Author: Chantel Edwards

Jonga / Nelson Mandela Boulevard Transfer Location 

George Municipality is currently implementing large-scale road and infrastructure upgrades across the city to support the expansion of the GO GEORGE public transport service. These upgrades form part of a multi-year capital investment enabled through funding received from the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) administered by the National Department of Transport.

An addition R250 million has been awarded for new projects to be implemented during the 2025/26 financial year. In the 2024/25 financial year R505 million has also been allocated towards the rollout of essential public transport infrastructure. These funding supports road rehabilitation, construction of transfer locations (TLs), sidewalk upgrades to promote universal accessibility, and other associated infrastructure improvements.

Speaking during an Eden FM radio broadcast on 30 June 2025, MMC for Civil Engineering Services, Cllr Marchell Kleynhans, and Deputy Director for Roads and Stormwater, Lionel Daniels, explained that the scope and pace of current roadworks are a direct result of this funding windfall. “Our original plan was to phase projects over three years, but we received the entire amount in one go,” said Daniels. “This came with conditions—including that the funding must be spent within a specified timeframe. That is why several major routes in areas such as Pacaltsdorp are being upgraded simultaneously.”

“This is one of the largest infrastructure rollouts in George’s history,” says Cllr Marchell Kleynhans, MMC for Civil Engineering Services. “While the temporary disruption is unavoidable, the long-term impact will be safer roads, better accessibility, and improved commuting efficiency for all road users.”

ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECTS – PROGRESS UPDATE
George Municipality is committed to providing regular updates to the public on the progress of road upgrades across the city.

PACALTSDORP
• Mission Street: 39% complete | Commenced 18 October 2024 | Expected completion: June 2026
• Protea Street: 83% complete | Commenced 30 September 2024 | Expected completion: September 2025
• Heather, Haydn and Rose Streets: 28% complete | Commenced 25 September 2024 | Expected completion: July 2026

THEMBALETHU
• Ngcakani and Ncamanza Streets: 61% complete | Commenced 21 October 2024 | Expected completion: January 2026
• Tabata and 26th Streets: 61% complete | Commenced 25 September 2024 | Expected completion: March 2026

GEORGE INDUSTRIA
• PW Botha Boulevard: 35% complete | Commenced 26 September 2024 | Expected completion: July 2026

ROSEMOOR
• Beer and Woltemade Streets: 79% complete | Commenced 13 August 2024 | Expected completion: July 2025
• O’Connell Street: 81% complete | Commenced 19 August 2024 | Expected completion: July 2025

HEATHER PARK
• Airway Street: Construction complete | Practical completion achieved in March 2025 | Final Road markings completed June 2025

Ncamanza / Nelson Mandela Boulevard Transfer Location 

TRANSFER LOCATIONS – CRITICAL SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GO GEORGE
In addition to road upgrades, the construction of GO GEORGE Transfer Locations (TLs) is progressing. These facilities are essential for improving route connectivity and allowing commuters to transfer safely and efficiently between routes.

Current Projects:
• Beach/Panther TL: 65% complete | Commenced March 2025 | Expected completion: July 2025
• NMB/Jonga Intersection TL: 70% complete | Commenced February 2025 | Progress dependent on associated infrastructure
• 26/Ncamanza/NMB TL: Construction commenced in May 2025 | Expected completion: August 2025 (subject to bridging finance)

“In addition to the long-term benefits—like safer roads and improved accessibility—we’re also proud that these projects are creating jobs and empowering emerging contractors, especially from areas like Pacaltsdorp,” said Kleynhans. “The temporary inconvenience is unfortunate but necessary for lasting development.”

PLANNED INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS – 2025/26 FINANCIAL YEAR
With the recent allocation of R250 million, George Municipality will commence with the following infrastructure projects in the new financial year:
Construction on these projects is expected to begin within the next 2–3 months, with most scheduled for completion within 5–9 months.

Planned Road Upgrades:
• Beukes Street (Geelhout to Beach Road)
• Cradock Street (Hibernia to Market Street)
• Pine Street (Witfontein to Protea Street)
• Plattner Street (Airway to Victor Smith Street)
• Protea Street (Phase 3 and 4)
• Beer Street (Phase 3)
• Tabata Street (26th to Lingelethu Street)
• Genesis Street

Planned Transfer Locations and Associated Sidewalks:
• Cradock Street CBD (Transport Hub Phase 2)
• Main / School Terminus
• Protea Precinct
• York Street (Market to Hibernia)
• Courtenay / Wellington Intersection
• NMB / Vuyani Ncamazana / Main Intersection
• York / Union Intersection
• Thembalethu Roundabout (Jonga Phases 2 and 3)

Ngcakani Street Phase 3 Sidewalk Construction 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT DELAYS AND EMPLOYER COMMUNICATION
George Municipality acknowledges the impact of ongoing construction on bus operations and general traffic flow, particularly in Pacaltsdorp and surrounding areas. GO GEORGE is continuously monitoring the situation and implementing mitigation measures including temporary route changes and the deployment of additional buses where possible.

“We continue to receive numerous complaints from commuters whose travel times have been affected, and we appeal to employers to show understanding where lateness is due to factors beyond the commuter’s control,” said Kleynhans. “The first few buses in the mornings are often already full, and once they are caught in outbound peak traffic, the ripple effects can delay multiple routes.” Employers who require confirmation of service delays are encouraged to contact the GO GEORGE Call Centre. Trip slips showing boarding times are also available for verification purposes.

George Municipality remains committed to improving the quality and safety of its transport infrastructure. These upgrades are essential to the city’s development as a smart, integrated and accessible urban centre. Road users are reminded to exercise caution near construction zones, adhere to all temporary signage and plan their travel to accommodate possible delays. Regular updates will continue to be published via the Municipality’s official communication channels.

