Robinsonpas
Robinson Pass, completed in June 1869, connects Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn. The need for a more direct route arose because the existing Attaquas Kloof (first mentioned in archives in 1668) was inhospitable, and Montague Pass was longer. By today's standards, 135 km may not sound like much compared to the 90 km of Robinson Pass, but with oxcarts and horse-drawn carriages as means of transport, it was a big difference.
The residents signed a petition that was sent to the Cape government requesting that the pass be built. In 1860, a parliamentary commission estimated the cost of building a pass along the Ruytersbosch Road at R7 364, with funding shared between the government and the Mossel Bay Divisional Council. However, local efforts stopped in 1866 because of insufficient expertise and resources. M.R. Robinson, the Chief Inspector of Public Works, saw this pass's need and potential. At that time, the ostrich industry was taking off in Oudtshoorn, and a shorter road to Mossel Bay harbour was in great need. M.R. Robinson made it his special project to build the pass, which is why the pass was named after him.
The Cape Government offered Thomas Bain's services free, but the Mossel Bay Divisional Council was responsible for other costs. Work resumed on 1 Feb 1867. Despite heavy winter rains, construction progressed and was opened to traffic in June 1869.
The pass was later rebuilt in the 1950s following Bain's original alignment. The road was also tarred and widened. Today, the pass is a well-maintained road that offers scenic views. Robinson Pass remains a vital link between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn, contributing to the region's economic growth.
Source:
- Burman, J. (1963). So High the Road. Cape Town: Human & Rousseau.
- L.D. Ross, G. (2013, June). Mountain Passes, Roads and Transportation in the Cape - a Guide to Research. Graham Ross.
- Ross, G. (2002). The Romance of Cape Mountain Passes. Cape Town: David Philip Publishers.
