Author: Chantel Edwards

Mandela Day activities for the George Municipality, were led by the Executive Mayor, Ald Leon Van Wyk, and members of the Mayoral Committee when they donated several items to the Phambili Women’s Refuse. The items were officially handed over to a thrilled Acting Manager Ms. Colleen Stoffels and on-site Social Worker Ms. Karen Arendse. Ms Stoffels noted that the contribution and will go a long way in providing meals and other needs for the women and children who currently occupy the shelter. Located in Rosemoor, Phambili Women’s Refuge provides shelter for women and children who have been subjected to gender-based violence.

Mayor Van Wyk implores all residents to do their part in commemorating Mandela Day and stated that communities need to support establishments such as Phambili Women’s Refuge so that we can ensure that those who are vulnerable are able to access help and can do so in a dignified way.

Office of the Municipal Manager
Dr Michele Gratz, Municipal Manager was heartened by the efforts of the various directorates noting that every little bit helps in some way. “There are so many needy organisations out there and to me it is important that our officials are actively involved within the communities they live and work in. No contribution is ever too small, as every little thing makes a difference in a person or animal’s life. Our officials will continue to build on their 67 minutes for Monday, Mandela Day with their committed and diligent service to the residents of George.”

Officials from the Office of the MM donated items to the SPCA charity shop. This charity shop located in the CBD and functions as not only an important fund-raiser for the SPCA, but also enables the community to buy quality second hand clothing, kitchen items, toys and books at reasonable prices.

Worker’s Collection Point
36 men waiting for a job at the Workers’ Collection Point situated on Industrial Avenue in George, were surprised with a cup of soup and bread thanks to two officials of the George Municipality’s Economic Development, Rosina Munroe and Amy Kearns. The Workers’ Collection Point is a central point for private individuals and businesses who wish to collect workers who have registered with the facility.

Disaster and Emergency Services
George Municipality Disaster and Emergency Services hoisted a banner in remembrance of the late President Nelson Mandela in front of the George Fire Station on Monday, 18 July 2022.

Building control and Planning
Officials in the Building Control section of the Development and Planning Directorate opened their hearts and donated soup packets to four soup kitchens in the areas of Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Parkdene and Rosemoore. The soup ingredients that the officials donated to the soup kitchens are 2x 3kg carrots, 2x 3kg potatoes, 2x 2.5kg Butternut, 2x 3kg onions, 1x 2kg Rice, 2x box soya mince, 2x soup mix, 3x spaghetti, 6x soup powder and 2x beef/chicken stock.

Internal audit and Risk
George Municipality’s Internal Audit and Risk Management offices visited the SPCA in Pacaltsdorp for their 67 minutes of goodwill. The group took with them four big bags of dog food, one small bag and some toys and accessories for the dogs. They also spoiled the workers at SPCA with some biscuits. After handing over the gifts, the officials walked around the dog area and played with the dogs in their cages. According to Barbara Madolo, one of the officials at Internal Audit, they have enjoyed the visit very much and loved spoiling the dogs.

Civil Engineering Services
The Civil Engineering Services Directorate chose to support the Rosemoor House for Battered Women and Children. They have collected clothes, toiletries, toys and food for delivery on Friday.

Community Services
Officials donated blankets and dog food to the SPCA on Mandela Day and other officials got their hands dirty and helped the cleansing teams in Blanco to clean up the litter in the area.

Finance
Finance officials donated blankets and dog food to the People’s dispensary for sick animals in Rosemoor as well as food and toys to Kingdom Kids Creche located in Blanco.

Corporate Services – Human Resources, Social Services and Uniondale
The Corporate services and HR management team all contributed towards food parcels and blankets that were delivered to Parkdene Creche and  Golden Valley creche in Blanco.  The Social Services division cleaned the house and garden of a senior citizen in Thembalethu and later held a soup drive for the People living on the Streets.  Officials in Uniondale representing all of the directorates in George, jointly organized a soup drive for children and adults in the community as well as a paint drive to update refuse bins and a clean-up in the community.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT 40 MAJOR ROADS INTERSECTIONS ARE NOW POWERED DURING TIMES OF POWER OUTAGES

https://youtube.com/shorts/F5Bu39TIAs0?feature=share Portfolio Cllr for Electrotechnical Services, Nosicelo Mbete

Forty (40) major road intersections in George are free from Eskom’s load shedding, planned and unplanned power outages and the traffic flow continues seamlessly. Thanks to the installation of the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units that energising the traffic lights during outages.

