Unfortunately this line has failed again at the same position, the fourth pipe break.
Herold’s Bay Reservoir is empty. Parts of Herold’s Bay will experience a water outage within the next hour or two.
Oubaai and Breakwater only have a few hours of water supply left.
The public in these areas are urged to use water sparingly. Repairs will continue.
George Municipality regrets to inform residents and visitors that the George Tourism offices located in York Street are closed indefinitely following a structural fire in the early hours of Sunday morning, 30 June. The Fire Brigade responded this morning at 06:23 and was able to control the fire however extensive smoke damage has occurred. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this point.
The building control division which falls under the Directorate Human Settlements, Planning and Development will inspect the building due to its heritage status. Tourism officials will be accommodated in the main municipal building until further notice.
*Temporary Contact Number for George Tourism during office hours only: 081 412 9995*
*Wilderness Tourism Office*
Closed on Monday, 1 July 2024 due to maintenance and will re-open again on Tuesday, 2 July 2024 at 08:30.
_Office Hours 08:30 – 16:00 for 2 – 5 July_
Wilderness Tourism Office Number: 044 877 0045
George Municipality urges the public and visitors to exercise extreme caution at all beaches under its jurisdiction, as there will be no lifeguards on duty until the end of November 2024. The affected beaches include:
• Wilderness Main Beach
• Wilderness Lagoon
• Wilderness Steps
• Wilderness Lientjiesklip
• Victoria Bay Beach
• Gwaing River Mouth Beach and Day Camp
• Herold’s Bay Beach and Tidal Pool
Beware of Rip Currents
Rip currents are strong, fast-moving flows of water running from the beach back to the open ocean, sea, or lake. They are one of the most dangerous natural hazards, capable of moving at speeds of up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) per hour and can be more than 45 meters (150 feet) wide.
How to Spot a Rip Current:
• Deeper and/or darker water.
• Fewer breaking waves.
• Sandy-colored water extending beyond the surf zone.
• A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water flanked by areas of breaking waves and whitewater.
• A channel of churning or choppy water distinct from the surrounding water.
• A difference in water color, such as an area of muddy-appearing water due to sediment and sand being carried away from the beach.
For more information on how to identify rip currents and stay safe, please watch the following videos:
https://youtu.be/9GBUBDMENfw?si=Pe_EUU7qUaiWTqVS
Essential Phone Numbers:
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 23 at Wilderness Beach: 082 990 5955
George Fire Department: 044 803 6311
Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999
George Municipality After Hours: 044 803 6300
Stay safe and vigilant when visiting our beaches.
Follow this link to read the JUNE 2024 Newsletter / Volg hierdie skakel om die JUNIE 2024 Nuusbrief te lees
https://tinyurl.com/ydvefjxz
“We can only make George Municipality the place we want it to be if we do this together. So, as we move our secondary city into a new direction, I want all of you to know that my primary goal is that we work together to get things done for the betterment of all residents within George Municipality, thank you.”
Issued George Municipality, 25 June 2024
Follow the George Municipality Channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k
Never miss important updates about service delivery in your area again.
George Municipality has noted a number of recent events posters where organisers have either used the George Municipal marketing logo or the George Tourism logo without the appropriate approval. The George Municipal Logo and Crest are registered as the intellectual property of the George Municipality in the Trademarks Office and as such can only be used by the George Municipality for official purposes, unless otherwise authorised by Council. No business, organisation and/or individual has the right to use the George Municipal logo or any of the elements contained within the logo, in any social or printed media, and or including any marketing items such as caps, t-shirts, banners, posters and flyers etc.
This applies to the George Tourism logo as well as any other badges affiliated with the George Municipality i.e. Law Enforcement, Traffic and Fire Services. Where a business, organisation or individual is collaborating with a municipal department on a project, prior approval must always be requested before using the municipal logo in any format. This will be granted on condition that the project and/or event is endorsed by the municipality officially, and that the product or marketing material which is produced is in good taste, not offensive and adheres to the guidelines as set out by the George Municipal Corporate Identity Manual.
