Plans to have the worst affected main roads repaired of potholes before visitors arrive at Christmas have been brought a step closer to fruition.
With R60 000 already pledged from businesses and individuals to help repair potholes, the St Francis pothole repair project, called Milkwood Speaks road and pothole projects, has agreed to assist Kouga Council in prioritising which roads should be repaired first. The project team members will also assist in monitoring repairs so they are conducted correctly – otherwise money spent will be wasted.
Ferdi and Johan Dippenaar initiated this project.
Kouga Municipality has committed to addressing the problem of deteriorating roads and potholes. In a letter to Johan yesterday the municipality media liaison said: “The municipality will continue repairing potholes in St Francis, as we would have even if you hadn’t initiated the pothole repair programme.
“We’re not going to stop and expect you to carry the load yourself. Yours is a wonderful initiative and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
“We’ve ordered 100 tonnes of tar to fix potholes across Kouga. Some of this will also be used for St Francis. The first batch arrived today.”
In a press release this afternoon the pothole project says because Kouga Council has committed to pothole repair work, it is felt money collected will be better spent on proper repairs to the worst affected areas where pothole filling is not possible. Areas earmarked so far include the intersections of St Francis Drive with Harbour and Nevil Roads, among other bad spots.
The project team also says it is privileged to have an offer of expertise from Herman Pietersen, a consulting civil and structural engineer who resides in St Francis Bay. He has drawn up plans for the first project to concrete the Harbour Road intersection and install a drainage system. These plans will be submitted to Council
The project team is committed to working closely with Council and an invitation has been issued to the Mayor of Kouga, Booi Koerat, to visit St Francis Bay for discussions soon.
The amount of work done is entirely dependent on the amount received from willing donors and local businesses. A bank account for donations has now been opened. Milkwood Speaks Road And Pothole Projects, Investec Private Bank, Acc No: 4059749310, Branch Code: 580105. Account Type: Ccm Call Money Fund.
The project team thanks the many residents and businesses that have already pledged their support. So far the following businesses and individuals have pledged funds: Ferdi Dippenaar: R10 000; SuperSpar St Francis Bay: R 30 000; St Francis Links: R10 000; F Swart: R1000; M Langlands: R1000; Anonymous: R1000; Yvonne and Peter Bosman: R1000; Bruwer Swanepoel: R2000; IPC (Les Olivier): R1000; Stationery Butler: R1000; Toon Overstijns R1000: Johan Oelofse R1000.
Anyone wanting to pledge funds can contact Johan Dippenaar on: 073 014 0169. The pothole repair project team members will appreciate any help offered and those wanting to assist can contact Nigel Aitken, project leader : 082 465 3719.
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