Repairs to N2 footpath: A waste of money?

GEORGE NEWS - Repairs to the footpaths and fencing along the N2 between the York Street interchange (at Pacaltsdorp) and Garden Route Mall have been criticised by a local motorist and ratepayer who is concerned that the materials being used will be stolen or vandalised again.

The South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral) had spent R43m in 2016 to erect fencing, lay paving for the footpaths and install security lighting for the nearby residential areas along this 8km stretch. Later that same year, before the agency could complete the project, some thieves and vandals struck.

At the time, Sanral issued a statement appealing for the residents' help to stop the damage being caused, as it was having a serious impact on the budget allocated by the National Treasury to the project. However, the looting and vandalism continued even after the installation had been completed, and only sections of the paved areas remained intact. Several sections of the fencing had also been vandalised.

"Sanral is wasting taxpayers' money. These pavers will be stolen, like before. And they are using a very expensive paving brick. Why not use something a little cheaper, or rather tar the paths? I'm sure the tar won't be stolen," said the complainant.

Responding to George Herald's query, Sanral said the current footpath repairs will cost R18m, and that most of the damage to the footpaths had occurred on portions between Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu where theft of cabling had taken place.
According to the agency, no new paver material has been bought as the existing pavers will be reused. Concrete paving will be used on portions that were more prone to paver theft.

The work started in April and is scheduled for completion in December. The scope of works comprises traffic accommodation, fencing repairs, drainage works, including minor culverts, kerbing and channelling, stone pitching, paving using recovered materials, concrete paving and mechanical stabilisation with Löffelstein blocks.

Part of the foothpath that will be repaved and the fence that will be mended.

Five local subcontractors are doing the work with support from the main contractor responsible for the N2's upgrade under the Kraaibosch project.

Sanral said the first stage of the project was a training programme presented from August 2024 to October 2025 for 24 unemployed candidates from the George Municipality's database.

They successfully obtained their NQF level 3 construction roadworks qualification and are now employed by subcontractors on the footpath repair project. Some are also engaged on the main N2 upgrade project between Kraaibosch and the Touw River.

Some of the pavers to be used.