Clients making use of George Municipality Sewerage Truck Services, please note:
Collection and cleaning of tanks after hours (16h30 until 22h00)
Times for Weekends and Public Holidays (08h00 until 19h00)
Weekends and public holidays are more expensive than in working hours, as per municipal rates, and will only be done on confirmation by client that the after-hours fee is accepted.
Book your suction truck services on 044 801 9262/66
Uniondale: 044 752 1024
After hours: 044 801 6300
The Western Cape Provincial government has authorized a sum total of R88.185 million rand from the Provincial Unforeseen and Unavoidable Reserve Fund to assist municipalities with the unforeseen and immediate impact of prolonged load-shedding on water and wastewater services.
In terms of this allocated Funding, George Municipality has received the sum of R14 220 000 (VAT included) as a contribution toward the purchase and installation of back-up energy supply. This back-up supply can include generators, renewable power sources, batteries and all ancillary costs associated with the installation thereof for example, switch gear, safe keeping, caging etc. for water and wastewater infrastructure.
This grant funding will assist the George Municipality in ensuring a healthy environment and to continue with the provision of basic services to our citizens and businesses during the current load-shedding.
The municipality will purchase emergency diesel generators that will be placed strategically as follows:
Water Treatment Works
Haarlem WTW (+_ 150kVA diesel generator)
Uniondale WTW (+- 200kVA diesel generator)
Waste Water Treatment Works
Uniondale WWTW (+_ 200 kVA diesel generator)
Kleinkrantz WWTW (+_ 300 kVA diesel generator)
Outeniqua WWTW (+_ 1000 kVA diesel generator)
OVERALL PROGRESS TO DATE
Procurement Phase: Appointment of Consultant ( Complete ) – 100%
Appointment of Contractor:
Haarlem WTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Uniondale WTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Uniondale WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Kleinkrantz WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Outeniqua WWTW ( In Progress ) – 100%
Construction Phase:
Haarlem WTW ( ± 150 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%
Uniondale WTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%
Uniondale WWTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%
Kleinkrantz WWTW ( ± 300 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%
Outeniqua WWTW ( ± 1 000 kVA + 650 kVA diesel generator ) – 85%
Link to further information on how George Municipality is trying to mitigate the impact of load-shedding for George. https://www.george.gov.za/what-is-george-municipality-doing-to-alleviate-eskom-loadshedding-and-other-renewable-energy-projects/
Unexpected water outage affecting Conville, Parkdene, Borchards, Lawaaikamp.
A mainline has burst in Nelson Mandela Boulevard. George municipality teams are on site and expected ETR is 4-6 hours.
Water Tankers are stationed as follows:
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 16 May 2024 at 06:00
Efforts for rescue and recovery on day nine (9) will carry over to day ten (10) at 14:09, following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 232 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
FAMILIES LINKED TO SURVIVORS AND DECEASED
Up to now, 47 victims have been linked to their families.
STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE
The Garden Route District Joint Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
DONATIONS FOR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AT THE GEORGE BUILDING COLLAPSE SITE
The George Municipality would like to provide details of how the public can support the multi-disciplinary emergency personnel with donations of drinking water, energy drinks, wine gums, or food for emergency services while they are on-site.
Donations may be delivered to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street in George or contact the Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428) in this regard.
MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Cyril Ramaphosa, is visiting the disaster site in George today with the Premier of the Western Cape, Hon. Alan Winde. They will be accompanied by several National and Provincial Ministers. A media briefing is set for 13:00 in front of the George Municipality Civic Hall.
POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT
The Western Cape Department of Social Development has indicated that a comprehensive range of services will continue to be made available to the affected families for a minimum of 6-months.
The next update will be issued at 9:00am this morning, 16 May 2024.
Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality
#Georgebuildingcollapse
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 15 May 2024 at 06:00
Rescue and recovery efforts are nearing the end of day eight (8) following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other roleplayers have been on site of the collapsed building for 208 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 62
* Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 19
The formal identification process has been completed by the Victim Identification Centre and Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) as follow:
Identification: 18
(14 males, 4 females)
Nationality breakdown:
– South Africa: 7
– Zimbabwe: 3
– Lesotho: 1
– Malawi: 5
– Mozambique: 2
SPECIAL REQUEST FROM FAMILY
A request for a Cultural prayer by a family member of one of the deceased was made and will take place 07:15am.
IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
The identification of descendants is the responsibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness FPS manages the visual identification in support of SAPS. After an incident such as this, visual identification can understandably be difficult and traumatic for family members and requires SAPS to undertake identification through scientific means, of which DNA testing is one method. We urge the media and public to please respect the families of the deceased while we facilitate the identification process with SAPS.
STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE
The Garden Route District Joint Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS
The National Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Thulas Nxesi, will be visiting the area tomorrow, 16 May 2024.
NO MORE FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED FOR FAMILIES
The George Municipality expresses profound gratitude for the overwhelming support shown through food donations for the families impacted by the recent building collapse. Acknowledging the generosity of the community, the Municipality announces that the donations received exceed the immediate needs of the affected families. Consequently, no further food donations are necessary until further notice at the George Civic Centre. However, for those still willing to contribute, donations may be redirected to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street.
The Municipality extends its sincere appreciation to all individuals and organisations for their remarkable outpouring of goodwill during this difficult period.
The next update will be issued at 09:00am, 15 May 2024.
Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality
#Georgebuildingcollapse
𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗝𝗢𝗖/𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝟭𝟰 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗮𝘁 𝟬𝟲:𝟬𝟬
Rescue and recovery efforts continue into week two after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 184 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 61
* Of which deceased: 32
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 20
𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧-𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦
The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families. Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings such as tattoos and clothing items are some of the methods used to identify the deceased. Forensic Pathology Services are not limited to the Victoria Street Disaster in George, but also include other cases that happen on a daily basis.
It is confirmed that six (6) of the deceased were positively identified – this information also went through the system.
𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦
We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.
𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘
The Joint District Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧
There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗦
Today, 14 May 2024, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Provincial and National Teams will be visiting the area at 10:00.
The National Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Thulas Nxesi, will be visiting the area on Thursday, 16 May 2024.
𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬
A request for a Cultural prayer by a family member of one of the deceased was made and permission has been granted for Wednesday, 15 May 2024 at 07:15.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦
Mr. Gerhard Otto, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Manager: Disaster Management, expresses his heartfelt and deepest gratitude to all the brave rescue workers who have tirelessly committed to their duties over this past week and who continue to do so into week two (2) of this major incident. Equally, to the family members who have been waiting at home, supporting their loved ones from the Garden Route and afar.
The next update will be issued by 09:00 this morning, 14 May 2024.
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 13 May 2024, at 06:00
Rescue and recovery efforts continue into a week after the incident took place at 75 Victoria Street where a partially-built building collapsed. Rescue workers and other role players have been on site for 160 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 50
* Of which deceased: 21
* Currently hospitalised: 15
* Unaccounted for: 31
PATHOLOGY SERVICES
The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. With the support of Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We endeavour to fast-track the process. This fast-tracking process, among other benefits, helps bring closure to families.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) teams at the site for keeping rescue workers safe. To date there have been no serious incidents involving rescue workers or volunteers. Each participating company is tasked with assigning OHS officers to ensure safety at the scene.
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
There is still an urgent call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Several practitioners have already offered there services and more are welcomed to contact Ms. Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Mr. Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
MINISTERIAL VISITS
The National Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, will be on site today at 12:30 and the National Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, will be on site at 15:00.
The next update will be issued by 09:00 today, 13 May 2024.
