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Author: Chantel Edwards

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George (7 May, 20:30)

A multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services personnel are continuing to conduct rescue operations and as of 19:40 this evening, 7 May 2024, seven (7) patients have been declared deceased.

Thirty-three (33) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 42 persons unaccounted for.

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 30 hours as of 20:00 today, 7 May.

An update will be issued at 21:00, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

Photograph Credit: Herman Pieters, GRDM Communications 

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George (7 May, 5:15am)

Issued George Municipal, 7 May 2024, 5.15am

George Municipality confirms that as of 5:15am this morning, 7 May, a total of four (4) patients have been declared deceased.

Twenty-four (24) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving fifty-one (51) persons unaccounted for.

Status of patients: 10 red / 3 yellow / 7 green / 4 blue

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.

Three teams of rescue personnel are currently working on three different areas within the site of the collapsed building.

An update will be issued at 9am, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

Road Closures
Victoria Street remains closed for access at the York Street intersection, as well as midway down the street which means the Victoria Street gate to the George Municipal Building is not accessible to pedestrians or vehicles.

We request the public to please avoid this general area due to the constant presence of moving emergency vehicles and personnel.

Kindly access the municipal building via the Progress Street gate.

Thank you to volunteers
Municipal Manager Dr Gratz expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the organisations and individuals who have sprung into action to assist with the rescue operation. “We thank everyone who has volunteered of their time or provided sustenance to the rescue personnel. We continue to keep the families, friends and colleagues of those involved in this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers,” she said.

Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide drinking water, Lucozade, wine gums, or any food for the emergency services while they are on site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria St, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge.

For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipal, 7 May 2024, 3am

George Municipality confirms three (3) patients extracted from the rubble of the multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, have now been declared deceased. At 12:45am another red patient was extracted from the rubble which brings the total number extracted to twenty-four (24).

Emergency personnel from the City of Cape Town and Breede Valley Local Municipality have joined the Emergency and Disaster personnel on site and continue the search for the 51 unaccounted persons trapped.

An update will be issued at approximately 6am, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George (12pm)

Issued George Municipal, 6 May 2024, 12pm

One red patient has been extracted at 11pm tonight at the site of the multi-storey construction site which collapsed at 75 Victoria Street this afternoon at 14:09. This brings the total number of patients extracted to twenty-three (23) of which two (2) have been declared deceased.

Over 111 Emergency and Disaster personnel are currently on site to locate and retrieve the remaining fifty-two (52) persons unaccounted for.  Two sniffer dogs are currently involved in the rescue operation.

Emergency personnel en-route from City of Cape Town and Breede Valley Local Municipality will be on site by 12pm tonight.

Minister Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning arrived this evening at 11pm and is currently at the site of the rescue operation.  Premier Alan Winde will arrive in George tomorrow morning.

Garden Route District Municipality has established a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) with multiple stakeholders present as well as Western Cape Provincial Disaster Services.

Over 100 Family and friends of the local construction workers involved in the incident are gathered at the  main municipal building and continue to be assisted by Department of Social Services and Correctional Services Social Workers.

The construction companies involved are working with the GRDM Joint Operations Centre to establish a list of names of those remaining unaccounted for.

An update will be issued at about 3am tomorrow, South African Time.

Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide drinking water, Lucozade, wine gums, or any food for the over 111 emergency services while they are on site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria St, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge which will remain operational throughout the night.

For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)

 

URGENT NOTICE: Building Collapse in Victoria Street

Issued George Municipality, 6 May @ 14:26

A building under construction in Victoria Street has collapsed. The public is urgently notified that Access to Victoria Road is blocked from York Street. Emergency services are on site and a number of ambulances will be required to enter the area due to multiple patients.

