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Author: Chantel Edwards

This is how Electricity tariffs will work from 1 July 2022

The approval of the 2022/23 budget in May 2022 by Council has introduced a number of changes as to how George Municipality will be charging for electricity.

 WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW?

  • The ESKOM increase to all municipalities in South Africa is 8.61% and George Municipality has approved an overall average electricity price lower than this for our customers at 7.47%. (Please note you will not be charged the Eskom increase + GM increase).
  • To comply with NERSA requirements, the George Municipal tariffs will be structured as cost reflective tariffs, with changes to how the tariff is made up.
  • The tariff structure changes will include a fixed cost made up of a Basic, and a Capacity Charge, and an energy consumption charge according to number of units electricity used.
  • The Basic and Capacity charges will only come into effect for capacities of 30 Amperes and above.
  • Registered indigent, and poor households will not pay any fixed charges but will need to limit their pre-paid meter electricity supply to a 20 AMP capacity.
  • The new tariff rates will be applied as from 1 July 2022, but implementation of the actual capacity selections capacity limit will be rolled out over a period of maximum two years.
  • You can CHOOSE your Capacity now already if you want to manage your load in your household and know how many kilowatt-hours you consume per month.
  • If you can manage with 20 Amps there will be NO Capacity Charge and NO Basic Charge.
  • If you don’t know what your capacity should be – You don’t have to make a CHOICE right now! George Municipality will look at what you have used as a household over the past 12 months and implement an appropriate capacity selection for you – limited to 40 Amps. The majority of consumers, those using less than 600 kWh/m, should be on 20 Amps (4 600 Watts) as this provides adequate capacity if the load is managed and this will ensure that the price increase will not be more than the average increase.
  • If we choose for you, you will have one opportunity to change the selected capacity again between July 2022 – June 2023 as well as once per financial year thereafter.
  • The fixed costs (Basic + Capacity charge) and consumptions charge are linked to the Capacity you choose or that we select for you.
  • Should you be placed on a tariff with a fixed cost, you will be paying a reduced energy charge per kWh unit. Do therefore not purchase units in bulk before the end of the financial year, the cost per kWh on these tariffs will be reduced.
  • Consumers who require more than 20 Amp capacity will be charged a cost-reflective tariff consisting of a fixed monthly basic charge; a capacity charge depending on the capacity limit of the supply and a reduced energy consumption charge as per Table A.

Do you want to reduce your capacity and save costs?

  1. If you don’t make a decision by 1 July, George Municipality will place you on an assumed capacity based on the historical consumption patterns to a maximum of 40 Amp capacity. This should be more than enough for the average household, but If you want to reduce your costs and you can manage your load / times of electricity peak use every day, you can complete this form here and email it to applications@george.gov.za to change your capacity limit.
  2. You have one option per financial year (1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023) to change your capacity as well as once a financial year thereafter.
  3. Do you want to discuss your energy consumption and find out what the best Capacity will be for your needs, phone 044801 9243, have your Municipal Account Number and Prepaid Meter Number handy OR email your query to applications@george.gov.za
  4. Capacity Application form available at: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/GM-APPLICATION-FORM-_SELECTION-OF-ELECTRICITY-SUPPLY-CAPACITY.pdf
  5. https://www.george.gov.za/electro-technical/electrical-tariff-amendments-2022/ for further information and frequently asked questions which will assist consumers in understanding the new tariffs, knowing what capacity to select and how to manage their loads within the selected capacity.

 

 

 

Public Notice: Approval of the 2022/23 Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) and Performance Agreements for Senior Managers

Public Notice: Approval of the 2022/23 Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) and Performance Agreements for Senior Managers

George Municipality hereby notifies the public that the Executive Mayor Cllr L van Wyk has approved the 2022/2023 Service Delivery and Budget Implementation on 13 June 2022.

Please note that the Planning Outputs has been added to the document as an Annexure  to the Top Layer SDBIP as required by Addendum 3 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003) Circular 88.