Issued Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 11 May 2024, @ 06:00
Rescue operations continue for day five at the collapsed building site located at 75 Victoria Street with the multi-agency command using demolition equipment. Another body was recovered this morning at 02:36am in addition to the 12 as announced in the previous statement.
The rescue operations has reached 111 hours as of 6:00am, 11 May 2024.
Confirmed statistics:
Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 41
Patients deceased: 13
Patients hospitalised: 13 still in hospital
Unaccounted: 40
An update will be issued by 9:00 11 May 2024, – South African Time.
Photo by Herman Pieters: Garden Route Municipality
Issued Garden Route District Joc/George Municipality, 10 May 2024, @ 6:23am
GRDM Joc confirms that a hospitalized *red patient has been declared deceased as at 10 May.
Total estimated number on-site at the time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 9 (deceased)
Patients red status on recovery from site: 15 (critical)
Patients yellow status on recovery from site: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green status on recovery from site: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44
The rescue operation has reached 88 hours, as of 6:25 at 10 May.
Big earth-moving machinery has arrived last night which includes two five (5) ton excavators, three (3) 20-ton excavators with hammers and buckets, and a three (3) cube front-end loader, as well as trucks for extraction and clearing. The rescue operation continues to be a multi-agency approach, involving local excavation contractors and the District Roads Engineer.
Despite the introduction of large machinery, rescue techniques will still be applied meticulously and sensitively by the highly skilled and experienced disaster management team.
An update will be issued by 9 am on Friday 10 May 2024, – South African Time.
On-site Triage Description
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries
Note: Medical Status of patients is not disclosed. The status given is as at recovery from the incident site.
*Note: Person declared deceased as at 10 May is a red patient who was retrieved has been in hospital, and has now been declared decesased.
Photo by: Garden Route District Municipality, Herman Pieters
Issued George Municipality, 9 May 2024, @ 6:30am
The Garden Route District Joint Operational Centre established for the Victoria Street Building Site collapse has updated the figure for those present on site at the time of the incident on Monday 6 May. This follows intensive discussions and scrutinization of the safety records with the responsible contractors. The contractor has now confirmed that the number of workers on site at the time of collapse was 81. (previously reports as 75).
Total Number on site at time of incident: 81
Patients retrieved: 37
Patients blue: 8 (deceased)
Patients red: 16 (critical)
Patients yellow: 6 (life-threatening injuries)
Patients green: 7 (minor injuries)
Unaccounted: 44
The rescue operation is at 64 hours as of 6:11 this morning, 9 May.
Rescue efforts have continued overnight. The emergency response team is implementing more substantive concrete breakers and additional trucks to remove building rubble from the site.
An update will be issued by 9 am on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.
Issued George Municipality, 8 May 2024, 05:33
The tally of retrieMEDIA STATEMENT: 6am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George
Issued George Municipality, 8 May 2024, 05:33
The tally of retrieved patients has risen to thirty-six (36) as at 5:33 this morning Wednesday 8 May.
This leaves 39 persons unaccounted for at present.
Rescue operations at the building collapse site on Victoria Street continue with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services. Seven (7) patients have been declared deceased.
Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 39 hours as of 5:33 this morning 8 May.
An update will be issued by 9am on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.
ved patients has risen to thirty-six (36) as at 5:33 this morning Wednesday 8 May.
This leaves 39 persons unaccounted for at present.
Rescue operations at the building collapse site on Victoria Street continue with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services. Seven (7) patients have been declared deceased.
Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 39 hours as of 5:33 this morning 8 May.
An update will be issued by 9am on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.
Issued George Municipality, 7 May 2024, 21:30
The tally of retrieved patients has risen to thirty-four (34) as at 21:09 this evening, 7 May.
This leaves 41 persons unaccounted for at present.
Rescue operations at the building collapse site continue with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services. Seven (7) patients have been declared deceased.
Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 31 hours as of 21:09 today, 7 May.
An update will be issued by 6am on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.
Photograph Credit: Herman Pieters, GRDM Communications