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Planning, constructing and maintaining essential services.

The Technical Services Department is responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance and management of essential physical infrastructure and basic services across the Prince Albert municipal area. From roads and stormwater systems to water, sanitation and waste management, the department plays a central role in sustaining healthy, functional and growing communities.

In addition to daily service delivery, the department manages the implementation of Council-approved capital projects and oversees the maintenance of municipal vehicles and infrastructure assets. It also administers the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), contributing to local employment and skills development through infrastructure-linked job creation.

The department aspires to be a value-adding service provider that supports the municipality's strategic goals by delivering reliable infrastructure services in Prince Albert, Klaarstroom, Prince Albert Road and Leeu-Gamka.

Director: Technical Services: Zolile Nongene

The Technical Services Department manages the planning, construction and maintenance of essential services including roads, water, sanitation, electricity and waste. It also implements capital projects and supports job creation through the Expanded Public Works Programme across the municipal area.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Roads, Sidewalks and Stormwater
  • Water and Sewerage Services
  • Waste and Refuse Management
  • Electricity Infrastructure
  • Capital Projects
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • EPWP Administration

Focus Areas

  • Construction and maintenance of transport and stormwater infrastructure
  • Water purification, distribution and sanitation management
  • Weekly refuse collection, landfill operation and site maintenance
  • Maintenance and upgrading of local electricity networks
  • Delivery of Council-approved infrastructure development
  • Servicing and repair of municipal vehicle fleet
  • Coordinating local labour opportunities linked to infrastructure projects

The department is responsible for the upgrading, construction and maintenance of roads, sidewalks and stormwater systems — ensuring safe and accessible public spaces and effective flood control.

The primary road network in the Prince Albert municipal area includes a combination of national, provincial and municipal roads. This infrastructure plays a critical role in connecting our towns, supporting mobility and enabling economic activity across the region.

N1: National Artery Connecting Leeu-Gamka and Welgemoed

The N1 is a major national route traversing the Prince Albert municipal area in a northeast-southwest direction. It serves as a vital link for towns like Leeu-Gamka and Welgemoed, facilitating regional and national connectivity. While specific traffic volumes for this segment are not readily available, the N1 is known to be one of South Africa's busiest highways, especially near urban centres like Cape Town, where it handles between 95,000 and 120,000 vehicles daily.

N12: Scenic Route Through Klaarstroom to the Southern Cape

Running north to south through Klaarstroom, the N12 connects the municipal area to towns such as Oudtshoorn and George, eventually linking to the N2. Although designated as a national route, the N12 is maintained by the Western Cape Provincial Government. It passes through the picturesque Meiringspoort Pass, offering travellers stunning views of the Swartberg Mountains.

R407: Paved Provincial Road Linking Willowmore to Prince Albert Road

The R407 is a regional route that begins in Willowmore, Eastern Cape, and extends westward through Klaarstroom and Prince Albert, terminating at Prince Albert Road where it intersects with the N1. This 192 km route is fully paved and serves as a primary scenic corridor in the region.

R328: Historic Swartberg Pass Connecting Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn

The R328 connects Prince Albert to Oudtshoorn via the historic Swartberg Pass, a designated provincial heritage site. Constructed between 1883 and 1888 by renowned road engineer Thomas Bain, this unpaved mountain pass is celebrated for its dramatic scenery and engineering significance.

While the pass remains navigable in fair weather, its narrow, winding paths and steep gradients require caution — particularly during wet conditions when surfaces may become slippery. Due to its age and environmental exposure, the Swartberg Pass is in need of urgent maintenance.

The Swartberg Pass remains a vital connector and a tourism asset of national importance — linking not just towns, but heritage, community and commerce.

R353: Gravel Route from Leeu-Gamka to Brandvlei

The R353 is a gravel regional route that starts at Leeu-Gamka, intersecting with the N1, and extends northward through Fraserburg and Williston, ultimately reaching Brandvlei. This route traverses the Nuweveld Mountains via the Teekloof Pass and is primarily used for regional connectivity and access to remote areas.