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STATEMENT WITH REGARD TO SAFEGUARD/ MAINTENANCE OF THE N2 AND R300 ROUTES UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
Mr Piet Meyer, MEC of Transport, Sport and Recreation in the Western Cape, has stated that his department strives towards making the N2 and R300 routes under its control as safe as possible for the travelling public. The N2 between the Koeberg and Swartklip interchanges and the R300 between Vanguard Drive and the N2 are the responsibility of the Western Cape Provincial Administration.
He said that though the current conditions on the routes in question are far from ideal, the following aspects are being addressed or are in process:
At the end of last year, the contract for the repair and erection of long stretches of the reserve fencing was completed. The same contractor is currently responsible for the maintenance of the fencing.
Lighting on the section on the N2 between Borcherds Quarry and Swartklip interchange has been upgraded, safeguarded and is being maintained by the electricity department of the Unicity.
Even before the recent holidays season a contractor was appointed to remove stray animals.
Tenders were invited for the construction of two pedestrian bridges over the R300. The erection of more reserve fences of about 6 km was also included in the contract. The former Cape Metropolitan Council funded the project.
There has been close liaison between the Administration and the controlling authority over the other sections of the N2 and R300, namely the South African National Road Agency.
The traffic departments of the Administration as well as the Unicity are involved in these actions.
The Helderberg Forum was established under Mr Francois Beukman, MP for the Helderberg region, to further the interests of the public and business sector by safeguarding these routes.
Contact is established with communities along the N2 and R300 to obtain their involvement as well.
Departmental maintenance teams will presently be assisted by contractors in order to maintain these routes on an ongoing basis.
Once again MEC Meyer is appealing to the travelling public to report any incidents on these routes to the emergency telephone number (021) 946-1646 as indicated on the signs erected at regular intervals.
End
Contact: Danny Abrahams on (021) 483-2131
Issued by: Office of the MEC for Transport, Sport & Recreation, Western Cape, 22 February 2001