Road Resealed in excellent time – putting grant funding to good use

Issued George Municipality, 13 September 2022George motorists will be thrilled to see that the resealing of CJ Langenhoven Road  between Davidson Road (Provincial Hospital) has been completed, a full month earlier than the predicted mid-October. This is a testament to our Civil Engineering Department who undertook the remedial project at short notice after receiving a significant portion of the Provincial budget in the form of Grant Funding (80%)with the proviso that the spending is completed before the end of December 2022.CJ Langenhoven Road and York Street are both Proclaimed Roads within the Municipal Road Network, and the budget and maintenance of these roads is provided for by the Western Cape Government: Transport and Public Works who is the Road Authority of both Roads. CJ Langenhoven Street opened to traffic today and will be followed shortly by the opening later this afternoon of the Market/York Street intersection allowing for bi-directional traffic flow, another roads upgrade project which is progressing well despite initial delays.
: Alderman Leon Van Wyk paid a visit to view the completed CJ Langenhoven Street together with Acting Director for Civil Engineering Services, Lionel Daniels. CJ Langehoven Street is not only part of the main arterial network giving visitors access to the CBD and many tourist attractions, but also part of the GO GEORGE route.
Investment in road infrastructure contributes to growth and productivity Our roads make a critical contribution to economic development and growth and, in turn,  bring about all-important social development. “A well-planned and well-maintained road network is vitally important for development in that they provide access to employment, social, health and education services.  George Municipality’s investment in road infrastructure directly contributes to growth and productivity in that roads are a critical component of the production process of many goods and services, “ said Director for Human Settlements, Planning and Development, Ms Lauren Waring.Access to main tourist attractions Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager for George is thrilled that both roads CJ Langenhoven and York Street which are exceptionally important tourism routes are being updated. “The two roads form part of the main arterial network giving visitors access to not only many tourist attractions, but to the hub of the city of George  – that is the home of many regional facilities including  the George Airport, George Provincial Hospital and the Medi-Clinic, Home Affairs Offices, the Garden Route District Municipality, to name a few.  York street also houses many of the banks and foreign exchange facilities. These roads also give access to many of the main tourist attractions such as the George Golf Course, Fancourt Hotel and Estate, Red Berry Farm, Herold’s Bay, Gwaing River mouth, the historical hub of the city centre, and many other first-class accommodation establishments, restaurants, and attractions, including unique shops. It is vital that such these and other routes, are in tip-top condition for the upcoming festive season, along with the rest of our facilities”, said Ms Shaw.York Street closes this week for resealingYork Street will close later this week for the milling and removal of existing bituminous layers as well as milling and removal of existing gravel base layers that will be followed by the placing of new bituminous base layers and surface layers. The anticipated completion date is currently projected by end of mid-January 2023 for the entire project, but the entire inbound lane will be completed before December 2022. Site inspections in this regard have already been undertaken with Provincial Roads officials. The works include the  rehabilitation of York Street Northbound lanes with the  approximately 1000m section in question,  located between Nelson Mandela Boulevard in the south and Courtenay Street in the north. The George Civil Engineering Department will simultaneously address any storm water and kerb repairs that are needed.George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the project. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and roadworks personnel.   There will be height differences between the two lanes while milling and asphalt construction work is in progress. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must exercise extreme caution, especially during wet conditions and when visibility is poor and at night. Vehicles with low profile tyres and motorcyclists must tak extra care.