The Electro-Technical Services team has successfully completed phase 1 of the UPS installation project. The installed UPS which amounted to R2.5 million, makes use of batteries that are charged via our electrical supply. The UPS which is eco-friendly and energy saving, automatically kicks in and operates the traffic lights should the electrical supply be interrupted for any reason with an average duration of 4 hours, before the battery needs recharging.

“This is certainly a game changer at the major traffic intersections in George during peak hour loadshedding. The UPS housing is IP65 rated which allows it to be water and dust proof,” said the Executive Mayor Ald Leon van Wyk. “The measure is one of several sustainable energy solutions the municipality is introducing to reduce the impacts associated with loadshedding, including traffic congestion and human resources such as traffic pointsmen.”

The Director for Electro-Technical Services, Mr Bongani Mandla commended the relatively small traffic lights team, who with a specialised skills set and commitment to service delivery address ongoing faults and maintenance at all traffic light intersections in the George area.

More UPS are to be installed in the remining traffic lights in the coming in the 2022-2023 financial year.

In the photograph the Mayor is seen with from left Gerrit Carolus, Superintendent Streetlights; and to his right is Thomas Scheepers, Specialised Electrician Streetlights and Edward Nqumse, Action Senior Manager Services.

At the construction site for the 20ML/d extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW) are, from left: Henry Hill (Portfolio Cllr Planning and Development), Jannie Koegelenberg (Engineer, Royal Haskoning DHV), Gerard de Swardt (Project Manager: George Civil Engineering Services), Jackie von Brandis (Portfolio Cllr Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects & BFI), Ald Leon Van Wyk and Jonathan Bernon (Construction Manager, Icon Construction).

https://youtu.be/FqbZHn9VO30
Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects and BFI, Jacqulique Von Brandis s, highlighted that water is crucial for drinking and sanitation as it sustains the health of residents, food production and healthy ecosystems.

George Municipality is the first non-metro municipality to ever receive the Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant to the value of R1.197 billion from National Treasury, effectively taking the Capital Budget over the next three years to the largest it has ever been in the history of George. The funding will be provided over the next forty (40) months for implementing the various components of the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works projects.

What is Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI)?
The BFI funding is allocated through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant, which is managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

It is well-known that there is widespread concern about the state of water and waste-water infrastructure in South Africa and that significant amounts of funding will be required to rehabilitate this infrastructure within municipalities.

George Municipality is no exception and provides water services to over 212 120 people from 62 722 households (STATSSA 2017) across 28 wards including the coastal areas of Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herolds Bay and Gwaing, as well as the rural areas of Herold, Waboomskraal, Uniondale and Haarlem.

Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering: Capital Projects and BFI, Jackie Von Brandis highlighted that water is crucial for drinking and sanitation as it sustains the health of residents, food production and a healthy ecosystems.

“With this in mind and with the continued emphasis on water security, George needs to become a water smart city. This is done through a visionary approach from Council and the administration to integrate sustainable urban planning and water management. The allocation of the BFI grant and proper budget management will make George, the city for a sustainable future,” said Cllr Von Brandis.

Skilled and innovative planning officials
The George management team recognised that the capital expenditure required to upgrade the George bulk water infrastructure to provide for the current and future developments, is significant, placing an enormous strain on the municipality’s financial resources. The initiative was taken to approach National Treasury to search for a solution.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk lauded the team of senior management and officials who put the funding application together, having only one month until the closing date for applications, and working around the clock to ensure a credible and compliant submission.

“The approval and feedback from the Department of Water and Sanitation following the application meeting, is a testament to the skilled and innovative Civil Engineering Services planning staff we have in George. The Council of George can rightly be proud of the team of senior management and officials who put together this funding application at short notice “said Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk.

