We are 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.

For more than two decades, communities along the proposed George Western Bypass have lived under the uncertainty of a project that remains in planning, with no confirmed construction date or secured funding.

During this time, many landowners have been unable to make long-term decisions regarding their properties, investments and future development because the proposed route continues to affect planning and property values.

We recognise that infrastructure planning is important and that George will require 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.

The current situation affects far more than individual landowners.

The proposed alignment has the potential to impact:

Local farming operations and agricultural land.
Small businesses that depend on traffic travelling through Blanco and surrounding areas.
Tourism and the unique character of the region.
Long-established rural and equestrian communities.
The "sense of place" that makes this part of George unique.
Property investment and future development opportunities.
These are not merely private concerns; they are issues that affect the wider local economy and community.

The Western Cape Government's own planning documents acknowledge that the project remains in the planning phase and that significant funding is still required before construction can begin.

We therefore respectfully call on the Western Cape Government to:

Publish a clear update on the current status of the George Western Bypass.
Confirm whether full funding has been secured and provide an achievable implementation timeline.
Review the current alignment in consultation with affected communities and investigate reasonable alternatives where appropriate.
Commit to meaningful engagement with landowners, residents and businesses before any further planning or land acquisition takes place.
If the project is not realistically able to proceed within the foreseeable future, review the long-standing planning restrictions affecting impacted properties so that owners are no longer left in prolonged uncertainty.
Infrastructure planning should provide certainty, not decades of uncertainty.

We ask the Western Cape Government to work with affected communities to find a solution that supports both George's future growth and the rights of the people who call this area home.

Please add your name if you believe that after more than twenty years, the people of George deserve clarity, transparency and a fair outcome.