LOCAL NEWS - The local petition calling on the Western Cape Government to provide certainty, transparency and a fair outcome for the communities, landowners and businesses affected by the proposed George Western Bypass has garnered 286 signatures since it was posted on Change.org a week ago.
A Blanco landowner’s daughter, Caitlyn Jackson-Waters, launched the petition to highlight the plight of residents in the western outskirts of George, who have been stuck in land-use limbo for 20 years.
The petition attracted a lot of signatures after George Herald broke the news last Thursday, but Jackson-Waters and the other affected parties hope that more people will sign in the coming weeks.
Although Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers maintains that nothing legally prohibits the affected landowners from selling their properties, the reality on the ground paints a different picture.
With the looming bypass set to cut straight through many properties in Blanco and Geelhoutboom, these landowners will not receive a fraction of what their properties are worth should they attempt to sell.
Developing their land is also severely hampered, as the proposed bypass effectively freezes their assets.
Owners cannot make long-term business decisions or unlock the value of their property while they wait for clarity.
The government insists that the highway, which will connect the Outeniqua Pass with the N2, must be built to alleviate traffic in town, but no one knows when this will happen.
Stumbling blocks
The project faces a massive R1-billion shortfall, while flood-damaged roads such as Meiringspoort take priority in budget allocation and timelines. On top of this, expropriation negotiations have yet to start, creating fears that landowners may be stuck in limbo for another 20 years!
Despite these stumbling blocks and the negative effect the proposed road has already had on livelihoods even before construction begins, the government maintains that it will forge ahead with the bypass.
Jackson-Waters says they recognise that George needs transport solutions for future growth. “This petition is not opposed to responsible infrastructure development."
“Rather, it calls for a transparent and fair process that balances the needs of transport with the rights of the communities who have lived with uncertainty for more than 20 years.”
Minister Simmers is urged to visit the area to see the impact of the bypass for himself and to consider possible alternatives that will do less damage.
Click here to read and/or sign the petition, or visit Change.org and search for: “End 20+ Years of Uncertainty Around the George Western Bypass”.
Previous articles:
George Western Bypass: 20-year land-use limbo - 17 July 2026
Western Bypass much too close for comfort - 10 February 2022
Western Bypass: Residents up in arms - 25 August 2011
Bypass: Minister sets record straight - 7 September 2011
Western Bypass proposal denied - 26 November 2010
George Western Bypass passes enviro test - 22 July 2010
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