Impact on citizens of George
Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz said that the impact of this funding will be immense for George and the 212 120 residents we service. Investing in water services will increase the revenue of the municipality and allow further development that increases the rates base of the municipality, allowing for investment and increasing job creation.

“This is a major milestone project for the sustainability of our city that will stimulate housing and economic development that had to be halted in recent years as bulk water and sanitation infrastructure had reached maximum capacity. The project will also eradicate the current discharge of sludge from the Water Treatment Works into the sewer system, and that has had a negative impact on downstream sewer pumpstations. Water security is required to improve the quality and amount of investment to support growth and job creation, “said Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk.

The objectives of the project are to ensure the ability to provide adequate potable water for the current population and for future developments, to provide water security of water supply, to support social and economic development and to reduce water pollution.

What are the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works components funded by BFI?The project consists of 12 components, some of which will be executed in more than one construction phase.

Component 1 and 3
The refurbishment of the existing Sludge Discharge System, Phases 1 and 2, will take place at the Eden, Meul and Schaapkop sewer pumpstations and will include a new sludge treatment facility at the Water Treatment Works, a 300m 315mm diameter sludge pipeline, an upgrade to the new Water Treatment Works pumpstation and a new 12.4km 1000mm diameter pump line.

Status:  Work is almost completed on the Schaapkop Donga Stabilisation. Construction took place to stabilise and rehabilitate the slope on the riverbank to protect the pump station from an encroaching donga that was exacerbated by the November 2021 floods, and create a safe working space for the pump station contractor. The first phase of the upgrading and refurbishment of the Meul sewer pumpstation has commenced. This contract includes a new Motor Control Centre at the Eden sewer pump station.

Component 2
The 20 Ml/d extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW).

Status: The first contract, the civil engineering component has commenced.  The tender for the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation (MEI) works has closed and is in the evaluation phase. This is the largest single component of the BFI project and is valued at approximately R500 million.

 Earthworks are almost completed, with the major excavation for the WTW extension consisting of some 20 000 metric cubes of earth material to be stockpiled on site for re-use elsewhere on other components of the BFI project as well as other possible municipal projects. Placing of concrete will commence shortly and for this purpose two tower cranes of 23m height will be installed on site.

Component 4
The Upgrading of Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply includes the replacement of the existing 600 mm diameter raw water pipeline from the intake tower at the Garden Route Dam to the raw water pumpstation, with a new 800 mm diameter stainless steel pipeline to accommodate a higher  flowrate.

Status: The preliminary design has been completed, to be followed shortly by the final design, and thereafter the procurement process to appoint a contractor.

Component 5
2 x 1100 kVA generators will be installed at the Garden Route Dam raw water pumpstation. This will mean that during loadshedding or any other power outage, raw water can continue to be pumped to the Water Treatment Works for processing for drinking water supply.

Status: The tender has closed and is in the process of being evaluated.

Component 6
A new additional 30 mega litre raw water storage balancing dam will be constructed, together with a 3.4km long 600mm diameter raw water pipeline will be installed to secure sufficient raw water storage for supply to the New Water treatment plant (11^th Avenue, Denneoord). The new raw water dam will supplement the existing storage dams for provision of raw water to the two treatment plants.

Status: The design process is progressing well with consideration of two alternative positions in order to select the most cost-effective solution.  Thereafter final designs and procurement of a Contractor will commence.

Component 7
The rehabilitation of the Old Water Treatment Works, located at 9^th Avenue in Denneoord will allow for the refurbishment of the works, with a design capacity of 25 Ml/day but currently only operating at 18Ml/day, to approximately 24Ml/day.

Status: Construction has commenced on the Upgrade of the Old Water Treatment Works to increase the treatment capacity, and further contracts have been awarded for the supply of filter sand, installing of new fencing to improve security, and a Chlorine off-gas handling facility to improve health and safety.

Component 8
Refurbishment of the Kaaimans River Pumpstation equipment will include the replacement of 2 x 100l/s pump sets, 2 x 50 to 100 l/s VSD pump sets, and 2 x 0 to 25 l/s VSD pump sets, with appropriate new pump sets, and includes the replacement of electrical control equipment. The Kaaimans Pumpstation discharges into the Garden Route Dam and can supply approximately 25% of the raw water requirement during periods of good rainfall.