THE PUBLIC MUST PLEASE REFRAIN FROM TRYING TO VIEW THE INCIDENT AND MOVE AWAY FROM VICTORIA ROAD SO AS TO ALLOW EMERGENCY VEHICLES EASY ACCESS

WATER RESTORED – BLANCO


Repairs have been completed on the valve failure. Blanco reservoirs are busy filling up and thereafter the water network will take time to refill.

Please note Blanco will continue to experience low water pressure until the system rebalances.

Water tankers will remain in place until 20:00 tonight.

UPDATE WATER OUTAGE BLANCO

ETR 5-6 Hours

Following a 450mm pipe failure on 17 April in very difficult to access terrain, a temporary repair completed on morning of the 19th April together with a failed valve has left areas of Blanco without water. Civil Engineering teams are on site.

WATER TANKERS REMAIN IN POSITION

Tanker stationed near Pollock’s Place. 

Tanker stationed at Mont Fleur Estate entrance

Tanker stationed on corner Crystal Avenue & Golden Valley Drive

Tanker stationed at Roman Catholic Church, Die Rus will be withdrawn shortly.

Residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands are urged to reduce water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry and maintain network pressure so water can reach all areas.

STATUS WATER OUTAGE – Blanco

Following a 450mm pipe failure on 17 April in very difficult to access terrain, a temporary repair completed on morning of the 19th April together with a failed valve yesterday evening, has left areas of Blanco without water. Civil Engineering teams are on site for repair work to the valve. An ETR can not be given.

WATER TANKERS REMAIN IN POSITION
Tanker stationed near Pollock’s Place.
Tanker stationed at Mont Fleur Estate entrance
Tanker stationed ar Roman Catholic Church, Die Rus
Tanker stationed on corner Crystal Avenue & Golden Valley Drive

Residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands are urged to reduce water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry and maintain network pressure so water can reach all areas.

WATER OUTAGE – VALVE FAILURE – BLANCO

Valve failure in Plantation Road on the 450 mm pipeline in Blanco. Teams will isolate and attempt to fix. .

WATER TANKERS
Tanker stationed near Pollock’s Place.
Tanker stationed at Mont Fleur Estate entrance
Tanker stationed ar Roman Catholic Church, Die Rus
Tanker stationed on corner Crystal Avenue & Golden Valley Drive

Residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands are urged to reduce water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry and maintain network pressure so water can reach all areas.

Water trucks will start roaming at 6am tomorrow morning.

ETR cannot be provided at this point.

UPDATE _ 450mm pipe failure Heatherlands

A temporary repair has been completed to supply water to Blanco following the pipe failure on 17 April. George Municipality is aware that Maitland Street, Searle Street and Mont Fleur Estate currently do not have water and a large tanker is stationed near Pollock’s Place. A smaller tanker is stationed at Mont Fleur Estate entrance.

Residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands are urged to reduce water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry and maintain network pressure so water can reach all areas.

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A temporary repair has been completed to supply water to Blanco following the pipe failure on 17 April. George Municipality is aware that Maitland Street, Searle Street and Mont Fleur Estate currently do not have water and a tanker is being dispatched. Location will be updated once tanker is in position.

Residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands are urged to reduce water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry and maintain network pressure so water can reach all areas.

UPDATE _ 450mm pipe failure Heatherlands

Excavation and repairwork is continuing at the site of the 450mm pipeburst in Heatherlands.

Please note the affected areas will either have no water or experience low water pressure.

Additional water tankers in place:
1 x Die Rus,
1 x Golden Valley,
1 x Millie’s,
1 x Fortuin Street and 1 roaming.

Areas Affected
The affected area includes a portion of Blanco, Heatherpark and Heatherlands.

Specific streets affected are Maitland Street, Searle Street. Preekstoel Street and the farms fed from the ESKOM reservoir.

We ask residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands to please reduce your water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry.

PUBLIC NOTICE – UPDATE ON GREEN BAG COLLECTION


Issued George Municipality, 18 April @ 16:30

The George Cleansing department requests residents to please leave their green refuse bags out for collection as any backlog will be addressed tomorrow and over the weekend. We apologize for any inconvenience and trust that as of Monday the service will continue smoothly.