All comments  and questions must be forwarded to:
Ms Thobeka Twani
Senior PMS Coordinator”Email: ttwani@george.gov.za and post@george.gov.za

Tel no: 044 801 9471

Link to SDBIP and Planning Outputs
Link to Performance Agreements for Senior Managers

 

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE: THEMBALETHU ZONE 1

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

NOOD HERSTEL WERK

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:GEDEELTE VAN THEMBALETHU: ZONE 1

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op WOENSDAG 15 JUNIE 2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED: PORTION OF THEMBALETHU: ZONE 1

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE 2022 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00 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.

 

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – 17 JUNE

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

 THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF KRAAIBOS / VICTORIA BAY ROAD

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  FRIDAY 17 JUNE 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 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 MONDAY 20 JUNE 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00

George mourns former Mayor and Speaker, Mercia Draghoender

George Municipality mourns the death of Mercia Draghoender, who died suddenly yesterday (11 June 2022).

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said the municipality was saddened to hear of the passing of Alderlady Draghoender who had served as Mayor (2010), the first woman to take this leadership role in the George Council. She served as Ward Councillor for Ward 20, Borcherds, as Speaker of Council and a member of MAYCO for George during her long political career.

“Alderlady Mercia Draghoender served for many years as a feisty councillor who cared deeply for the community, constantly seeking to improve lives. Her passing comes as a shock and on behalf of the George Council, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends.”

The George Municipality’s flag will be flown half-mast in front of the municipal offices in York Street in remembrance.

Archive Photograph: Formal portrait taken in 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE  3:  ELECTRICITY TARIFFS – How to manage with a limited capacity supply?

The George Municipality average electricity price increase will be 7.47% as from 1 July 2022.  The new tariffs will be linked to chosen or applied capacity, which means that consumers will need to manage their demand within that chosen or applied capacity. The applicable fixed cost will be applied for the chosen or applied capacity.

The majority of consumers, those using less than 700 kWh/m, should be on 20 Amps (4 600 Watts) as this provides adequate capacity if the load is managed and this will ensure that the price increase will not be more than the average increase.

The possible way in which the demand for a domestic consumer can be managed to ensure that the 20 Amp is adequate is proposed below:

  • Fridges, freezers, internet modems, alarms, etc can remain on the whole day.
  • Either in the morning when getting up or evening when getting home, switch on lights, radio, Hi-fi, TV, decoder chargers, fans and other such low power appliances as required.
  • For cooking / food preparation: Stagger the use of your high-power appliances, for example – Switch on the kettle and wait for it to boil, then use your microwave oven to unfreeze or warm some food, then use a food processor, toast your bread and when those appliances are finished being used, only then switch on the stove plates, and complete all the food preparation.
  • Stoves with big ovens can be a problem as some of them have elements totalling 4 000 Watts.  The oven should not be switched on at the same time as any of the electrical plates.  It can be used separately but care should be taken when using the main element and grill at the same time.  Check the rating of your oven.
  • Once food preparation is complete – appliances such as heaters, hair dryers, irons, etc can be used.  Some heaters have very big elements, as much as 4 000 Watts.  Heater total load should not exceed 4 000 Watt.
  • High-power appliances such as Dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers should only be switched on when cooking and space heating is completed.  Some of these can be loaded and only then switched on when cooking and space heating is completed or when going to bed or to work.
  • Geysers have elements of generally 2 000 to 3 000 Watt.  These can be switched on and off using the geyser circuit breaker in the distribution board, but it is recommended to install a timer to only switch them on during the night and sometime during the day. Recommended timer switch on times is shown below.  These times should not overlap with other high-power appliances:
  • 24h00-04h00. Night-time on for main heating of water
  • 14h00-16h00 Daytime boost top-up if required
  • Most geysers are controlled by the municipality through a remote-control system.  Currently geysers are switched off during the morning and evening peak periods.

If your normal household is of such a nature that these load management measures are too inconvenient, or your circuit breaker keeps on tripping, you must consider selecting a slightly bigger supply such as 30 Amp.  Various other options also exist such as converting cooking and space heating to gas, installing thermal insulation in the house or installing a solar water heating system.

Please follow the media and visit the George Municipality website at https://www.george.gov.za/electro-technical/electrical-tariff-amendments-2022/ for further information which will assist consumers in understanding the new tariffs, knowing what capacity to select and how to manage their loads within the selected capacity.  