Hyundai Staria Camper

Alles! Tot die kombuis-wasbak. Dit is wat die nuwe Hyundai Staria Camper jou bied.Tydens die Covid inperking was verwag dat die ekonomie baie seer sou kry en dat produkte, wat as luukses gesien kan word, die meeste daaronder sou ly. Dit was nie verkeerd nie, maar twee industrië spesifiek het onverwags die hoogte in geskiet. Motorfietse en Motorwoonwaens. Na die grendeltyd wou mense net uitkom. Tik in #vanlife op Instagram of Youtube en staan verbaas oor hoe groot die beweging regtig is.In 2021 het Hyundai die futuristiese Staria bekend gestel. Dis ‘n uitgebreide model-reeks met alles van ‘n luukse bus tot ‘n paneelwa. Dit is dus natuurlik met die ontploffing in #vanlife dat die opsie van ‘n motorwoonwa ook ondersoek is. Die enigste kompetisie in die segment is die VW California en die luukse Staria verkoop vir heelwat goedkoper as die luukse Caravelle. So is die Staria Camper is gebore.Die 2023 Hyundai Staria Lounge Camper, as hy by sy doopname genoem word, bied sit- en slaap plek vir 4 mense. Die agtersitplek vou plat om ‘n bed te vorm en die dak vou elektronies op sodat mens regop in die bussie kan staan. Vanaand met slaaptyd vou ‘n basis in die voudak af, wat slaapplek bied vir nog twee kleiner mense of kinders. Daar is ‘n 36-liter yskas, ‘n stort en ja, ook ‘n wasbak! Water word aanboord voorsien met die Staria wat toegerus is met twee tenks van 40L en 70L. ‘n Oulike tafel kan agter uit vou vir daai piekniek langs die water en as jy bekommerd is of die battery gaan hou, die Camper kan ook aan ‘n eksterne kragbron gekoppel word. As ESKOM werk.Daar is twee enjin keuses. Die 2,2L 4-silinder turbodiesel wat reeds hier in ander modelle diens doen, en ‘n 3,5L V6 petrol enjin. Ons het navraag gedoen by Stanley Anderson van Hyundai SA of die Staria Camper ook na Suid Afrika sal kom. Die antwoord was dat Hyundai SA wel ondersoek instel na die vraag in die plaaslike mark, maar of die model wel vir ons bestem is, is nog nie bevestig nie. So die beste ding wat jy kan doen, as jy belangstel, is om navraag te doen oor die Staria Camper by jou naaste Hyundai agentskap. As daar ‘n mark is, sal hy kom.

DIE MOOI VERHAAL WAT NIE VERTEL WORD NIE, MAAR…

Deur Ferdi Alberts (Pluimvee – George Landbouskou)Ons hele lewensverhaal is een van mededinging en kompetering.Baie mense het vermoëns van die liewe HERE ontvang wat hulle mededingend en kompeterend maak, maar ongelukkig is daar mense wat nie hierdie vermoë of gawe ontvang het nie, wat GOD alleen verstaan.Ons kyk maklik verby hierdie mense, maar oor verskillende redes, wat kan wissel van selfsug tot bloot onoplettenheid of bloot omstandighede.Een van ons 4 beoordelaars het egter iemand wat nie hierdie vermoëns ontvang het nie, opgemerk en ‘n plan gemaak om vir hierdie persoon ook ‘n prys te gee. Een van die groot rosette was verkeerd gedruk en ‘n stuk is afgeknip wat net gelees het, “BESTE”.Hy het dit toe op Heyn Lourens se hok gehang wat sy boschvelder kom skou het. Heyn wat verstandelik gestrem is, is egter gewillig en passievol en het tydens die duur van die skou water en kos gegee, met groot ywer.Glo my, Heyn se dag was gemaak met hierdie rosset en moontlik sal dit een van die groot hoogtepunte in sy lewe wees

Jakhals Events

Our Passion

We thrive on adventure that can be found at all of our Mountain Bike & Trail Running Events. We seek the most scenic venues to create unique tracks and trails for our athletes to experience

Our Heritage

Jakhals Events is Proudly Outdshoorn! Our name was inspired by the famous local author – C.J Langenhoven. He owned a pet Jack Russel named “Jakhals”

Our Values

We strive to create unique experiences while ensuring your safety at each of our events. We offer a wide range of events for all categories of athletes and riders and their families.

New Drive Through Motor Vehicle License Service available soon

PUBLIC NOTICE: New Drive Through Motor Vehicle License Service available soon– this is how it will work! Issued George Municipality, 31 August 2022George Municipality will soon boast with a brand-new Motor Vehicle and Registration (MVR) satellite office which includes a drive-through service for license disk renewals – a first in the Western Cape Province. The building is located next to the Blanco Community Hall.The new Motor Vehicle and Registration satellite office will handle bulk MVR services at the inside counters, and the innovative drive-through service will only be for customers to renew up to a maximum of two Motor Vehicle Licence’s at a time. The official opening date for the site will be announced shortly.Please see details below for how to renew your Motor Vehicle Licence using the drive through service.

In-plug Bug!

Die Meyers Manx Duinebesie herleef.