Status: The preliminary design report has been completed and an alternative is being considered with more appropriate and durable pumps e that are more resistant to the abrasion caused by suspended material in the raw river water.

Component 9 and 10
The new 14,5 Ml Pacaltsdorp West Reservoir; New 3 Ml Pacaltsdorp East Reservoir, 300 kl Tower and pumpstation will address the inadequate emergency and balancing storage in this suburb.

Status: The conceptual design and proposed site layout design is nearing completion, to be followed by the detailed design. This will be done in parallel with the process to ensure compliance with all environmental requirements and the land re-zoning processes.

Component 11 and 12
A new pumpstation and control valves will be provided at the existing Thembalethu West reservoir and tower; a new 8 Ml Thembalethu East Reservoir, 900 kl tower and pumpstation will provide adequate potable water storage, and increase security of potable water supply to Thembalethu as well as provide capacity  to meet future development.

Status: The conceptual planning, system functionality and component sizing have been completed and designs can now commence.

Earthworks are almost completed, with the major excavation for the Water Treatment Works extension consisting of some 20 000 metric cubes of earth material to be stockpiled on site for re-use elsewhere on other components of the BFI project, as well as other possible municipal projects.

At the Schaapkop Pump Station, the slope on the river bank is being stabilised and rehabilitated. 

https://youtu.be/7WFwHiKwIW8

Portfolio Councillor for Community Services: Parks, Recreation and Environment Jean Safers provides an update on the construction of the Composting facility.

George Municipality started with the establishment of a compost facility in the 2019/2020 financial year. In June 2021, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries promulgated Norms and Standards for the Treatment of Organic Waste. In terms of these norms, compost facilities must meet certain standards, and one of them is that the final platform layer works must contain a concrete platform or include a clay layer within its layer structure.

Portfolio Councillor for Community Services: Parks, Refuse and Environment, Jean Safers confirmed that this construction is in line with the norms and standards for the Treatment of Organic Waste. Builder’s rubble is used to fill the ground to the desired level whereafter a layer of clay is laid on top, and the working surface will consist of a wearing course material classified as G5, according to Committee of Land Transport Officials (COLTO) specifications. The idea is that the green bags that are collected from residents every week will go into a source which will make up compost. Eventually garden refuse, kitchen waste and sludge from the sewerage works will be added to create the compost. This is all to reduce the amount of refuse going into landfill sites in the municipal area.

Work is already underway to expand the size of the platform for future use. Phase 1 of platform A of the composting will be completed in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years. Phase 2 of platform A is also underway, and the public is requested to divert and dispose of builders’ rubble at the Gwaing waste disposal facility to assist the municipality in finalising phase 2 of platform A. An attenuation pond will be constructed in the 2022/2023 financial year to treat and store stormwater runoff. Platform A will only be able to accommodate 76% of the George Municipality’s green waste. However, once platform B is built, all green waste will be accommodated. The maximum number of windrows that platform A can accommodate is 13. This equals a maximum volume of 2 486 m3. The average volume of compost produced for 6 weeks is 243 m3.

The municipality urges the public to dispose of all builders’ rubble at the Gwaing landfill site instead of dumping illegally, as the material is required to complete the construction of the compost facility. We also urge the community to use the three-bag system (black, blue and green) to the benefit of reducing the landfill footprint. All three bags must be placed out on the same day on the designated refuse collection day. The municipality intends to operate the compost facility from 01 July 2023.

In the photo from left are Wouter van Niekerk (WJ Civils), Wessel Robertson (Head: Cleansing Services), Sivuyile Mtila (Senior Manager: Environmental Services), Ald. Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Portfolio Councillor Jean Safers (Community Services: Parks Refuse & Environmental), Charles Lubbe (Project Manager: Solid Waste), and Portfolio Councillor Henry Hill (Planning & Development)

R148 million rand will be spent on major road upgrades in 2022/23 financial year with another R350 million over next 3 financial years

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said the municipality was committed to optimising road upgrades across the city. “Due to budget constraints, the George Municipality is forced to prioritise roads in poor to very poor condition. We continually pursue other sources of funding to address as many issues as possible. These projects will utilize funding from three sources over the next three financial years including George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) funding, own budget and Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding,” said Ald Van Wyk.

