Ou Kaapse Weg

PETITION TO CLANWILLIAM MUNICIPALITY AND OTHER RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES REGARDING THE CONDITION OF OU KAAPSE WEG

To: the Municipal Manager,
Clanwilliam Municipality
And all other relevant and responsible authorities.

1. INTRODUCTION
We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and affected parties, hereby formally submit this petition to raise serious concern regarding the deteriorated and unsafe condition of Ou Kaapse Weg, which provides access to our properties.                   
2. BACKGROUND AND CURRENT CONDITIONS
The condition of Ou Kaapse Weg has, for a prolonged period, been in an unacceptable and severely deteriorated state. The road surface is uneven, damaged, and in many areas nearly undriveable.
As a direct result:
Residents and visitors are experiencing ongoing damage to their vehicles;
Access to properties is significantly hindered;
The road poses a safety risk to all road users;
The state of the road has reached a level where it is unreasonable and even embarrassing to invite visitors due to the risk of damage to their vehicles.

3. LEGAL AND MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
In terms of applicable South African law, including the duties imposed on municipalities under the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Municipal Systems Act, municipalities are obligated to:Ensure the provision and maintenance of basic infrastructure;
Promote a safe and healthy environment;
Provide accessible and functional public services to residents.
The ongoing failure to maintain Ou Kaapse Weg constitutes a breach of these obligations, particularly the duty to ensure safe and reasonable access to residential properties.

4. DEMAND FOR URGENT ACTION
We hereby formally request that Clanwilliam Municipality and all responsible authorities:
Conduct an urgent inspection of Ou Kaapse Weg;
Provide a written plan of action with clear timelines for repair and maintenance;
Undertake immediate remedial work to restore the road to a safe and usable condition;
Implement a long-term maintenance plan to prevent further deterioration.

5. CONCLUSION
The current condition of Ou Kaapse Weg is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue. As residents and ratepayers, we are entitled to safe, reliable, and dignified access to our properties.
We trust that this matter will receive the urgent attention it requires. Failing prompt action, we reserve the right to pursue further remedies available to us in law.

Heinrich Setzkorn    Contact the author of the petition