Vir die eerste keer in vyftig jaar bring Meyer Manx weer ‘n nuwe voertuig uit. Die ikoniese “Beach Buggy” van die Sestigs keer terug as die Meyers Manx 2.0, die keer ‘n vol elektriese voertuig.Die oorspronklike Duinebesies was gebou op die onderstel van ‘n VW Kewer en was uiters gewild in die jare Sestig. Die maatskappy het ongelukkig gevou in 1971, maar die oorspronklike eienaar het dit terug gekoop in 1999 en dit toe meer onlangs in 2020 weer herverkoop aan Trousdale, ‘n waagkapitaal-firma in Kalifornië.Die nuwe Meyers Manx 2.0 prototipe is pas bekend gestel en anders as die ID Buggy wat Volkswagen self gebou het, is die Meyers Manx 2.0 bestem vir vol produksie. Die nuwe voertuig word nie op die onderstel van ‘n ander voertuig gebou nie, maar is ‘n voertuig in eie reg, ontwerp deur Freeman Thomas wat ook die Audi TT en nuwe VW Beetle ontwerp het.Daar is tans twee battery opsies, 20kWh en 40kWh, met ‘n reikafstand van tussen 240 en 500km. Die syfer klink optimisties, maar as mens in ag neem dat die twee modelle onderskeidelik slegs 680kg en 750kg weeg, kan mens dink dat dit dalk moontlik mag wees. Die Meyers Manx 2.0 word aangedryf deur twee elektriese motors agter en die 40kWH weergawe kan versnel van 0 tot 100km/h in 4,5 sekondes!Daar is geen deure of ruite nie en die dak kan af, maar hy sal dan by die huis gelos moet word. Daar is ‘n bagasie ruim agter, maar soos die voertuig kan dit nie sluit nie. Daar is ook ‘n bagasie ruim voor wat die spaarwiel en enkele gereedskap huisves.Soos met die eerste prototipe Duinebesies van die jare Sestig, gaan 50 eenhede gebou word in 2023 en aan mense uitgegee word vir navorsing in regte-wêreld toestande. Produksie sal dan begin in 2024. Daar is nog nie aanduiding van pryse nie, maar dis ‘n klein voertuig met ‘n klein battery, so hopelik sal dit redelik bekostigbaar wees sover dit elektriese voertuie aangaan. Dis onbekend of die Meyers Manx 2.0 buite Kalifornië beskikbaar sal wees.

BMW K1600 GT

Maar is dit nog ‘n motorfiets?” Dis tong in die kies gevra, maar tog ‘n vraag met meriete. Die nuwe BMW K1600 GTL is groot en bied inderdaad amper al die luukses wat ‘n motor bied, plus ‘n heelwat groter sondak! Met twee ekstra wiele kon die motorfiets dalk selfs deurgaan as ‘n afdak 3-Reeks.

Die BMW K1600-modelreeks is BMW se vlagskip toerfietse. Vier modelle is beskikbaar, die GT met sytasse, die GTL wat ‘n top-boks byvoeg, die “B” vir Bagger, ook met sytasse maar meer in die Ameriaanse styl en laastens die Grand America. Daar is ander klein verskille. Die GT is byvoorbeeld meer dinamies, terwyl die GTL toer-gefokus is, maar grotendeels deel die modelle dieselfde resep. Ons toetsmodel was die K1600 GT. Die motorfiets ontwerp en gebou om die ryer, dis die afleiding wat mens maak na jy vinnig 500km kaf gedraf het. Die ryer sit in eerste klas heerlik regop op ‘n gemaklike, sagte sitplek, sonder windgeraas of ongemak en kyk hoe die wêreld moeiteloos verby gly.

