Author: Chantel Edwards

Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented at 16:00 on Wednesday and Thursday. In order to replenish the dam levels at the pumped storage stations, this load shedding will be extended until 05:00 (previously midnight). Similarly, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented at 16:00 on Friday and continue until 05:00 on Saturday.

George will be affected as follow

Wednesday 19/10/2022
22:00 – 00:30

Thursday 20/10/2022
22:00 – 00:30
04:00 – 05:30

Friday 21/10/2022
None

Uniondale will be affected as follows

Wednesday 19/10/2022
17:00 – 19:30

Thursday 20/10/2022
01:00 – 03:30

Friday 21/10/2022

Wednesday 19 October @ 16h30

Power outage Cradock street,CBD repairs commencing now.
Estimated time for repairs is currently 6 hours.

Issued George Mun

The public is herewith advised that the Corporate Services Department in the Main Municipal Building (HR: Ground Floor, Administration: 1st Floor, Records and Legal Services including the Municipal Court will be closed for disinfection tomorrow 20 October 2022 from 14h30 and reopen at 07.45 am on Friday 21 October.

Municipal Court: 044 801 9400 (access via Civic Centre entrance, York Street)
Court Hours: 7.45 to 9am Court Administration; 9am to 4pm Court Sittings; Closed 1pm – 1.45pm
Queries on fines and representations: 044 801 9400 or abfelix@george.gov.za
Public Prosecutor Traffic Matters: 044 801 9313 or ifelix@george.gov.za

George Municipality will soon boast with a brand-new Motor Vehicle and Registration (MVR) satellite office which includes a drive-through service for license disk renewals – a first in the Western Cape Province. The building is located next to the Blanco Community Hall.

The new Motor Vehicle and Registration satellite office will handle bulk MVR services at the inside counters, and the innovative drive-through service will only be for customers to renew up to a maximum of two Motor Vehicle Licence’s at a time. The official opening date for the site is expected in November 2022.

Please see details below for how to renew your Motor Vehicle Licence using the drive through service.

Blanco Satellite Office
9 George Street, Blanco
Open weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays closed at 2pm due to compulsory training.

Drive Through Services
1. ONLY Motor Vehicle Licence Renewals can be done at the Drive-through window. (All other transactions must be handled at the Hibernia Street premises.)
2. An official on site will guide vehicles and proceedings at the drive-through in the initial stages.
3. Please have your MVL2 printout or notice number ready. You cannot be assisted without this documentation. (Please note the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) no longer allows you to print a copy of your MVL2 from E-Natis.)
4. Please note a maximum of two licenses can be processed per visit, per person.
5. No cash payments will be accepted, payment is via card only.
6. You must as a vehicle owner, REGISTER on E-Natis in order to receive a notification of the expiry of your MVR.

This is how you register on E-Natis:
Start by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/

Choose between registering as a business or individual.
1. Enter the following details for Individual: Identification type, Identification number, Initials and Surname.
2. Enter the following details for businesses: Business/Company details – Identification type, Identification number, Company name. Proxy details – Identification type, Identification number, Initials, Surname.
3. Please enter the CAW number of any of the vehicles registered in your name/company name in order to register and then proceed to the next step.
4. Enter your latest cellphone number and E-mail address accurately, along with your chosen Username and password and click on NEXT.
5. You or your company are now registered on the online E-Natis system and will receive your Electronic MVL2 via E-mail or Notice number via SMS, a month in advance of your motor vehicle license expiry date. (Please note the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) no longer allows you to print a copy of your MVL2 from E-Natis.)
6. The amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the MVL2 Notice along with all your motor vehicle particulars.
7. If you have previously registered on E-Natis, please ensure that your most recent E-mail address and cell phone number is updated in order to receive notification of your license expiry.
8. Once you receive either an MVL2 notice via E-mail or Notice number via SMS, you may present this to the licensing office for your renewal.
9. Please note that OVERDUE licenses may not be renewed with the MVL2 and Notice number. A green ALV form is required to renew OVERDUE licenses and cases where the Owner/Company did not receive any of these notifications.

Bulk Motor Vehicle Registration Counters
Two Bulk Dealer MVR Counters are located inside the Blanco premises.