UPDATE – UNPLANNED WATER OUTAGE / LOW WATER PRESSURE – 450mm pipeline – Blanco, Heatherpark, Heatherlands


Excavation and repairwork is continuing at the site of the 450mm pipeburst in Heatherlands. The burst occurred last night and resources have been busy all day. The difficult terrain is
unfortunately slowing the repair and we remain unable to provide an ETR.

Please note the affected areas will either have no water or experience low water pressure.

Areas Affected
The affected area includes a portion of Blanco, Heatherpark and Heatherlands.
Specific streets affected are Maitland Street, Searle Street. Preekstoel Street and the farms fed from the ESKOM reservoir.

Water Tankers
1. A large tanker will be stationed in Fortuin Street until 10pm tonight.
2. A second tanker will roam.

We ask residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands to please reduce your water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry.

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Issued George Municipality, 18 April @ 12:30

Following a pipe failure located behind Hawthorndene, there are some areas in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands who may experience low water pressure or no water. The location of the site is very difficult to access and resources have been mobilized for the repair, but it is not possible to provide an ETR as of yet.

We please ask residents in Blanco,. Heather Park and Heatherlands to please reduce your water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry.

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Following a pipe failure we have some areas in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands who may experience low water pressure or no water. The problem area has been identified and an ETR will follow.

We please ask residents of these areas to reduce your water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry.
Further updates will be provided.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Easing of Water Restrictions from Level 2C to 2B

Special Council held on Friday 12 April 2024 resolved that, as of May 1, 2024, water restrictions in George will be eased from Level 2C to Level 2B. This means that emergency tariffs will no longer apply, and standard water tariffs will be charged.

Background
Stricter water restrictions were implemented in December 2022 due to the existing Water Treatment Works’ inability to meet the demand for drinking water. To address this, a temporary water purification package plant capable of treating 5Ml/day was installed. This plant served as a supplement during periodic shutdowns of the existing Water Treatment Works for maintenance, upgrades, and the ongoing construction of the new 20Ml Water Treatment Works plant.

Upgrades in Progress
The George Municipality received a Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant of R1.107 billion from the National Treasury in the 2021/22 financial year. The project, consisting of 12 different components, is expected to be completed within the next two years. The BFI project allows for the extension of George’s water treatment capacity over two phases spanning three years (2022 – 2025). Phase 2 entails an additional 20 Mℓ/day extension to the New George Water Treatment Works (WTW), and Phase 3 involves constructing an additional 30 Mℓ balancing dam at the New George Water Treatment Works (WTW).

The water restrictions imposed in December 2022 have been maintained up till now to manage the water demand, especially during frequent WTW shutdowns required for BFI construction. The package plant will continue operating until the completion, commissioning, and operation of the new 20Ml/day plant. The progress of the 20Ml/day extension will be reassessed again later this year, together with the possible impact of the seasonal peak for 2024/25 and the ongoing population growth in George taken into account. If necessary, stricter water restrictions will have to again be reintroduced.

Monitoring Raw Water Resources
Raw water resources, affected by increased demand and drier than usual conditions will continue to be closely monitored. Despite the Garden Route Dam being refilled to 100% capacity due to unusually heavy rainfall last week on April 9, this does not influence the decision to ease existing restrictions. Water remains a scarce resource that must be protected and preserved at all costs.

Level 2B Water Restrictions effective from May 1, 2024, in the George city area, and not in Uniondale and Haarlem:

1. The mechanical irrigation of gardens with municipal potable water is prohibited.
2. Gardens may be watered at any time using a handheld bucket.
3. Gardens may be watered using a handheld garden hose only within specified time frames.

