For months, residents in Orangeburg County have dealt with road closures, long detours, and uncertainty about when things will return to normal. After Hurricane Helene and heavy rains caused major infrastructure damage, many say the response has been far too slow.
Frustration was clear at a recent town hall meeting organized by State Representative Jerry Govan (D-SC 93), the first in a new ongoing series aimed at making sure people get answers directly from the officials responsible for recovery efforts.
“I had to go to North the other day, and I had to go to Bull Swamp Road. I had to go thirty minutes out the way,” one attendee shared, echoing the concerns of many others in the room.
State and federal officials, including representatives from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and FEMA, provided updates on the recovery timeline. SCDOT confirmed that North Road and SC Highway 6 are expected to reopen in 90 days—an update that likely wouldn’t have come without the pressure of Govan’s town hall bringing attention to the issue.
Govan, who organized the town hall to cut through the delays and bring government agencies directly to the community, acknowledged the frustration in the room.
“We can’t afford to wait any longer for progress when people’s daily lives have been completely disrupted,” he said. “That’s why we’re bringing everyone to the table and making sure no one is left wondering what comes next.”
Beyond the immediate issue of road repairs, some residents also expressed concern over the future of FEMA, following discussions at the federal level about potential agency changes. A FEMA representative reassured attendees that assistance would continue despite any policy shifts in Washington.
Govan’s approach reflects his deep understanding of how government works and how to get things done. By using his position, he brought representatives from the state, federal, and local agencies responsible for the repairs directly to the community, ensuring residents could get answers straight from the officials handling the recovery efforts.
This forum was just the first of many. His town hall series, Building Strong Communities – Unlocking Resources Together, will continue, ensuring that officials remain accountable and that residents are kept informed until the situation is fully resolved.
“People deserve answers, and if they aren’t getting them, it’s my job to go find them,” Govan said. “That’s what these meetings are about—staying on this until real solutions happen.”
As the recovery process unfolds, Govan is committed to holding more of these forums, keeping the community informed, and applying pressure where it’s needed. His focus remains on one thing: making sure Orangeburg County gets the resources and action it needs to recover.
To stay updated on Rep. Jerry Govan’s Town Hall series, contact Rep. Jerry Govan at (803) 212-6945 or email jerrygovan@schouse.gov.
About SC Representative Jerry Govan (D-SC 93)
Rep. Jerry Govan is an Orangeburg native with over 30 years of service in the South Carolina House of Representatives. A graduate of South Carolina State University, he has been a strong advocate for education, public safety, and community development. He currently serves as Second Vice Chair of the Interstate Cooperation Committee and is a member of the Judiciary Committee. Govan is married to Wanda E. Gibson of Estill, SC, and they have four children and seven grandchildren.
To learn more about Rep. Jerry Govan visit govanforsc.com