“The municipality is grateful for these additional income sources that have enabled us to upgrade overall infrastructure and pedestrian experience, which ultimately benefit business, promote investment and improve quality of life,” said Browen Johnson, Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services.

Universally Accessible
Acting Director for Civil Engineering Services Lionel Daniels confirmed that the municipality will not just upgrade the road during such projects. Underground services such as stormwater and sewerage lines will also be upgraded  as well as the rehabilitation of roads used by buses and other heavy vehicles.  The existing road pavement structure is reviewed and the surface of the pavements, the kerbs and obstructions on the sidewalks are addressed to allow for universal accessibility, a cornerstone of the GO GEORGE bus services.

How are roads selected for upgrade
The George Municipality’s Pavement Management System (PMS) is a planning tool for the maintenance and repair of the entire George municipal road network to optimise road conditions, and is used to prioritise roads for upgrading, repairs and rehabilitation in the George municipal area.

As part of the compilation of the PMS, each road is investigated by specialised pavement engineers and its condition classified from very poor (high priority) to very good (low priority). Factors considered during the classification process are the structural, aesthetic, surface and formation condition as well as traffic volumes and functional class of the road. Integrated Development Plan (IDP) requests and the number of complaints registered per road also plays a role.

From the investigation, treatment options are specified for each road which could vary from a diluted emulsion, minor patching and crack seal to asphalt, rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement with brick paving and more. Further to the above, although a road may be regarded as high priority, it may be postponed depending on the municipality’s ability to afford the proposed remedial work.

Alternatively, a road that was regarded as ‘good’ may deteriorate very quickly to poor, for instance after flooding and/ or sudden increase in heavy vehicular traffic. Constant monitoring and evaluation are therefore required and may result in the reprioritisation of roads.

Below is a breakdown of projects planned in the 2022/23 financial year and outer years:

Roads (GIPTN) (Budget allowed)

• Golf street (Phase 1 & 2)- Rehabilitation of 1,5 km of Golf Street between Circular and Main Street, design in process with construction planned for end of September 2022 (Value – R15 921 000)
• Tabata street Phase 2 – Rehabilitation of 600m Tabata street (Phase 2) (Value – R15 437 100), Construction to commence beginning of June 2022
• Market street (Phase 4 & 5) – Rehabilitation of 450m of Market Street (Phase 4 &5) (Value  -R20 192 500), Construction to commence 24 May 2022
• Airways Road and associated circles – Rehabilitation of 650m of Airways Road and amendment of three circles to commence 28 May 2022 (Value – R2 500 000)
• Mission Street -Rehabilitation of800 m of Mission Street Road surface between kerbs (Value – R4 500 000) and work to commence beginning of June 2022
• Memorium Street – Rehabilitation of100 m of Memorium Street Road surface between kerbs (Value – R1 500 000) and work to commence end of June 2022
• Triumph/Park Street intersection rehabilitation (Value – R1 250 000)
• PW Botha Rand Street extension, upgrading of the intersection to accommodate the Metro housing development. (Value – R5 500 000)

Roads (GIPTN) designs, awaiting budget allocation:

• Rose Street                                         R20 000 000
• Beukes Street                                    R15 000 000
• Fiskaal Road extension                  R12 000 000
• PW Botha Street                              R64 000 000
• Ngcakani Street (Phase2 – 4)        R59 000 000
• Tabata Street (phase 3 -5)            R40 000 000

Road upgrades funded by Private Developments

• York Street Circles – Construction to commence end of June 2022 (Value – R35 000 000)
• Sweetpea Intersection upgrade. Value to be determined following the design approval.
• Kingswood / R102 Road link – Value to be determines following the design approval.
• Kraaibosch Road Network upgrade – Construction of Road 2 & 3 in terms of the Kraaibosch Road Model.  Value to be determined following the design approval.

