGA - As South Africa observes National Transport Month in October, Kouga Local Municipality has welcomed the completion and official handover of the R331 Road Rehabilitation Project between Humansdorp and Hankey, highlighting the importance of infrastructure investment in connecting communities, supporting economic growth and improving road conditions.

A packed Vusumzi Landu Hall and messages of support from the community reflected the importance of improved roads to residents, businesses and road users across the region.

The R220 million project was officially handed over by the Eastern Cape Department of Transport.

MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, delivered the keynote address and confirmed the Department's intention to award a contract for the rehabilitation of the road between Humansdorp and Cape St Francis.

The MEC acknowledged the importance of this busy route and indicated that the Department would continue attending to its maintenance while mobilising the resources required for the rehabilitation project. This commitment is significant for residents, commuters, businesses and visitors who rely on the road for daily travel and access to the coastal area.

Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, welcomed the completion of the Humansdorp–Hankey project and the commitment to further road improvements.

“Roads are more than stretches of tar connecting one town to another. They connect people to opportunities, businesses to markets, families to essential services and visitors to our beautiful region. We welcome the completion of the Humansdorp–Hankey rehabilitation project and the Department's commitment to the Humansdorp–Cape St Francis route. Continued investment in safe, reliable infrastructure is essential to our communities' quality of life and the growth of our local economy,” said Bornman.

Commitment to further road improvements

The planned rehabilitation of the Humansdorp–Cape St Francis Road is an important development for Kouga. As a busy route serving residents, commuters and visitors, its condition has implications for road safety, mobility and the local economy.

The Department's undertaking to maintain the road while mobilising the resources necessary for rehabilitation recognises the need to address immediate road maintenance requirements while preparing for longer-term improvements.

Kouga Local Municipality welcomes this commitment and looks forward to continued engagement with the provincial Department of Transport to ensure that infrastructure priorities affecting local communities remain on the agenda.