Business owner in George Industria:
A few weeks ago, the 3rd of 3 X "stop/gos" was implemented at the corner of Rand Street and PW Botha Boulevard.
It is now officially impossible to get to my business (and many other businesses in George Industria) without being subjected to a minimum of one "stop/go" and if you want to travel the full length of PW Botha, you will be subjected to all three "stop/gos".
According to the public liaison officer, Alewijn Dippenaar, this massive inconvenience is currently scheduled until 1 October 2025.
This is potentially devastating to my business and many others.
Mr Dippenaar in a communique said, "However, we are currently exploring the option to expedite the early completion of the road construction works (to surfacing level) near the intersection, thereby making it possible of reduce the number of "stop/gos" from three to only one in PW Botha Blvd (past the Rand Street traffic signals toward Nelson Mandela Blvd), and to switch the traffic lights back to operational as soon as possible.
"We are working closely with George Municipality to workshop this option and obtain mutual agreement before it can possibly be implemented."
This "option to expedite an early completion" is apparently sitting with George Municipality right now.
I would dearly like to find out how the municipality can, as soon as possible, accept this option and expedite this work.
While I appreciate there will be a need for some form of cost vs benefit analysis to be performed, I would hope that this process can be expedited and that all of the additional costs being borne by all the businesses and individuals are taken into account.
George Municipality responds:
George Municipality acknowledges the concerns of business owners and residents regarding the rehabilitation of PW Botha Boulevard and appreciates their patience. We are committed to completing this essential project efficiently while ensuring long-term benefits for businesses and the wider community.
The rehabilitation of PW Botha Boulevard began in early 2024, with initial work focusing on the Ossie Urban Road intersection and preparatory works along the road edges. Full-scale reconstruction started in January 2025 and is expected to continue until mid-2026.
To ensure safety and accessibility, stop/go controls are in place at key intersections, including the Ossie Urban and Rand Street intersections. As the six construction phases progress, the stop/go system will be adjusted to minimise disruption.
As part of their continuous effort to reduce the impact and duration of stop/go controls, the municipality, together with iX Engineers and contractor Henra, is currently assessing measures to prioritise work at the Rand Street and Ossie Urban intersections. This could ease the effect of stop/go controls earlier than initially planned. Updates will be communicated promptly.
The complete reconstruction of PW Botha Boulevard is expected to be substantially completed by mid-2026, weather permitting. By mid-2026, road users, pedestrians, local businesses, and Go George users will experience the full benefits of the upgraded PW Botha Boulevard.
George Municipality continues to keep businesses and residents informed throughout the project. Public liaison officer Alewijn Dippenaar is available to assist with any concerns about access and construction progress. For queries, please contact the public liaison office at dyndev@mweb.co.za.