 

PUBLIEKE KENNISGEWING 3: ELEKTRISITEITSTARIEWE – Hoe om met ‘n beperkte kapasiteitsvoorraad te bestuur?

Uitgereik George Munisipaliteit, 10 Junie 2022

Die George-munisipaliteit se gemiddelde elektrisiteitsprysverhoging sal vanaf 1 Julie 2022 7,47% wees.   Die nuwe tariewe gaan almal kapasiteits beperkings hê.   Die nuwe tariewe sal gekoppel word aan die kapasiteit van keuse of dan toegepaste kapasiteit, wat beteken dat verbruikers hul aanvraag binne daardie gekose of toegepaste kapasiteit sal moet bestuur. Die toepaslike vaste koste sal vir die gekose of toegepaste kapasiteit aangewend word.

Die oorgrote meerderheid verbruikers, die wat minder as 700 kWh/m gebruik, behoort op ‘n 20 Amp (4 600 Watt) toevoer te wees aangesien dit genoeg kapasiteit bied as die vrag beheer word en dit sal verseker dat die prysverhoging nie meer as die gemiddeld is nie.

‘n Moontlike manier hoe die aanvraag deur ‘n huishoudelike verbruiker bestuur kan word om te verseker dat 20 Amp genoeg is as volg:

  • Yskaste, frieskaste, internet modems, alarms, ens kan heeldag aanbly.
  • Wanneer jul opstaan in die oggend of by die huis kom na werk: Skakel ligte, radio, Hi-fi, TV, laaiers, waaiers, ens aan soos benodig.
  • Voedsel voorbereiding en gaarmaak:  Versprei die gebruik van hoë krag toebehore byvoorbeeld: Skakel die ketel aan en wag totdat dit gekook het, gebruik dan eers die mikrogolfoond om kos te ontdooi of warm te maak, gebruik ander voedselverwerkingstoestelle, gebruik die broodrooster, ens en wanneer daardie toestelle klaar gebruik is, skakel dan eers die stoofplate aan en voltooi al die kosvoorbereiding.
  • Stowe met groot oonde kan ‘n uitdaging wees aangesien sommige van hul elemente van altesaam 4 000 Watt het.  Die oond en plate behoort nie saam aangesit te word nie.  Die oond kan afsonderlik gebruik word maar verkieslik nie die hoofelement en die rooster gelyktydig te gebruik nie.  Kyk wat die aanvraag van jou oond is.
  • Sodra die kosvoorbereiding afgehandel is kan ‘n mens hoë-krag toebehore soos verwarmers, haardroërs, ens aanskakel.  Party verwarmers het baie groot elemente en nie meer as 4 000 Watt moet gelyktydig aangesit word nie.
  • Hoë-krag toebehore soos skottelgoedwasmasjieine, wasmasjiene en tuimeldroërs moet net aangeskakel word wanneer daar klaar gekook en ruimteverhitting gedoen is.  Dit kan gelaai word en as ander aktiwiteite klaar is, of voor slapenstyd of voor werk aangeskakel word.
  • Meeste geisers het elemente van tussen 2 000 en 3 000 Watt . Hierdie kan ook aan- en afgeskakel word deur die geiser-stroombreker in die verdeelbord te gebruik, maar dit word aanbeveel om ‘n tydskakelaar te installeer om dit slegs gedurende die nag en ‘n sekere tyd gedurende die dag aan te skakel. Aanbevole tydskakelaar-aanskakeltye word hieronder getoon.  Hierdie tye moet nie met ander hoëkragtoestelle oorvleuel nie:
  • 24h00-04h00. Nagtyd aan vir die hoofverhitting van water
  • 14h00-16h00 Dagversterking indien nodig
  • Die meeste geisers word deur die munisipaliteit deur ‘n afstandbeheerstelsel beheer. Tans is geisers gedurende die oggend- en aandspitstyd afgeskakel.

Indien jou huishouding van so aard is dat dit te ongerieflik is om die kragverbruik so te bestuur of die stroombreker bly klink, moet ‘n groter toevoer soos 30 Amp gekies word.  Ander alternatiewe kan ook oorweeg word soos om gas te gebruik vir kook en huis verwarming, die huis beter te isoleer of ‘n sonkragwaterverhittingstelsel te installer.