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310 or 044 801 9311 or mvr@george.gov.za
(License renewals, registrations, duplicate registration certificates, permits etc)
Open to public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays closed at 2pm due to compulsory training.

George Municipality urges Motorists to follow the above processes and register on E-Natis in order to be ready for the opening of the drive-through service.

PLANNED WATER INTERRUPTION
Wednesday 19 October

Civils Engineering Services has scheduled a Planned water interruption due to pipeline maintenance in Pieter Theron Street. Blanco area to be affected between 9am and 11am. Pieter Theron Street surrounds and Fancourt to be affected.

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION REMSKOEN AVENUE, MAP OF AFRICA – WILDERNESS HEIGHTS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2022 FROM 09:00 TOT 17:00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on THURSDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2022 FROM 09:00 TOT 17:00

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

FAIRY KNOWE AND FREEZIA AVENUE
WILDERNESS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER  2022 FROM 09:00 TOT 17:00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains.  Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on WEDNESDAY, 26 OCTOBER  2022 FROM 09:00 TOT 17:00

Stage 4 loadshedding will continue to be implemented until midnight, thereafter Stage 2 will be implemented until 05:00 on Wednesday. Loadshedding Stage 3 will resume at 16:00 until midnight on Wednesday and be repeated on Thursday. Stage 2 will then be implemented from 16:00 until midnight on Friday. Eskom will publish a further update on Friday afternoon, or as soon as any further significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows
Tuesday 18/10/2022
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Wednesday 19/10/2022
22:00 – 00:30

Thursday 20/10/2022
22:00 – 00:30

Friday 21/10/2022
None

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 18/10/2022
17:00 – 19:30

Wednesday 19/10/2022
01:00 – 03:30
17:00 – 19:30

Thursday 20/10/2022
None

Friday 21/10/2022
None

VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE

ONLY USE ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES WHEN POWER IS RESTORED
Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly especially when power returns after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network. Consumers are requested, where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding.

18 October @ 6am

Stage 4 loadshedding was implemented at 05:30 due to breakdowns of five generators at five power stations overnight. The loadshedding will be implemented until further notice.

George will be off from 06:00 – 08:30

Issued George Municipality

George Municipality is concerned with the increase in building and residential fires over the past few weeks. Although the reasons are not yet determined there is always a possibility that it could be because of a combination of wear and tear on electrical equipment related to the impact of Loadshedding. Business and building owners have installed generators and batteries etc to keep their businesses functioning, which is understandable, but our concern lies with the safety implications. Business  and building owners are to note that the municipality will implement a combination of Fire, Building Control and Electrical compliance inspections throughout George over the next few weeks. These inspections will all be undertaken as walk-ins and appointments are not required.

George Fire Brigade and Disaster Management:
The George Fire Brigade will be implementing checks on various buildings throughout George over the next few weeks to inspect Fire Safety Equipment which includes hose reels, fire extinguishers, relevant Signage, Emergency Exits and Fire Safety Certificates.

The Fire Department will issue a written warning with a 14 or 21d ay notice to rectify the problem. Should the issue not be rectified a fine will be issued in Terms of Section 57 of the Criminal Procedures Act 1977 (ACT 51 of 1977). Fines range between R500 and R1500 and are issued by the George Fire Department.

Should there be any queries in this regard please contact Johann Crouse 044 801 6300.

Building Control:
Our Building Control offices will be sending inspectors out to implement  the following compliance checks in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 103 of 1977.

• A visual inspection will be conducted to determine whether the structural integrity of the building/s has been compromised. Should there be evidence that the structure has been compromised, a Structural Engineer to be appointed to investigate and confirm the extent of the structural damage and to provide guidance as to the remedial action to be taken by the property owner/s.
• Determine the possibility of any hazardous asbestos materials on site. Should any hazardous asbestos be found, a registered asbestos removal contractor to be appointed to dispose thereof. Confirmation that the asbestos has been disposed of at a registered asbestos waste site to be submitted by the property owner.
• To determine whether building plans are available for the affected  structures on the property.
• To determine whether a certificate of occupancy has been issued for the affected structures on the property.
• The general health and safety of the inhabitants/users are of utmost importance and therefore all buildings must comply with the requirements of the legislation.