Die BMW K1600-reeks word aangedryf deur ‘n massiewe inlyn-ses enjin. Die ses silinders, wat voldoen aan EU5-staandaarde, stoot ‘n tamaai 118 kW en 180 Nm uit. Dis dus nie moeilik om jou in die verkeer te bevind omring deur motors met kleiner enjins wat minder krag lewer nie. Waarskynlik minder luuks ook, want die BMW bied als van handvatsel en sitplek verwarmers, GPS navigasie, radio met luidsprekers (hard genoeg om in jou valhelm te kan hoor) en Bluetooth koppeling vir valhelms met die opsie, sodat jy alleen na die musiek kan luister, jou foon kan antwoord en moeiteloos met jou passasier kan praat. Daarby is daar ‘n rits modusse waarmee jy die karakter van werkverrigting kan stel van baie sportief tot baie gemaklik. Terloops, selfs die vering kan gestel word, sommer so in die ry. Voeg daarby ‘n ritrekenaar wat alles en nog wat uitwerk, van brandstof verbruik, tot gemiddelde spoed en oorblywende reikwydte. Al die inligting is op die punte van jou vingers met besonders gebruikervriendelike skakelaar en ‘n rol-muis op die handvatsel by jou linkerhand, jy hoef dus nooit jou hande van die handvatsel te verwyder om al die funksies te gebruik nie. Daar is selfs ‘n trurat, nes ‘n motor, want teen 350kg is die monster van ‘n motorfiets nogal ‘n handvol om uit ‘n parkering te maneuver.

Die beste eienskap is egter dat dit nie ‘n motor is nie. Al bied die K1600 GTL jou al die luukses van ‘n motor, bly dit ‘n motorfiets en ‘n ratse een daarby. Die fiets lyk groot en is swaar, maar as die wiele eers begin rol verdwyn die gewig en voel die fiets so vlugvoetig soos ‘n prima ballerina. Daar is hope krag en op die lang pad kan jy op rat na sesde, die spoed beheer aanskakel en letterlik op golwe van wring kyk hoe die dorpe verby gly. Ry jy deur ‘n pas kan jy die fiets bietjie rondgooi in laer ratte, maar wees versigtig, want 118 kW op ‘n motorfiets beteken dat die krag tot gewig verhouding massief is. Jy kan anderkant 200 km/h gaan kuier reeds in vierde rat, so vyfde en veral sesde rat is lang ratte, perfek om die lang pad teen lae toere aan te vat. En die GT doen dit moeiteloos want 70% van die 180Nm wringkrag is reeds vanaf 1500 toere beskikbaar.

Tydens ons evaluasie tydperk het ons verbruiksyfers van tussen 5 en 6 liter per 100km gesien. Dit beteken dat die 26,5L brandstof tenk ‘n reikwydte van meer as 400km bied, mits jy nie té entoesiasties ry nie. So, laai daai tasse, laai jou passasier en gaan verken ons pragtige land. Hierdie is naby aan die top punt van ‘n toer ervaring. In ‘n motor kyk jy deur ‘n raam na die buite wêreld wat soos ‘n fliek verbygaan. Op ‘n motorfiets voel jy soos die ster in daai fliek.

Die BMW K1600-modelreeks se pryse is as volg:

K 1600 GT

vanaf R353,300

K 1600 GTL

vanaf R361,950

K 1600 B

vanaf R400,400

K 1600 Grand America

vanaf R463,500

 

‘n Veiling Ervaring.

Die gewag vir ‘n “Bargain”!

Artikel: Carina Burger

Dis ‘n vreemde ding, ‘n veiling, as jy nie daaraan gewoond is nie. Dis ‘n samekoms van mense, van alle oorde van die lewe, wat almal die selfde items wil kom koop en elkeen hoop hulle kry hom vir ‘n “bargain”!

OK, almal wil nou nie noodwendig presies dieselfde ding koop nie, maar almal, sonder uitsondering, is op die uitkyk vir ‘n winskoop. Dis ‘n miernes van bedrywigheid voor die veiling begin. Items word bekyk en deurgestap, alles van meubels en antiekhede tot kuns, motors en bote, somme word gemaak en registrasies word gedoen.

Ek is daar vir die wiele. Daar is paar voertuie wat die oog trek. ‘n Mercedes SLK Kompressor, 2005 model, slegs 159 000km. Die dak kan wegvou. ‘n 2014 VW Polo, vol diens rekord. Ek hoor iemand sê hulle gaan hom probeer optel vir R50 000. R50 000! Kan mens nog ‘n netjiese motor koop vir R50 000? ‘n Polo nogal. Tussen al die motors staan ‘n 2007 Hilux. Gemiddelde toestand, meer as 200 000km, die bakkie het al gewerk. Maar die bakkie blyk die ster van die veiling te wees. Daai Hilux, almal wil hom hê. Net ander kant hom staan ‘n 2017 VW Jetta. So mooi witte met 114 000km. Die kar is werklik netjies met ‘n vol diensrekord. My oog vang ook ‘n lekker toegeboude waentjie. Die boot langs hom egter, die se eienaar moet verkoop. ‘n 5m Wildcat Rubber Duck, alle sertifikate en lisensies op datum, waentjie ingesluit. Geen reserwe prys. Nee wag, ek is hier vir ‘n motor. As ek by die huis aan kom met ‘n rubber boot sal ek nooit die einde hoor nie!

