GEORGE NEWS - A survey of Hansmoeskraal Road taking place since Monday is being done as part of a deproclamation process and formal transfer from the Western Cape Provincial Roads Department to George Municipality. The survey is not with a view to tar or upgrade the road.
According to Lionel Daniels, deputy director for streets and stormwater, Hansmoeskraal Road was previously transferred to the municipality, but it has not yet been formally finalised.
Daniels said it is a topographic and ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey that should be completed within a few days, weather permitting.
“This work includes checking the road alignment, collecting survey and traffic data, and identifying any environmental requirements. The survey is not linked to any construction, but is simply a preparatory step for future planning,” said Daniels.
Beach Road is also being surveyed, but it remains a proclaimed road with shared responsibility, according to Daniels. “Maintenance responsibilities for this road are split between George Municipality (20%) and the Western Cape Provincial Government (80%). In this case, while the municipailty is the road authority, the province remains the approving authority. As such, no full transfer is required for Beach Road.”
Residents of the Hansmoeskraal area have been lobbying for many years for the tarring of Hansmoeskraal Road. Some are of the opinion that Le Grand Estate's developers should be responsible, as the tarring of the road was part of the development conditions for the initial golf course estate that was never completed. After the original developer became insolvent, the property changed hands several times. The current developers, the Gouws family, maintain that they are not bound by the condition pertaining to the road upgrade.
The road does not serve Le Grand alone, but also numerous surrounding properties as well as the Gwaiing beach area.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution when passing areas where survey work is taking place.
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