Volg asseblief die media en besoek die George munisipaliteits-webwerf by https://www.george.gov.za/electro-technical/electrical-tariff-amendments-2022/ vir verdere inligting ten einde verbruikers in te lig hoe om die nuwe tariewe beter te verstaan, kennis op te doen oor die keuse van kapasiteit en hoe om hul verbruik te bestuur.

 

 

Christmas comes early for Carpe Diem School!

Handing over the tinned goods on Friday 3rd June are from left: Portfolio Councillor for Social Development, Brendon Stamhoof;  School principal Elzeth Grobler; Kneeling in front are  Gender and Disability Officials Nozipho Stone and Junayne “Slang” Mark.At back, Gender and Disability  Co-ordinator, Ejustley Boshoff; Acting Senior Manager Community Development, Library Services, EPWP and Sport, Granville Campher and Mayor Leon Van Wyk.

George Municipal officials recently took up a challenge issued by the Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz to collect tinned food items for Carpe Diem, School for Physically Disabled Children in George. Principal Elzeth Grobler was overwhelmed at the official handover last week during Child Protection Week and thanked the officials of George Municipality for going the extra mile.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk together with officials from the Social Services division handed over 467 tins of food. “This is such an important gesture to a school that relies on fund-raising activities to cover their daily expenses. George Municipality challenges other organisations, business and associations to a similar exercise,” said Ald Van Wyk.

Ms Grobler said that the children are sent home during the school holidays and with many coming from an impoverished background, each child is sent home with a hamper of food. She thanked the officials for the generous donation and Mayor personally with a serving platter made by the children.

Dr Gratz, Municipal Manager was full of praise for the officials who contributed so willingly in their private capacity. “This goes to show our officials do have hearts of gold and are committed members of their communities in George.”

Background:
Carpe Diem is a school that provides for physical-, learning- and intellectually impaired learners between the ages of 6 and 18 years, that cannot be accommodated in mainstream education. The school also serves a few hearing impaired learners capable of functioning in a normal class situation with the help of hearing aids and/or FM systems (this excludes learners who are deaf). In the autistic unit the school also provides for learners on the autistic spectrum.

Since February 2020 the school has accommodated deaf learners between the ages of 3-8 years in the  Unit for Deaf learners.The school serves all towns and farming communities along the Southern Cape coastal region, which include: Riversdale, Albertinia, Mosselbay, Hartenbos, Klein Brak, Groot Brak, George, Hoekwil, Sedgefield, Karatara, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and The Craggs. At the moment there are 385 learners in the school, 84 of these learners are also being cared for in the hostels.

Business Information Session

The Youth Development Department at George Municipality in collaboration with the Pacaltsdorp
Community Business Association is hosting a Business Information Session.
Tips on how to start your own venture will be shared!

Please see the date for your area below:

07 June 2022 – Conville Community Hall at 10am
08 June 2022 – Zone 3 Community Hall, Thembalethu at 10 am
09 June 2022 – Blanco Community Hall at 10 am

For enquiries and further information please call the Youth Development office at 044 802 2000

George Municipality under pressure with extreme weather and fires

 

George Municipality experienced a whirlwind of complaints and callouts last week following some extreme weather conditions in the Southern Cape. Extreme berg wind conditions from Tuesday 17th May contributed to intensifying a veldfire in Hansmoeskraal that was attended to by Garden Route District Firefighters with George Fire Brigade assisting through till Thursday morning when it was finally contained and the 7mm of rainfall recorded at the Denneoord Airbase, cooled everything down.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk this week thanked all officials for their efforts in bringing fires under control and dealing with disruptive power outages where repair teams worked long hours to clear vegetation and re-connect lines. “I was touched once again by the positive comments for the work of our communications team, our fire-fighters and electrical teams. We take pride in having employees (on an ongoing basis we also need to remember our water, sewer, refuse, stormwater teams and others) who are dedicated in keeping our services functioning at a high standard, as well as the privateers who pitch in or are contracted to assist,” said Ald Van Wyk.

