OVERBERG: From gravel to tar and from title deeds to house keys, the Western Cape Government rolled into the Overberg this week with major infrastructure wins for local communities and a firm message that roads build more than just connections; they build economies.
R17 Million Malgas Road Upgrade Now Underway
The dusty 25km stretch of road between Malgas and the N2 near Swellendam, long a bumpy gateway to hotspots like Witsand, the Pont and De Hoop Nature Reserve, is finally getting the attention it deserves. A R17 million re-graveling project, now in motion, will give DR1277 a much-needed makeover. The route is a key artery for tourism and agriculture in the region and is set for completion by March 2026.
New Tar Road to Buffeljagsbaai Officially Opened
Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, alongside Overberg Executive Mayor Sakkie Franken and Swellendam Executive Mayor Francois du Rand, officially opened the newly tarred DR1206 road linking the R317 to Buffeljagsbaai. The R70 million project, completed in March, gives safer, faster access to the coastal community and boosts the abalone farming sector, which thrives nearby.
“Upgrading roads isn’t just about smoother rides; it’s about economic growth and job creation,” said Simmers. “This road helps link rural communities with opportunity.”
Big Promises, Big Budget: R4.6 Billion for Roads in 2025/26
Minister Simmers also revealed that over R4.6 billion has been allocated to transport infrastructure in the upcoming financial year, including the upgrade of half the province’s gravel roads. A new Provincial Roads Delivery Model will kick off in April 2026, bringing roads directly under provincial management in an effort to fast-track delivery.
Homes and Title Deeds Handed Over in Gansbaai
In Gansbaai, it wasn’t just roads that got a facelift. Families received the keys to dignity, as 15 title deeds were handed over to beneficiaries of the Masakhane BNG housing project. The R58 million development has already delivered 295 homes.
Next stop: Blompark, where 16 more families were given the keys to their new homes. The massive R143 million project includes 544 erven, with 400 completed housing units already handed over and the final 139 expected before the end of the year.
“This is how we end a good day in the Overberg,” said Simmers. “We are not just building homes; we are accelerating delivery of dignified housing to where it’s needed most. And we’re doing it faster than ever.”
