Development a 'positive story'

GEORGE NEWS - Construction at the Nelson Mandela Boulevard in Thembalethu is steadily underway.

Despite the current inconvenience for businesses and residents living next to the road, businessman Richard Shumi applauds the initiative, saying it is a good thing for the township.

"It's not only Loxion Lounge that's going down, it's my business as well. My office has been taken down completely, so it is affecting me 100%," said Shumi, president of the Thembalethu Business Chamber.

"But my feeling is that we need to give in to this development, from the business side. In the end the development would be a positive story for Thembalethu business, although it is affecting us negatively now."

To his knowledge, completion of the left lane is planned for mid-December, and construction on the right lane will start immediately thereafter.

"By then an agreement should have been reached with the affected people regarding their businesses. The notices will be served soon, telling us exactly when we have to evacuate the properties, and then we will meet individually with the municipality," said Shumi.

Comment from George Municipality on the development of the project over the next month is being awaited.

As a private citizen, Shumi is concerned about the small margin of road reserve between the houses and the new road.

"If you look at the size of the road, it is very close to the houses. The road reserve is very small. It is not going to be a pleasure living on the road, but we have to accept this is cast in stone. We as a chamber see it as a long-term positive."

He said the Thembalethu Business Chamber is happy that the municipality was allowed roll-over of the R47,2-million grant to continue the development in Thembalethu.

"Now that they got it back, we are quite happy that they can continue. It shows good leadership from their side. George is in capable hands."

ARTICLE & PHOTO: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST

'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'