George Fire and Disaster Services
On Wednesday 18 May, the George Fire Department received a total of twenty-seven calls which included three structure fires, including a 3-bedroom house in Denneoord which was extensively damaged. Two informal structures were completely destroyed in Lawaaikamp.

A total of twenty-three calls for Veld and bush fires came in for areas including Hansmoeskraal, Groenkloof, Saasveld Road, Garden Route Dam, Kraaibosch Estate, Glentana, New Dawn Park, Zone 1 Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, and Ring Road. The Hansmoeskraal fire, the Saasveld Fire (which included Groenkloof, Saasveld Road and Garden Route Dam) and the Denneoord house fire came in all at the same time. Resources were stretched to the maximum and aerial support was called in to assist with the Saasveld fire. Helicopter operations were however limited at one point due to high wind speeds. Savannah Helicopters were able to provide support for a good hour and 10 minutes before being grounded late afternoon of Wednesday due to poor visibility.

Wind gusts of up to 40 km/h together with temperatures of up to 30 degrees were recorded on Wednesday afternoon at the Denneoord Airbase. Adding to the strain on resources was a motor vehicle accident with luckily no injuries recorded. Our Social Service division provided mattresses, blankets and food parcels to four families who lost their structures in fires from 17 – 21 May.

Power outages and loadshedding
The electrotechnical division had their hands full dealing with 11 high voltage power outages located in the Wilderness area alone, and another 18 in areas such as Hoekwil, Pinedew, Herold’s Bay, Garden Route Dam, Saasveld and Kraaibosch.  238 low voltage complaints were dealt with during the three-day period. Some of these outages were caused by trees that fell on lines, while others were in difficult terrains requiring extreme caution from the teams. In addition to the weather-related power outages, ESKOM called Stage 2 Loadshedding for the 17 – 20 May but George was fortunate not to be affected.  George Municipality is obliged to adhere to the ESKOM Loadshedding Schedule as received and cannot make amendments or give concessions to certain areas. Director for Electrotechnical Services,  Bongani Mandla, thanked his officials for focusing on addressing the key issues to restore electrical supply under such difficult circumstances.

Damaged trees
Parks and Recreation a division of Community Services attended to 15 callouts on 18th May. Seven of these were urgent where trees had fallen onto roads and were obstructing traffic in Denneoord and Blanco and were dealt with immediately despite the inclement weather conditions. The remaining trees were either felled or broken branches were pruned back on Thursday, with teams working throughout George collecting broken branches.

Water, Sewer and streets
Our Civil Engineering teams attended to 143 sewer network callouts, 76 water network callouts and 14 complaints with regards to streets during the three-day period.

Water Restrictions for George – garden watering times amended

George Municipality has taken into consideration the approach of the winter months with sun setting earlier and light fading,  and accordingly amended the times during which gardens can be watered by hand-held garden hose, in terms of the existing Water Restrictions in place. As of 1 May to 31 August, gardens may be watered by hand from 17h00 – 19h00.

The current water restrictions were implemented in January 2022 and are similar to those found in paragraph 2B of the George Municipal Drought Management Policy. An emergency as contemplated in Section 2(4)(b) of the Water Services By-law to limit or restrict the use of water currently exists in George as the water treatment works cannot meet the current potable water demand.

George Municipality has over the past year reported to the public that the consumption of drinking or potable water per day in George, is currently high compared to the amount of raw water that is being purified by our water treatment works.

DRINKING WATER DEMAND IS UP
The Annual Average Daily Demand for drinking water has averaged at 32 Ml per day and the current water treatment works output per day is about 38Ml. This is produced jointly on a daily basis by the Old Water Treatment Works and the New Water Treatment Works which are both operating at full capacity.

BUT THE GARDEN ROUTE DAM IS FULL?
Residents should note that although the GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL remains almost full, this is RAW WATER storage and not POTABLE or DRINKING WATER supply. The raw water needs to be treated at the George Old and New Water Treatment Facilities before it goes to the main potable water storage reservoirs for distribution into the reticulation system. The current water demand is higher than the production rate at these facilities.

