10/09/2026
MEC BENTLEY VASS CONDUCTS OVERSIGHT ON FLOOD-DAMAGED INFRASTRUCTURE IN NAMAKWA AND Z.F MGCAWU DISTRICTS
📍The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Mr Bentley Vass, has since Tuesday been conducting oversight visits to road infrastructure affected by recent flooding in the Namakwa and Z.F Mgcawu Districts.
[HAPPENING TODAY] Today, 10 September 2026, MEC Vass and the departmental team conducted an oversight visit to the long-awaited upgrading of the Keimoes-Louisvale Road (R359) in the Z. F Mgcawu District.
The route has been a longstanding concern for motorists and communities who depend on it for connectivity between areas including Kanoneiland and Louisvale, near Upington. During periods of heavy rainfall, sections of the route became difficult to access, affecting the movement of residents, learners and agricultural activities.
Construction work on the identified interventions has now been completed, bringing much-needed relief to road users and learners who previously faced disruptions and isolation from nearby economic centres during heavy rainfall.
The route plays an important role in the transportation of agricultural produce, daily commuting and the safe transportation of learners.
The completed interventions included the reinforcement of the drift with additional stone layers, installation of culverts to improve water flow, and construction of a concrete surface over the drift to improve durability and accessibility.
These interventions are expected to provide a safer, stronger and more reliable road connection, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
The visit forms part of MEC Vass's ongoing assessment of road infrastructure affected by recent floods across the province.
Yesterday, 9 September 2026, the MEC conducted similar oversight visits in the Namakwa District, where he assessed flood-damaged infrastructure at the Kamasies/Rooifontein bridges en route to the Vaalputs Road, as well as the Skaapfontein Bridge.
The oversight programme enables the Department to assess the extent of damage, monitor interventions already undertaken and determine further measures required to restore and strengthen critical road infrastructure.
MEC Vass has emphasised the importance of building more resilient road infrastructure, particularly in areas that have repeatedly experienced damage and disruption as a result of severe weather conditions.
The Department of Roads and Public Works will continue monitoring vulnerable road infrastructure across the province and prioritising interventions aimed at ensuring that communities remain connected and that the provincial road network remains safe and accessible.
The final visit was to a Rooting Out the Dust Project in Louisvale which created 100 job opportunities under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The program is part of the commitments made during the Premier's Outreach Program in Louisvale some time ago.