Standardised street naming in progress

GEORGE NEWS - The absence of street names in certain areas of George is a source of much irritation for many road users.

Local historian Lynne Thompson complains that it took her about half an hour of driving up and down streets in search of a specific address in the town centre.

"If the street names were just in place, it would have been easy. If vandalism is a problem, then names can be painted or engraved on the kerbs. Can something please be done?"

She was referring to Mitchell, Merriman, Cradock, Cathedral, Hibernia and Market Streets. Thompson also says the building she was looking for did not have a number while there is a regulation that requires buildings to display their street number.

Jannie Koegelenberg, director of Civil Engineering Services, says his department has embarked on a process of standardising all street names in George.

"The project started about two years ago. The focus was on areas without any street names, while maintaining the existing ones. George South and the CBD were the areas with street names identified and left to be attended to during the 2023/24 financial year as a project.

"Operational staff will visit the area where it is warranted, and temporary signage will be erected until we tackle the area as a whole."

Koegelenberg said in June this year, the municipality adopted a policy on place naming, street naming and numbering which requires that street names be displayed on name boards or kerbs, in compliance with roads standards, at the discretion of the municipality.

The owner of a property must display the street number of the property. It must be clearly visible and legible from the street. Where the owner fails to do this, the municipality can issue a notice to the owner who has to comply within 30 days from issuance.

The municipality has adopted a street naming policy which requires that street names are displayed on name boards or kerbs, in compliance with roads standards, at the discretion of the municipality. Photos: Alida de Beer