Major Revitalization: De Hoop Road in Bo-Kouga Nears Completion

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently announced a substantial milestone in the restoration and upgrading of the De Hoop Road (DR1835) in Bo-Kouga, near Uniondale, signaling progress that is set to benefit the region's agricultural core and improve resilience against extreme weather events.

During an on-site visit, Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, together with GRDM officials, assessed the completed repairs that are critical to the local farming community. Uniondale, part of the George municipal region, is a keystone in the agricultural fabric of South Africa, with its production of sheep, seed, and fruit.

The call to restore the road followed a series of devastating weather events earlier this year. Heavy rainfall led to significant road damage, severe enough to disrupt the lives of local communities by restricting critical access. Responding to the urgency, the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Department of Infrastructure allocated R20 million for emergency repairs.

The comprehensive construction work tackled more than the flood aftermath. A forward-thinking approach saw the implementation of an enhanced drainage system designed to withstand future flooding, comprehensively reducing the risk of similar destruction. These preventative measures include the replacement of old stormwater culverts and the addition of drainage humps, particularly along the inclined areas of the road.

Acknowledging the improved resilience of the road, Mayor Stroebel emphasized the dual benefit of the project – restoring infrastructure while simultaneously enhancing flood defenses. The GRDM Construction team has been pivotal in orchestrating the ongoing reconstruction, which is part of a broader scheme — the restoration and improvement of nine roads in the district by early 2025.

Emphasizing the importance of sustainability and community engagement, the project includes the construction of stone-pitched headwalls, which will serve as a bulwark against future erosion. These are being built by local labor, sourced from the nearby road reserve — a demonstrable commitment to employing and training community members through the Expanded Public Works Programme.

The rehabilitation of De Hoop Road will not only reinstate a crucial agricultural link but also stand as a testament to the region's capability and resolve in fortifying infrastructure against the growing challenge of climate change.