  • From September 1 to April 30: 18:00 to 20:00
  • From May 1 to August 31: 17:00 to 19:00
  • For retirement villages and facilities: 16:00 to 18:00 throughout the year
  • Even numbered households: Mondays and Thursdays
  • Uneven numbered households: Tuesdays and Fridays4. The irrigation or watering of all sport fields is prohibited, except for specific instances.
    5. The washing of vehicles with a garden hose, except by commercial enterprises, is prohibited.
    6. The cleaning of ANY area by means of water is prohibited.
    7. The filling of swimming pools is prohibited, with exceptions subject to approved exemption applications.
    8. Where own water from a borehole or reservoir is used, appropriate notices shall be displayed.
    9. Applications for exemptions are to be submitted for approval.

GEORGE NOMINATED AS SEMI-FINALIST FOR TOWN OF THE YEAR

George has been named a regional semi-finalist for the prestigious Western Cape title in kykNET’s Kwêla Town of the Year competition. This exciting announcement follows an enthusiastic response from voters in the initial round, as revealed on Kwêla’s broadcast tonight at 7 pm. George Tourism is elated by this achievement and urges everyone to continue their support by casting their votes once again in this pivotal second round. Despite being technically classified as a city, George qualifies for the Town of the Year competition due to its population of less than 500,000 residents.

Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager for George encouraged everyone to join her in voting for George. “As George residents, we tend to take the privilege of living in George for granted, but let’s count our blessings.  We are situated in the ‘sweet spot’ of the world-famous Garden Route, with access to all its wonders, with pristine roads and an airport on our doorstep.  Surrounded by mountains, rivers, oceans, and lakes, in forests and farmlands that provide an array of produce from milk to beer, with fruit, vegetables, and an abundance of rain. Our town is well-governed and clean, the air is crisply clean and even has a public transport service!  We have world-class shops, schools, golf courses and more offering high employment numbers and a thriving economy.  Please join me in voting for George today,” she said.

The stakes are high, with the winning town set to receive a remarkable R1 million advertising contract on kykNET, providing an invaluable opportunity to promote George as a premier tourist destination both domestically and in Namibia.
Every SMS vote counts, contributing to the collective effort to showcase George’s charm and appeal to a wider audience.

SMS lines will be open for voting from April 14 to April 19. To nominate George, simply SMS ‘George’ to 33157. Each SMS costs R1.50, and individuals are encouraged to vote multiple times, up to a maximum of 30 votes per number.

The final showdown will occur between 14 – 19 July,  with the ultimate winner being announced on 28 July during a special broadcast on Kwêla. The victorious town will not only claim the coveted title of Town of the Year but also secure a lucrative R1 million advertising contract with kykNET. Additionally, Lottoland will generously contribute a cash prize of R1 million to further invest in the town’s development.

To further enhance George’s chances of success we ask all of our schools, colleges, universities, and businesses to rally behind the cause and mobilize your communities to vote between 14 – 19 April. For those interested in playing a more active role in the campaign, businesses can reach out to George Municipality’s Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw, at jshaw@george.gov.za for additional information.

Witness the allure of George in this captivating video showcasing the town’s finest offerings: https://tinyurl.com/4f8wt2zc

Let’s unite in support of George’s bid to become South Africa’s favourite town and secure its place as the Regional Winner en route to the final round in July!

#GeorgeTownoftheYear2024 #GeorgeDorpvandieJaar2024

Regional Finalists for Town of the Year to be announced on Sunday 14 April at 7pm!

WATCH KWELA ON Sunday 14 April, 2024 at 7pm on KykNET, DStv channel 144

Hierdie week op Kwêla / This week on Kwêla

Ons maak die eerste drie Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar streke se top 3 benoemings vir 2024 bekend. (Noord-Kaap, Mpumalanga en die Wes-Kaap) /
We announce the first three Kwêla Town of the Year regions’ top 3 nominations for 2024. (Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape)

#GeorgeDorpvandieJaar2024 #GeorgeTownoftheYear2024