HARTENBOS NEWS - The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure has responded to some complaints regarding the condition of the Matjiesdrift Road (DR1567) in the greater Hartenbos area.

Spokesperson Jandré Bakker said the department was aware of the condition of the gravel road and that the district roads engineer regularly engaged with the public if it had a concern about a road.

He said the blading of the road was done in accordance with a standard operating procedure based on accepted practice in road engineering. Bakker said that, in simple terms, "blading" refers to the scraping off of the top layer of material.

"One can only successfully blade up to a certain point. Once this point is reached a road has to be rebuilt."

The rebuild would include gravelling the road and the gravelling of the DR1567 "will be done when resources allow".

"Gravel roads are susceptible to weather and traffic loads given their non-permanent surface. It is expected that surface conditions will change, especially following excessive rainfall or when the road is subject to heavy loads."

He said the department was aware of calls for intervention on this road and that the provincial minister of Infrastructure, along with the head of department, met with concerned parties and discussions included this road. He said there were no plans to upgrade this road to a surfaced road.

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