Roads (MIG funded)

• Ngcakani street (Phase 1) – R25 000 000 (subject to MIG appraisal approval)
• Rebuild of Streets in Greater George– R7 000 000
• Reseal of Streets – R10 000 000
• Upgrading of existing roads in Delville Park – R10 000 000
• Rooidraai Road: Repairs to Slip Failure – R18 000 000
• Peters Road: Repairs to Slip Failure – R1 500 000
• Remedial Works to Whites Road – R2 500 000
• Upgrading of Saagmeul Street – R8 500 000
• Paving of Roads in Haarlem – R3 000 000

https://youtube.com/shorts/MEYT1QJregE?feature=share
Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services, Browen Johnson discusses the R500 million upgrades to take place on our roads over the next three years.

Friday 24 June saw a total of 75 mm rainfall measured before 8am and a further 30mm for the rest of the day.

George Joint Operational Centre
The George Municipal Joint Operational Centre was activated at 08h30 and received numerous complaints relating to storm damage . Fire fighters assisted with 27 callouts where sandbags were provided as well as two minor accidents on the Outeniqua Pass and a pedestrian knocked down.

Houses reported flooded – formal and informal
Flooding was extensive in Wilderness with a number of formal houses reported on Southside Street and Anchorage Street.

Businesses and homes were affected in Hope St, Merriman St, Market St, Courtenay St and the Industrial area. Two formal houses in Herold’s Bay had walls collapse. A high number of informal houses were reported as flooded. A total of 35 complaints were received by our Human Settlements division who supplied 180 pieces of gunplas to homeowners.

Stormwater, Water and Roads Complaints
Our Civil Engineering Services division was kept extremely busy with 42 sewer related, 43 water related and 70 road and stormwater related complaints received from Thursday evening to Friday 16h30.

Electrical outages
Various areas experienced power outages due to the weather conditions including the Airport line, Herold’s bay, Tamsui, Groeneweide Park, Airport Road, Proefplaas, Hansmoeskraal, Oubaai, Pacaltsdorp, Bos En Dal, George South, Portion George Industrial, portions of  Thembalethu and Erf 325. These outages were further exacerbated by ESKOM announcing Stage 4 Loadshedding at 11h00 on Friday 24^th. A total of 212 complaints from Thursday evening until Friday evening relating to electrical issues were received.

Roads Temporarily closed
A number of roads were either temporarily closed due to the flooding or warnings were issued to drive with caution. Those briefly closed including Southside Street and Anchorage Street in Wilderness, Hope Street, Union Street and one lane of Courtenay Road was also temporarily closed. Warnings were issued for Victoria Street, Merriman Street, CJ Langenhoven Street, Market Street and St Leger Street.

Refuse Collection delayed
Refuse Collection was delayed due to the heavy rainfall and only started after 11h00. Collections that could not be finished on Friday 24 June were addressed on Saturday 25 June in Loerie Park, CBD businesses, shopping centres and businesses in Wilderness. The Landfill Site was also closed for access on Friday due to localised flooding preventing access to the area that is open for building rubble and garden waste.

The entrances into George were cleaned on Saturday and Sunday and all sidewalks and parking areas were cleared of debris caused by the heavy rain by a team of 59 EPWP worker and their co-ordinators.

Damage to municipal infrastructure
Certain municipal offices had to be closed due to flooding creating a danger of electrical fire. These included the New Housing offices and Social Services Offices.

Buying bulk is the smart choice when you top up your Smart Card with bus trips – it’s much cheaper and more convenient. Top up before you have completely run out of trips, and do so when you’re not in a rush to get to work or school.
This is the core message conveyed by GO GEORGE in the period running up to the annual tariff increase on the 1st of July.

Cheaper the more you buy
Smart Card trips bought in bundles of 10 or more cost R11 per trip and remain the best buy, bundles of two to eight trips cost R12,25 per trip, and single trips cost R15. A passenger who uses the bus five days per week, could save up to R176 per month by buying bundles of 10 trips and more, instead of loading one trip at a time.

Buy before tariff increase and save
Trips on the Smart Card never expire, so there is no risk of losing trips, even if you don’t travel regularly. For the same reason, it is a smart move to load more trips before the tariff increase kicks in, but passengers are advised to treat their Smart Cards as cautiously as they would treat cash, since trips on a lost or stolen card cannot be refunded.

