Access road to magistrate's court will be closed

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Municipality intends to close the current access route to the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday, 20 June, to traffic.

This decision follows the recent road accident that claimed the life of Nicci da Silva of Dana Bay.

Last weekend, about 120 motorcyclists from, among others, the Ulysses Motorcycle Club, which launched a petition calling for the road to be closed, gathered at The Point to meet with the executive mayor, Alderman Dirk Kotzé.

Municipal manager Colin Puren says despite repeated efforts, the municipality could not obtain formal approval to close the access to the court complex on Louis Fourie Road.

"Mossel Bay Municipality has, therefore, decided to close the access route where it crosses municipal land. The access to the court complex off Louis Fourie Road has been problematic for many years and may have contributed to many accidents."

Puren says Worsboom Street, south of the Heiderand Mall, was extended in 2019, to join the existing border road on the west side of the cemetery, which has been upgraded to a municipal standard to create an alternative access route to the courts and cemetery.

"Visitors and judicial personnel can access the court complex via the alternative route via Worsboom Street, which leads off Melkhout Street, adjacent to the Heiderand Mall and up to the court parking area. This route will also provide access to the old cemetery," Puren said.

Assistance

"I thank the motorcycle fraternity for its encouraging support of the Da Silva family during this most difficult time.

"Again, Mossel Bay residents have shown what it means to stand together. Thank you also to Peggy Roux and her team for the way you have dealt with the petition. I urge residents to assist Nicci da Silva's parents with the significant medical expenses due to the tragic accident," said Kotzé.

Co-operation

Kotzé says he calls on motorists' cooperation in the coming weeks.

"We can expect that not everyone will necessarily take notice of the road closure timeously and that this may lead to confusion.

"Motorists are, therefore, requested to be extremely careful and tolerant of this. Eventually, residents and visitors to the magistrate's court and cemetery will become accustomed to the alternative route. Until then, residents should drive with caution."