NATIONAL NEWS - On Tuesday 31 March, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, together with the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, officially opened the R693m Malmesbury Bypass.
Construction of the 6.7km greenfield route, which links the Hopefield Interchange on the N7 with the R45 towards Wellington and the R46 towards Riebeek Kasteel, commenced in May 2023.
According to Jandré Bakker, director of operational support at the Department of Infrastructure (DOI), the project extends beyond the road itself.
“In addition to the road link, the project includes five new bridges and a grade-separated interchange at the R45/R46 intersection,” he said. These upgrades are aimed at improving access, enhancing road safety, reducing travel times and supporting economic activity in the Swartland region.
"The bypass also forms part of a broader freight corridor connecting the Saldanha Bay area with key inter-regional transport routes in the Western Cape and contributes to Strategic Integrated Project 5 of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050.”
The new R45 and R46 interchange.
Simmers highlighted the socio-economic impact of the project, noting that large DOI contracts require contractors to meet specific contract participation goals (CPGs).
“This project created 287 work opportunities and supported 39 local enterprises, including 15 emerging contractors,” he said.
He added that, beyond construction, the infrastructure will further stimulate the local economy, particularly the agricultural sector, enabling sustained job creation. “This is why we build in the Western Cape – to enable economic growth so that jobs can be created.”
The wetlands bridge
Winde described the bypass as a long-term investment in the province’s future. “Every kilometre of well-built and well-maintained road unlocks opportunity. It connects communities, supports businesses and creates jobs,” he said. He emphasised that infrastructure development remains central to economic growth, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people, lowering costs and attracting further investment.
Simmers reaffirmed the Western Cape Government’s commitment to infrastructure delivery. “We remain focused on accelerating projects that connect communities and support sustainable economic growth, contributing to the province’s long-term goal of becoming a trillion-rand economy,” he said.
Premier Alan Winde and Minister Tertuis Simmers cut the ribbon to open the Malmesbury Bypass.
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