Top up in time
Passengers are advised not to wait until they have no trips left, and to always keep at least two emergency trips on their Smart Cards. Having to top up on your way to work or school could be frustrating when the queues are long, or when an unpredictable event such as unstable internet connectivity prevents the vendor or kiosk from selling trips at the time. It would be better to top up outside of peak times, and at a time when you’re in no rush to be somewhere on time.

Smart Card kiosks are open from 05:00 until 20:00 and are situated at the George Transport Hub in Cradock Street, at the Blanco Triangle, and at the Garden Route Mall. A dedicated GO GEORGE counter in the Municipality’s finance hall has been set up to serve passengers’ needs during municipal business hours while a new fixed kiosk is being established in York Street. The kiosks’ services include both Smart Card sales and trip top-ups.

The network of top-up vendors all over town do top-ups only. Look out for the GO GEORGE vendor signage, or for a detailed list of all top-up vendors, visit the GO GEORGE Facebook page or phone the Call Centre on 0800 044 044. Call Centre agents are on duty from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week. Enquiries can also be e-mailed to info@gogeorge.org.za.

Multirit-aankope op Slimkaart baie goedkoper_Koop voor tariefverhoging en spaar

Om grootmaat te koop, is die slim keuse as jy jou Slimkaart met busritte aanvul – dit is baie goedkoper én boonop geriefliker. Herlaai voordat jy geen ritte oor het nie, en doen dit wanneer jy nie haastig is om by die werk of skool te kom nie.

Dit is die kernboodskap wat GO GEORGE oordra in die tydperk wat die jaarlikse tariefverhoging op 1 Julie voorafgaan.

Goedkoper hoe meer jy koop
Slimkaartritte wat in bondels van 10 of meer gekoop word, kos R11 per rit en bly die beste koop, bondels van twee tot agt ritte kos R12,25 per rit, en enkelritte kos R15. ‘n Passasier wat die bus vyf dae per week gebruik, kan tot R176 per maand bespaar deur bondels van 10 ritte en meer te koop, in plaas daarvan om een rit op ‘n slag te laai.

Koop voor tariefverhoging en spaar
Ritte op die Slimkaart verval nooit nie, so daar is geen risiko om ritte te verloor nie, selfs al ry jy nie gereeld bus nie. Om dieselfde rede is dit ‘n slim skuif om meer ritte te laai voordat die tariefverhoging inskop, maar passasiers word aangeraai om hul Slimkaarte so versigtig soos kontant te hanteer aangesien ritte op ‘n verlore of gesteelde kaart nie terugbetaal kan word nie.

Herlaai betyds
Passasiers word aangeraai om nie te wag totdat hulle geen ritte oor het nie, en om altyd ten minste twee noodritte op hul Slimkaarte te hou. Om op jou pad werk of skool toe te herlaai, kan frustrerend wees wanneer die rye lank is, of wanneer iets onvoorspelbaars soos beurtkrag verhoed dat die verkoper of kiosk op daardie tydstip ritte kan verkoop. Dit sal beter wees om buite spitstye te herlaai op ‘n tyd wanneer jy nie jaag om betyds by jou bestemming te wees nie.

Slimkaart kiosks is oop van 05:00 tot 20:00 en is geleë by die George-vervoerkern (Transport Hub) in Cradockstraat, by die Blanco-driehoek en by die Garden Route Mall. ‘n GO GEORGE-toonbank is in die munisipaliteit se betaalsaal ingerig om in passasiers se behoeftes gedurende munisipale werksure te voorsien terwyl ‘n nuwe vaste kiosk in Yorkstraat gevestig word. Die kiosks se dienste sluit beide Slimkaart- en ritverkope in.

Die netwerk van herlaaipunte in besighede regoor die dorp herlaai slegs kaarte. Kyk uit vir die “GO GEORGE vendor”-borde, of vir ’n volledige lys van alle herlaaipunte, besoek die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad of skakel die inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044. Agente is van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week aan diens. Navrae kan ook per e-pos gestuur word aan info@gogeorge.org.za.