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KOUGA MUNICIPALITY - Embarks on landmark R200 million road resealing project
Kouga Municipality has taken a bold step towards enhancing its road infrastructure with the launch of a historic R200 million road resealing and rehabilitation project. Officially unveiled on 23 January 2025, this initiative marks the municipality's largest single investment in infrastructure to date. The ambitious project aims to upgrade between 100km and 150km of roads across all nine municipal areas, significantly improving connectivity, safety, and economic prospects for residents and businesses alike.
A Commitment to Sustainable Growth
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, described the project as a milestone in the municipality's journey toward sustainable growth and improved service delivery.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and improves the quality of life for all residents,” said Bornman. “Reliable road infrastructure is critical not only for economic development but also for ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.”
The first phase of the project will focus on key roads, including Hoffman, Flamink, and Pelikaan Streets in Humansdorp; Du Plessis Street in Patensie; and Walsh Street in Hankey, with further phases to follow.
Tackling Longstanding Challenges
Since 2016, Kouga Municipality has been grappling with a substantial road maintenance backlog amounting to R500 million. The municipality's leadership has prioritised prudent financial management to address this challenge.
“Through disciplined financial planning, we have successfully paid off municipal debts, achieved clean audits, and now secured the largest funding for a single project in Kouga's history,” explained Bornman.
Recognising that short-term fixes were insufficient to address the extent of the challenge, the municipality secured a R200 million loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to comprehensively tackle road deterioration caused by increasing population demands and harsh weather conditions.
Inclusive and Strategic Development
The road rehabilitation project is designed to benefit all communities within Kouga, with prioritisation determined by technical assessments and input from ward councillors. This inclusive approach ensures that roads in the most critical condition are addressed first, while also maintaining financial sustainability.
Bornman highlighted additional investments in infrastructure, stating, “Beyond this major project, we are also allocating over R40 million to upgrade gravel roads, with R17 million earmarked for the next financial year alone.”
Ongoing Progress and Future Impact
Since June 2022, the municipality has made significant strides in road maintenance, successfully resealing 28.1km of roads at a cost of R43 million. The current project aims to build upon these achievements, setting a new standard for infrastructure excellence in Kouga.
The road resealing and rehabilitation initiative is expected to support long-term economic growth and improve overall quality of life by enhancing mobility, promoting safety, and fostering a conducive environment for investment and development.
With a forward-looking approach and a focus on sustainable infrastructure development, Kouga Municipality continues to reinforce its reputation as a leader in service delivery and municipal governance.
