GEORGE NEWS - Members of the Provincial Legislature, including former George mayor Leon van Wyk, Brett Herron of the Good Party and Basil Petrus of the PA, joined the Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Go George transfer facility in Pacaltsdorp on Tuesday morning.
Despite the completion of this R17.6m project on the corner of Beach and Panther streets, many residents have voiced their ongoing frustrations on Facebook, noting daily traffic jams travelling from Pacaltsdorp to town.
The upgrade forms part of ongoing improvements to the George Integrated Public Transport Network.
It included major roadworks, the construction of raised traffic islands, widened pedestrian sidewalks, additional lanes and a dedicated bus bay at which Go George buses can safely be stopped to pick up and drop off commuters.
The facility also provides sheltered waiting areas.
A ribbon ‘pulling’ ceremony with Minister Isaac Sileku, Galil Brinkhuys, Noko Masipa and Basil Petrus. Great fun was had while they waited for some scissors. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
During the engagement, Western Cape Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo opened the floor to questions from the public. Taking the opportunity, George Herald asked whether any complaints had been received from residents since the completion of the road project, amid ongoing concerns about congestion and the new traffic flow in the area.
It is no secret that many motorists are frustrated with the new traffic flow, saying it has added pressure to an already congested area.
George Municipality’s head of roads, Lionel Daniels, said the previous intersection layout had been in place for nearly 20 years and that the residents would need time to adjust.
“All of the medians were always there, but they were only painted. They have now been raised, and the road has been widened to allow buses to stop out of the roadway, making it safer for vehicles to pass,” he explained.
He added that the municipality is currently optimising traffic signals in the area and will soon move to an AI operating system. “Traffic congestion is a major issue in Pacaltsdorp. We are continuously working to improve the system and monitoring the situation.”
The Pacaltsdorp unveiling formed part of Sileku’s broader visit to George. Following the ceremony, he and several officials conducted a site inspection of major road rehabilitation projects, including the R65m upgrade of Tabata Street, where phase 4 is under way.
The programme continued in Thembalethu with the launch and demonstration of Go George’s new customer care chatbot, GOBoT, at the Truns transfer location.
The upgrade on the corner of Beach and Panther streets forms part of ongoing improvements to the George Integrated Public Transport Network.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
