Update

GEORGE NEWS - The upgrading of Market Street in the George CBD started in August 2021 and is still ongoing, to the frustration of motorists and especially businesses in the street whose trade is severely affected.

Upon inquiry regarding the progress of the project, George Municipality confirmed that the contractor is currently behind schedule due to the need to relocate several existing services.

"In this regard, the contractor has submitted extension claims, which are currently being evaluated. The completion date, subject to the assessment of the contractors' claims, is currently still the end of May," said Ntobeko Mangqwangqwe, senior communications officer.

Asked about the difference in road levels on the left- and right-hand sides of the road, he said it is because the final asphalt level has not yet been laid on top of the bitumen-treated base (BTB).

"The final asphalt layer will only be placed at the end of the third phase, reducing the number of possible joints required within the final bitumen layer. The placement of the final layer is expected to take three to four days."

He said a service provider has been appointed for sections 4 (Mitchell to Merriman streets) and Section 5 (Merriman to Hope streets) and construction is to start as soon as possible. "Locating of existing services will start within two weeks and the road construction will begin thereafter.

"In this regard adverts for section 4 have already been sent to George Herald for publication.

"The proposed construction period of both sections 4 and 5 is estimated at seven months for each section, running concurrently."

He said phases 1 to 3 required a total rebuild, including universally accessible sidewalks, which is a legal requirement.

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