Author: Chantel Edwards

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.

From left to right: George Municipality Chief Financial Officer, IT Manager, Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis,
and Municipal Manager pictured following the recent Council approval of key Smart City upgrades, marking a major milestone
in George’s journey towards becoming a truly smart and connected city.

Over the past five months, George Municipality has been making strong progress towards an exciting goal of becoming a truly smart city. This forward-looking vision is all about using modern technology to improve daily life for all residents—making services faster, more efficient, and more accessible. Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis officially adopted the municipality’s first Smart City Strategy during a Mayoral Committee meeting held on 27 November 2024. This groundbreaking strategy is a a five-year plan which outlines a new way forward for how the municipality governs, builds infrastructure, and delivers services. It puts innovation, digital inclusion, and smarter decision-making at the heart of everything the municipality does.

A major step forward took place on 30 May 2025, when Council unanimously approved a long-overdue upgrade to the municipality’s financial system. This upgrade paves the way for developing a fully functional Management Information System (MIS). The MIS will help the municipality make better, data-driven decisions, improve transparency, and boost overall efficiency. As part of the Smart City journey, George Municipality is working with leading software providers to roll out a range of technology-driven improvements. These include expanding access to affordable internet, streamlining billing systems, and introducing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

Streamlining billing systems will make it easier and quicker for residents to access and pay their municipal accounts, reduce billing errors, and allow for real-time account updates—helping households better manage their monthly budgets. IoT technologies such as smart water meters, energy-efficient streetlights, bin sensors for efficient waste management, traffic monitors to ease congestion, and air quality sensors will improve public safety, reduce waste, and enhance day-to-day service delivery for all residents.

The municipality is taking a holistic approach—modernising its digital platforms, launching smart utilities, and creating more responsive systems that meet the real needs of the people. Everything is being designed to ensure that technology works for the community, not just behind the scenes.

Citizens are encouraged to stay informed, participate in public engagements, and be part of this exciting transformation. With a shared vision and continued collaboration, George Municipality is confident in its mission to build a smarter, more connected, and inclusive city—one that improves the quality of life for all who call George home.