GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The business owners in Waboomskraal say the ongoing roadworks on the N9/N12 corridor, rising operating costs and recent power outages are placing increasing pressure on local enterprises.
Annette Oelofse of Kruisaar Padstal said the business has experienced a steady decline in revenue since the start of the year. Turnover fell by 9% in January, 7% in February, 30% in March, 31% in April and 37% in May.
“We understand the long-term benefits of having a road in good condition and what that can mean for economic growth, but surviving the two years it will take to complete the project is becoming almost impossible,” she said.
At the same time, operating expenses have continued to rise, including electricity, fuel, wages, gas, courier and delivery costs. “Our electricity tariff increased by more than 8%, from R6.61 to R7.19 per unit. Every month, my electricity bill is roughly double the rent I pay, which is a crying shame. Those amounts should have been the other way around,” Oelofse said.
She added that theft, rising insurance premiums and the weather-related power outages of May resulted in losses due to spoilt stock and reduced traffic through the area. “If I have to close my doors, what happens to the staff members who have stood by me through thick and thin? What happens to their families when jobs are already so scarce?” she asked.
Peter Snyman, who is involved with businesses such as Rosenhof Farm, La Rosa Blu Restaurant and Ludwig Roses, said local businesses are still recovering from the effects of Covid-19 and have since had to contend with roadworks, blasting operations and prolonged power outages.
According to him, many motorists mistakenly believe the route between George and Oudtshoorn is closed.
He said this perception was reinforced during the blasting operations, despite the work taking place several kilometres from the Outeniqua Pass itself.
Jane van Jaarsveld, representing Rosenhof Farm, La Rosa Blu Restaurant and Ludwig Roses, said the businesses had already suffered significant losses. “We receive three to four calls a week from people asking whether the road to Oudtshoorn is closed. The road is open and, outside peak periods, the stop-and-go system often results in delays of only around 10 minutes,” she said.
Ludwig Roses in Waboomskraal, one of several long-established businesses located along the N9/N12 corridor. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
Van Jaarsveld said better public awareness is needed to reassure travellers that the businesses in Waboomskraal remain open and accessible.
George Municipality responds
Joan Shaw, George Tourism’s manager, said tourism establishments registered with this body are welcome to contact the office directly to explore available marketing and promotional opportunities during the roadworks period.
Department of Infrastructure responds
The Department of Infrastructure’s spokesperson, Melt Botes, said the construction between George and Oudtshoorn is progressing well and that a major milestone has been reached with the completion of the blasting activities.
“The blasting activities have now been completed, meaning that further full road closures are unlikely,” said Botes. He added that one additional blast may still be required in July, subject to engineering assessments once excavation reaches the relevant level.
Botes acknowledged that large-scale construction projects inevitably affect road users, businesses and economic activity, but said the long-term benefits would outweigh the temporary disruptions.
He stressed that the route has remained accessible throughout the project under approved traffic management measures and that the department has not received reports indicating that the road was completely closed to traffic.
According to Botes, traffic accommodation arrangements were carefully planned before construction commenced to balance safety, mobility and construction efficiency, and these measures will remain in place for the current phase of the project. He noted that traffic control points may shift as construction progresses.
The nursery at Ludwig Roses. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
Botes said the Western Cape Government has regularly communicated project updates and encouraged road users to rely on official information channels for accurate and up-to-date information. He added that the department is aware of concerns regarding access to businesses and will undertake targeted communication to reinforce the message that businesses along the route remain open and accessible during construction.
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