Die veiling begin. Dis nogal ‘n opgewondenheid vir ‘n groentjie soos ek. Die pryse styg vining en jy moet kop hou by watter lot hulle nou trek. Moet ook nie vir iemand aan die ander kant waai nie, voor jy weet is jy die eienaar van die huidige lot. Net nie dit nie!

Hier gaan iemand ‘n bargain koop. Een van die Polos, die SLK, of selfs daai Jetta. Almal weet dit gaan winskope wees, maar moet jy nou jou geld blaas voor die Hilux op kom en dan het jy dalk te min? En onthou, die kommissie moet nog by kom. Die eerste bod op die 2016 Polo 1,6L word ingesit. Dit klim fluks en stop dan skielik. R67 500! Vir die eerste keer… Wat? Sjoe! Dis goedkoop. Vir die tweede keer… Moet ek? Moet ek nie? Toegestaan! Die koper glimlag tevrede. Hy het vandag sy winskoop gekry. Dis seker. ‘n 2014 Peugeot GTI volgende. Die word ook vir ‘n winskoop verkoop. R65 000. Die SLK lok lekker belangstelling. Wie wil nou nie ‘n sportmotor ry nie? Die mense bie fluks, tot op ‘n punt. R85 000. Vir die eerste keer. Vir die tweede keer… Toegestaan! ‘n SLK Kompressor vir R85 000. Niemand sal my glo nie. Maar die manne hou terug. Daai Hilux wag. Die Jetta is volgende. Daar is minder belangstelling as wat ek verwag het. Ek bie, maar die nuwigheid laat my maag draai. Opgewondenheid. Aanvanklik bie drie van ons, maar een kêrel val vinnig uit. Nou is dit ek, die ander man en die Jetta. Voor ek my oë kan uitvee val hy ook uit. My bod is op R105 000. Vir die eerste keer… Vir die tweede keer… Toegestaan! Ek het ‘n netjiese 2017 VW Jetta met min kilos gekoop vir R105 000! Ek kan my geluk nie glo nie.

Die res word in ‘n japtrap van die hand gesit, maar ek stel nie meer belang nie. Ek het my winskoop gekry. Die 5m Rubberduck met ‘n 100hp Mariner enjin het gegaan vir R14 000. En die Hilux? Hy is verkoop vir R170 000. Suid Afrikaners is mal oor ‘n Hilux.

 

Veiling voertuie verkoop:

Nissan NP300 DC Diesel – R80 000

2016 Isuzu Ext.Cab 4×2 Petrol – R160 000

2008 Corsa Bakkie 1,4 Petrol – R58 500

2014 VW Polo Petrol manual FSH – R 65 000

2002 Merc C320 2L Petrol Auto – R32 500

1996 Mazda Rustler – R25 000

2001 Colt DC 2,4L Petrol – R32 500

2005 Merc SLK Petrol Manual – R85 000

2014 Peugeot GTI 1,6L Petrol FSH – R65 000

2011 VW Polo 1,4L Petrol – R 67 500

2017 VW Jetta FSH – R 105 000

2012 VW Polo Gti 1,4L – R 110 000

2016 VW Polo 1,6L Auto – R67 500

Plett’s New Mountain Bike Park, A Cut Above The Rest

Article & Photos: Elise Kirsten @elisekirstenA slow leak in my front tyre almost caused me to miss out on exploring the new mountain bike trails that snake their way across Sky Villa Boutique Hotel’s 500-hectare property, set on high on the hill in Baron’s View Estate overlooking Plettenberg Bay.I’d driven the Toyota C-HR 1.2 T Luxury CVT from Cape Town to Plett the previous day. As it wasn’t fitted with a towbar, my husband and I folded the back seats flat, detached the front wheels of our two mountain bikes and popped them and the luggage into the back. The vehicle was roomy enough to fit all our kit despite being a compact crossover. We wound through valleys of canola fields near Swellendam and if you consider its limited capacity of 85 kW and 185 Nm, the 1.2-litre turbo didn’t disappoint when it came to power and overtaking. We had the continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT) that did the job adequately, while a 6-speed manual gearbox is also an option. However, what I really loved about the C-HR is how grounded and stable it felt on the road and especially when it came to steering and cornering. There was none of the twitchiness that you could find in a sportier vehicle.After spending the night at Sky Villa Boutique Hotel, we were itching to try out the mountain biking routes with trail builder Johan Vorster of Trail Lynx. I felt as deflated as my mountain bike tyre, as we’d accidentally left our pump behind (a mistake we’d never made on any of our mountain biking trips before). As thoughts crossed my mind of missing out on what I’d come here to do, another journalist saved the day with a pump that he’d brought. A few minutes later we were ready to ride.At this point there are four mountain bike trails with more to come. Johan and the owners of Sky Villa – a sumptuously decorated five-star boutique hotel with incredible views – have been working closely with conservationists to identify species on the property and to build trails in a manner that helps ‘protect and rehabilitate the pockets of coastal and shale fynbos, as well as certain tree species’ forests.’ Its important that the trails are integrated into the landscape in a sustainable manner.Johan envisages this as a ski-run concept with multiple shortish downhill runs on machine-sculptured trails from two apexes that cater to different skill levels. The next phase of development includes the building of some fun gradient ‘view-filled’ climbs but in the meantime we ascended the hill via a jeep track.  From here we crossed a grass patch at the top of the hill, made our way across some decent singletrack before we began the Lilo descent, which Johan describes as ‘fast and floaty.’ The Lilo trail provided a relaxed and fun ride, but the more technical Wanderlust downhill track with some tighter berms was my favourite.While it’s easy to spend a good few hours riding here,with glimpses of the ocean at various points on the ride, the property has lots of potential for more trails. The long-term plan for Sky Park includes the construction of a skate park, a UCI-grade pump track and other bike-related facilities at a communal hub situated at the entrance to Sky Park, opposite the popular Old Nick Village. In addition to the mountain bike trails, there will also be some separate running and hiking trails. The vision is to provide a host of opportunities for youth and families to get outside and enjoy nature and adventure-sport activities in a safe and environmentally-friendly environment.After the ride and a shower, some of the braver souls in our group went for a mid-winter dip in the pool. The rest of us recharged in the tranquil setting at Sky Villa before enjoying sundowners and a meal overlooking the bay.Before heading home the next day, we took the bikes to the nearby Cairnbrogie trails situated near the Plettenberg Bay airport and not far from the well known Harkerville trails (which join Carinbrogie). After an enjoyable ride on the edge of the ocean we hosed the bikes down at Cairnbrogies bike-wash facility before putting them back into the Toyota C-HR.The drive home was just as pleasant and we enjoyed being in such a stylish carriage. While opinions are divided about its aggressive lines, I love everything about the C-HR’s design. The 2022 Luxury model has the added attraction of 18″ directional alloy wheels and the LED headlamps which help enhance its looks. The inside styling is also top-notch on this flagship model and although the 4.2″ Multi-Information Display has limited functionality, it does have a rear-camera display, which is very useful.All-in-all, whether on four wheels or two, we’d had a magnificent weekend exploring Plettenberg Bay and look forward to returning to experience Sky Trails and Sky Villa again.Article & Photos: Elise Kirsten @elisekirsten