George Municipality has launched the first phase of a vital fire safety programme aimed at enhancing fire prevention in rural informal areas, beginning with the community of Haarlem. Last week, municipal firefighters, together with the Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Community Safety, Cllr Brendan Adams and attending Councillors, handed over 30 fire blankets and smoke detectors to residents in these areas. The initiative seeks to provide early warning and fire suppression tools to informal structure households, where access to emergency services may be delayed due to the rural location and lack of formal road infrastructure.

In Haarlem, one of the first recipients, resident Andrico Barendse, received his fire safety equipment directly from MMC Adams and George fire officials. “This is an important step towards saving lives and protecting property in vulnerable communities,” said Cllr Adams during the handover.

The programme, led by the George Fire and Rescue Services, will be rolled out in phases and aims to reach more households in the area. It forms part of the municipality’s commitment to community safety and resilience, particularly in areas where structural fires pose significant risks due to the layout and remoteness of settlements.

Further phases of the programme will include public education, demonstrations on the use of fire safety tools, and regular assessments of high-risk areas.

Handing a fire blanket to resident Andrico Barendse(standing in doorway)  is from left Fire Fighter JFF Oktober, Cllr Enrico Figland, Cllr Maria Greeff, Fire Fighter D Saaiman, MMC Community Safety Brendan Adams and Cllr Thembinkosi Lento

George Municipality is pleased to update residents on the upgrades to the city’s road infrastructure in support of the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN), particularly the expansion and enhancement of the GO GEORGE bus service. Over recent months, increased roadworks have been observed across various suburbs—these form part of a major infrastructure rollout made possible through an additional allocation of R505 million in Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) funding from the National Department of Transport.

This funding supports critical infrastructure projects identified and aimed at improving access, safety, and service efficiency across the transport network. These upgrades include the installation of new bus stops and shelters, road rehabilitation, transfer location construction, sidewalk enhancements, traffic management systems, and general road maintenance.

ROAD REHABILITATION PROGRESS
George Municipality is committed to keeping the public informed and will continue to share regular updates regarding road closures, detours, and site progress to minimise inconvenience to road users. The following road rehabilitation projects are currently in progress.

• Pacaltsdorp:
• Mission Street: Construction commenced on 18 October 2024 and is expected to be completed in June 2026. The project is currently 30% complete and includes box-cutting, road layer works, kerbing, the construction of stormwater structures, and sidewalks.
• Protea Street: Work began on 30 September 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by September 2025. The project is now 80% complete, with activities focused on sidewalks, kerbing, stormwater infrastructure, and road base layers.
• Heather, Haydn and Rose Streets: Construction on these roads began on 25 September 2024 and is due to conclude in July 2026. At present, work is 28% complete and involves box-cutting, road layer works, kerbing, stormwater structures, and the relocation of existing services.

  Thembalethu:

• Ngcakani and Ncamanza Streets: Work commenced on 21 October 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by January 2026. The project is currently 50% complete, including box-cutting, road base works, stormwater upgrades, and the exposure of existing underground services.
• Tabata and 26th Streets: Construction started on 25 September 2024 and is expected to be completed by March 2026. With 55% of the work completed, the site is currently undergoing road base preparation, stormwater upgrades, and service relocations.

  George Industria:

• PW Botha Boulevard: Work began on 26 September 2024 and is projected to continue until July 2026. The project is currently 29% complete. Three road sections are closed, with stop-and-go systems in place. Work includes box-cutting, kerbing, road base layer construction, stormwater and retaining structures, relocation of underground services, and sidewalk development.
  
  Rosemoor:
• Beer and Woltemade Streets: Construction began on 13 August 2024 and is set for completion by July 2025. The project is currently 55% complete and includes box-cutting, kerbing, road layer works, stormwater system installation, and relocation of services.
• O’Connell Street: Work started on 19 August 2024, with completion also expected by July 2025. Currently at 69% progress, activities include kerbing, road base works, stormwater structures, and service relocation.
  Heather Park:
• Airway Street: Construction began on 27 September 2024 and reached practical completion on 19 March 2025. Final completion, including road markings, is expected by the end of June 2025. The project currently stands at 99% complete.

TRANSFER LOCATION INFRASTRUCTURE
In addition to road upgrades, there is investment in the construction of new GO GEORGE Transfer Locations (TLs). These facilities are vital connection points that allow passengers to safely and conveniently transfer between bus routes. Their development is essential to improving travel efficiency, system integration, and accessibility across the transport network.

• Beach/Panther Transfer Location:Construction commenced in March 2025 and, as of the end of May, the project is 60% complete. The anticipated completion date is July 2025, although this remains dependent on approval processes from the Department of Infrastructure and the availability of bridging finance from George Municipality beyond June 2025.
• NMB/Jonga Intersection Transfer Location: This project started in February 2025 and has also reached 60% completion. Progress has been affected by service installations linked to the construction of the adjacent Water Tower, which must be coordinated with the TL development.
• 26/Ncamanza/NMB Transfer Location: Construction began in May 2025. By the end of June 2025, the full allocation from the 2024/25 financial year budget is expected to have been utilised. Final completion of the project is scheduled for August 2025, subject to the availability of bridging finance from July 2025 onwards.

George Municipality remains committed to delivering safe, efficient, and inclusive transport infrastructure that supports all communities. These ongoing projects are essential to strengthening the city’s transport network and form part of a broader vision for George as a smart, connected, and accessible city.

The Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused during construction and urges residents to adjust travel times where necessary, remain patient, and exercise caution near construction zones. Road users are also reminded to adhere to all temporary signage and to be mindful of workers and heavy machinery in the area. Further updates will be shared via the Municipality’s official communication channels as the projects progress.