GEORGE NEWS - People visiting the George office of Home Affairs can expect to wait in a long queue outside as only 23 clients at a time are allowed inside.
This is to be consistent with Covid-19 regulations and allow for social distancing, according to the Garden Route district operations manager, Dr Mosiuoa Ngaka.
Ngaka responded to complaints about the queue through the parking area in front of Home Affairs and over the stoep of the nearby coffee shop, Travel Bugs. People queuing outside ignore social distancing. And they have to queue, come rain or shine.
Sandra Roodt, Travel Bugs owner, said they have now taped off their stoep so that their door is not obstructed and their customers can make use of their outside tables. She said the queuing is affecting surrounding businesses.
"The people queue here from 06:00 in the mornings. One lady gave me her cellphone at 07:00 this morning to charge it for her. She is still waiting to go inside (at 11:24). People are not given a cut-off time. They stand there until the door is shut in their faces at 16:00."
Patiently waiting ....
One woman who visited the office recently said at the time officials were allowing only three people inside.
Ngaka said, "Our office manager and supervisors address the clients every morning and from time to time thereafter, pertaining to Covid-19 protocols, including social distancing.
"However, as they also have to serve the clients inside the office, they cannot be outside all the time. It is at this time that the clients start to ignore the notion of social distancing."
The office hours are 08:30 to 15:30 from Monday to Friday. The office is closed on weekends.
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