Road Upgrades in George

Spending must take place to avoid loss of grant funding.
George Municipality has been inundated with comments regarding all the road upgrades taking place throughout the city in the past few days and this is understandable, considering the impact on all road users. George Municipality is aware of the inconvenience caused by these infrastructure upgrades but as stated a few months ago by George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, the municipality is committed to optimizing road upgrades across the city.
“George Municipality continually pursues other sources of funding to address as many issues as possible. The road upgrade projects will utilize funding from three sources over the next three financial years including George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) funding, own budget and Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding as well as in the case of the York Street Circles, private funding,” said Ald Van Wyk.
The most frequently asked question is why these road upgrades on major routes are all being implemented within a short time period and were not staggered to lessen the overall impact of road users. The main reason for this is the source of funding, and the timeframes in which expenditure must be incurred. Grant funding has very specific conditions attached, one being the period during which the allocated funding must be spent – if the funding is not used it does not rollover to the next financial year and it is returned to the source.
With this in mind, it must also be noted that certain government departments work on the premise that if a Local Municipality achieves a certain expenditure percentage by November/December of the municipal financial year, additional funding may be diverted from under-spending municipalities and additional grant funding can be allocated during the national adjustment budget process.
Funding received from Western Cape Provincial Government for the upgrading and maintenance of Proclaimed Roads must be fully spent by 31 December (CJ Langenhoven, York Street), while achieving expenditure targets i.e., percentage of spend achieved on the Public Transport Network Grant Funding projects (Airways, Golf, Market and Tabata Streets) places the George Municipality in a very good position to receive additional funds during the national adjustment budget process.
George has been blessed this year with large grant and external allocations, far more than in any other financial year, to upgrade infrastructure for residents. The upgrading of this infrastructure is very costly and for the Municipality to fund these upgrades would require many millions that could only be generated by drastically increasing rates and taxes as the cost would have to be funded by revenue from municipal sources.
“The municipality is grateful for these additional income sources that have enabled us to upgrade overall infrastructure and pedestrian experience, which ultimately benefit business, promote investment and improves quality of life,” said Browen Johnson, Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services.
As far as is possible major construction work is scheduled annually for completion by December , or for commencement in January of the next year. George is a major tourist and holiday destination, and the annual December-January peak holiday season is also the peak economic season for many businesses in George, both big and small . Apart from its abundant natural attractions, George’s main attraction is also it’s excellent services and infrastructure. These road upgrades will significantly improve the main accesses to George, as well as other well-travelled routes.
For the duration of the construction period, Traffic officials and/or point duty officers will be utilized during peak hours where possible to try and assist with traffic flow.
 