Fines which can be imposed could be imposed will be charged as per the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act and the approved municipal tariffs until such time as the proposed fine list has been approved by the Magistrate.

Extract from George Municipal Tariff List 2022

2. Additional fees- Subject to change as per approved contravention levies

2.1 Building Plan tariff payable where building work has started on a property without prior building plans approval.

2.1.1      5 X Additional standard building plan fees are payable before the building plan application will be approved in all cases without exception (with a minimum charge of R10 000,00), except for the cases as provided for in 2.1.2 hereunder.

2.1.2      In cases of minor building work (as stipulated in the NBR) 5 x additional standard building plan fees are payable before the building plan application will be approved, including swimming pools, carports, shade ports, boundary walls, internal/external alterations, irrespective the square meters.

2.2. Tariff for certificate of occupancy payable where building has been occupied without the prior issuing of a Certificate of Occupation. New buildings only. A total of 50% of the applicable building plan fee with a minimum charge of R5 000,00.

The Manager Building Control can be contacted on 044 801 9176 with any queries in this regard.

Electrotechnical Services:
The Electrotechnical Services department will be carrying out compliance inspections in terms of the Municipal Electrical Supply By-laws and SANS10142-1 and will review premises for the following:

• Identify possible electric shock or fire hazards.
• Highlight any overloaded or faulty electrical installations.
• Find out whether any earthing or bonding is necessary.
• Check for outdated installations and advise accordingly
• Any immediate dangers must be inspected and Electrical supply is switched off immediately should a building/premises not be compliant.

The municipality is entitled to issue any tamper fees should they be applicable and further noncompliance will be reported to the Department of Labour  who will exercise the relevant fines applicable.

For any queries regarding Electrical related compliance please contact Eddie Nqumse or Thulani Ntintelo on 044 8019222.

MAINTENANCE ON THE STANDBY GENERATOR & THE UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLY (UPS) FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (03) YEARS FROM DATE OF APPOINTMENT

Notice is hereby given in terms of section 116(3) of the Local Government Act: Municipal Finance Management, Act 56 of 2003, that at a Council meeting to be held on 27 October 2022where Council will consider approving the extension, for the maintenance on the standby generator & the uninterruptable power supply (ups) for a period of three (3) years from date of appointment.

The agreement to extend will be valid until a new service provider has been appointed. Tender ENG009/2022 is in the process of being finalized to appoint the new service provider.

Any comments or representations must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Municipal Manager, PO Box 19, George, 6530 or via email: whannes@george.gov.za by no later than Friday, 04 November 2022 at 12:00.

Section 116 Notice

Percentage storage at old unraised dam wall height: 76.11%
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height : 60.90%
Rainfall for the month of September 2022 (George Witfontein Weather Station): 45.4mm
Demand/usage per day: 31.3 megalitres

(Please note the dam level indication is based on the spillway and dam wall height before it was raised, the latter is the new unofficial estimation based on preliminary calculations ahead of re-calibration of the dam. Re-calibration has commenced and is dependent on several factors. Adjusted official readings will be implemented and reported once new capacity has been confirmed, the time period of this is unknown).

Section 2B water restrictions for Uniondale and George remain in place as per Council decision.
Uniondale and George water restrictions details on https://www.george.gov.za/civil-engineering/water/

The immediate measures to be adhered to are as follows:

• Mechanical or automatic irrigation/watering devices or sprinkler systems for gardens are prohibited. Gardens may only be watered with a handheld hose from 19h00 – 21h00 (September – April) and 17h00 – 19h00 (May – August)
• Mondays/Thursdays: Even-numbered households ONLY
• Tuesdays/Fridays: Uneven numbered households ONLY
• The irrigation or watering of all sports fields is prohibited.  Exemption applies only for golf course greens, bowling greens, and cricket pitches daily between 19h00 – 21h00.
• The washing of vehicles using a handheld/garden hose, except by a commercial enterprise, is prohibited.
• Cleaning of any outside surface area using a hosepipe/mechanical means is prohibited. The use of a bucket is permitted.
• Filling of swimming pools is prohibited.
• Where own water from a borehole or reservoir is used, “OWN WATER” signage must be displayed.
• Exemption can be applied for and considered, please contact 044 801 9354.

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477. Fines will apply and/or six months imprisonment.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.