YORK STREET TRAFFIC CIRCLES
This project is funded by various private stakeholders.
Construction of the two new traffic circles in York Street next to the old tourist resort (Mount View Resort) between Hope Street Circle and the GO GEORGE Bus Depot commenced on Monday, 8 August 2022 and is expected to be completed during December 2022. These road upgrades are required to accommodate the additional traffic which is expected to be generated by the proposed Mediclinic,1 on York and residential developments where the Crocodile Farm was previously situated. The designs adhere to Municipal and Provincial requirements, but the project is funded by various private stakeholders.
The construction will take place in two phases, which entails the following:
Phase 1 has commenced in August 2022 and entails the construction of two “half circles” in the western carriageway. During this phase, the western dual lane carriageway (indicated in yellow) will be closed to traffic. Motorists will be diverted to the eastern dual lane carriageway (indicated in red) which will be used for two-way traffic.
Phase 2 is expected to commence in October 2022 and entails the construction of the remain “half circles” in the eastern carriageway. During this phase, the eastern dual lane carriageway (indicated in red) will be closed to traffic. Motorists will be diverted to the western dual lane carriageway (indicated in yellow) which will be used for two-way traffic.
MARKET STREET
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.
This project will see a significant positive upgrade in the Central Business District. The five phases are progressing well, noting that the project did experience ongoing challenges with intermittent and frequent rain that is always problematic with deeper excavations. The optic fibre service provider co-ordinated their installations with the works and impact on sidewalk space in certain areas, but this work has been concluded.
The full project extends from York Street to Hope Street (in 5 phases with two phases completed, one nearing completion (End of August 2022), and the latest two progressing very well (set to be completed February 2023) and includes a full rebuild and upgrade of the full road reserve and includes the asphalting of the pedestrian walkways that include the paving of the furniture zone. (The furniture zone is the area for all street furniture (benches), streetlights, waste bins etc. and acts as a buffer between the roadway and the pedestrian sidewalk.)
As far as possible direct property access is maintained with the necessary arrangements /provisions made in advance with any affected business owner via Mr Alewijn Dippenaar. Business and property owners affected by the road construction are requested to contact Alewijn Dippenaar at dyndev@mweb.co.za or on 082 457 5675 if they have any queries or concerns, and must not communicate directly with, or request information from the Contractor’s personnel.
AIRWAY ROAD
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.
The introduction of the GO GEORGE public bus transport service and the increased traffic volumes in Airway Road has led to serious degradation of the road structure, requiring a rebuild to renew the life cycle of this important transport asset. The work consists of rehabilitation of the 600m of Airway Road, while including realignment of the traffic circles. The project is set to be completed by mid-October 2022.
GOLF STREET
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.
The introduction of the GO GEORGE public bus transport service and the increased traffic volumes in Golf Street has led to serious degradation of the road structure, requiring a rebuild to renew the life cycle of this important transport asset. The work consists of rebuilding the majority of Golf Street and is set to commence in the second portion of 2022, subject to the securing of sufficient funding.
TABATA STREET PHASE 2
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.
The upgrading of the next portion of Tabata Street, Thembalethu, from Mfayana Street to Mbewo street (about 600m), commenced in July 2022 and the contractor is progressing with the works. This phase of construction is set to be completed end February 2023. The improvements to this main arterial through Zone 12, 13 and 15 will most certainly improve the experience of road users, pedestrians and the lives of residents.
The road, sidewalk (similar to other community routes) and stormwater system upgrades will improve vehicle and pedestrian movement and reduce flooding of the street and properties. The entire intended Tabata Street upgrade extends from the intersection with Nelson Mandela Boulevard (Fourways) to where the road re-joins Nelson Mandela Boulevard and will be implemented in phases, subject to the securing of sufficient funding.
THEMBALETHU / N2 BRIDGE WIDENING
Project funded jointly by SANRAL and the Public Transport Network Grant
This strategic upgrade is long overdue and involves the doubling of the original bridge, significant improvements to sidewalks and non-motorised transport facilities, upgraded N2 on-off ramps and the widening of Nelson Mandela Boulevard between Main/Ncamazana Streets in the north and Tabata/Ngcakani Streets in the south. It has taken more than 12 years to secure funding for this project that is now jointly funded by SANRAL and the Public Transport Network Grant. This project will see a marked improvement in traffic flow and safety of all road users, and especially residents of Thembalethu, this being the only access to Thembalethu. Construction work has commenced with an anticipated completion date in May 2024.
RESEALING OF ROADS (ASPHALT RESEALING)
Provincial Government Western Cape provides 80% of the funding for these projects
CJ Langenhoven Road and York Street are both Proclaimed Roads within the Municipal Road Network. As part of the Grant Funding for maintenance of these roads provided by Western Cape Government: Transport and Public Works (which are the Road Authority of both Roads), George Municipality was fortunate to get a significant portion of the Provincial Budget for such roads. The condition of the Grant Funding is that it be spent before the end of December 2022, which calls for an overlapping of the two projects to meet the condition. Consideration has been given to coordinate the two projects to ensure that traffic disruptions are limited to the absolute minimum. With the projects being rolled out in winter, it makes it difficult to programme night work, due to a drop in the temperature which makes it difficult to work with asphalt and the placement thereof.
Resealing of CJ Langenhoven Road (Phase 2) between Davidson Road (Provincial Hospital) and York Street has commenced and follows on Phase 1 that took place between Witfontein and Davidson Road. The remedial work will require the milling and removal of existing bituminous layers as well as milling and removal of existing gravel base layers. The milling operations will be followed by the placing of new bituminous base layers and surface layers. The above work will be carried out in half widths and CJ Langenhoven Street will be restricted to one-way traffic at times.
Traffic will be managed by means of Stop and Go or rerouted. This will lead to traffic congestion and delays. Access to businesses will be maintained, however parking between Palm Road and York Street will be impacted. Reconstruction and repairs to kerbs will have no major traffic impact. The anticipated completed date is mid- October 2022.
Similar to CJ Langenhoven Road (Phase 2), York Street also requires the milling and removal of existing bituminous layers as well as milling and removal of existing gravel base layers that will be followed by the placing of new bituminous base layers and surface layers. The anticipated commencement date is mid-September 2022 with a completion date projected by end of December 2022.
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
The impact on traffic movement varies for each project depending on the nature of the work done, and the details are published in advertisements in local print media and on the George Municipality social media channels ahead of commencement of construction. If the GO GEORGE service will be affected this is communicated by GO GEORGE champions on location as well as via the usual social media and other communication platforms. Municipal services such as water, sewer and electricity may be temporarily disrupted, and planned disruptions will be communicated via social media when required.