FORWARD PLANNING
Forward planning is in place and the remedial and capacity (20Ml) extension projects funded by the Budget Facility for Infrastructure funding (BFI grant) will extend the water treatment capacity for George and will be implemented in two phases over three years. The construction for the 20Ml Water Treatment Works has started and will continue over the next few years. The overall funding required to ensure potable water security in the George system is R1.197 billion and the funding will be provided over the next forty (40) months for the full phases of the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works projects. There are currently 12 sub-components in various stages of procurement and implementation.

In 2021 it was determined that South Africans use 235 litres of potable water per person daily as per the Water Resources Commission. Following the implementation of Water Restrictions in George earlier this year and based on the 2011 STATSA population figure for George at 210 000, the daily consumption of drinking water for the average Georgian is equal to approximately 167 l per day. This shows that the public are responding to the Water Restrictions and using less drinking water. This is commendable and we thank everyone for their combined efforts. We do however have to remind the general public that the restrictions will remain in place until the new Water Treatment Works can be commissioned.

George Municipality has also applied for R238m in disaster funding for remedial work required to repair our water and sewer infrastructure damaged during the floods of November/ December 2021. The Municipality is still awaiting the outcome of the application.

The right of access to basic water supply and sanitation is a basic right for all communities and it is the responsibility of the George Municipality as the Water Services Institution to take reasonable measures to ensure these rights. Water Restrictions in George are therefore in place to reduce use of drinking water to ensure that the Municipality can fulfill this mandate.

The immediate measures to be adhered to are as follows:

  1. The mechanical irrigation of gardens is prohibited.
  2. Gardens may be watered by means of hand-held garden hose only, from 1 May to 31 August between 17:00 to 19:00 and from 01 September to 30 April between 19:00 to 21:00:
    Mondays and Thursdays for even-numbered households ONLY
    Tuesdays and Fridays for uneven numbered households ONLY.
  3. The irrigation or watering of all sports fields is prohibited.  Exemption from restrictions in the following instances only: golf course greens, bowling greens, and cricket pitches which may only be watered between 19:00 and 21:00.
  4. The washing of vehicles with a garden hose, except by a commercial enterprise whose business it is to wash cars, is prohibited;
  5. The cleaning of ANY area using water is prohibited;
  6. The filling of swimming pools is prohibited.
  7. Where own water from a borehole or reservoir is used, the appropriate notice shall be displayed on the premises, e.g. “OWN WATER”.

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477 and will be followed up by George Municipal Law Enforcement. Any person who contravenes these restrictions is guilty of an offence and is, upon conviction, liable to a fine as published in the annual tariffs list, or six months imprisonment.

In terms of Section 5 of the By-law, any person may apply in writing for the exemption from the provision of any notice published in terms of the By-law, and the Council may grant an exemption and impose conditions in respect of such an application.  The Policy grants permission to the Directorate Civil Engineering Services to approve applications for exemptions.

Applications for exemptions are to be submitted to the Directorate: Civil Engineering Services for approval. Once approved, a written exemption shall be provided, and individual applications assessed.

Report all water leaks to our Civil Engineering Department on 044 801 9262/66.

GM Request to participate in Youth Entrepreneurship Programme

Youth day is a commemoration of the contribution of the youth during the struggle for the liberation of South Africa. The theme for the National Youth Day 2022 is “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke:Growing youth employment for an inclusive and transformed society.”

Development of youth entrepreneurship is a priority as it is an effective vehicle through which poverty alleviation, employment creation and essentially, economic growth can be achieved. The George Municipality recognises and acknowledges that young people are future leaders and a key mechanism through which economic prosperity can be accomplished.

George Municipality believes that enhancing entrepreneurs’ self- efficiency, entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial network will facilitate the growth and development of youth entrepreneurs. To this effect, the George Municipality in collaboration with First National Bank and Seda invites all youth entrepreneurs to join and participate in the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme to learn about opportunities in South Africa and George for young entrepreneurs.

Date: Tuesday, 14 June 2022
Venue: Pacaltsdorp Civic Centre
Time: 09h00 – 14h00

The programme is designed to create and instil and inculcate a culture of entrepreneurship among the youth. The idea is to introduce young people to business ideas, activities and skills needed to
successfully launch, lead and grow micro-enterprises.

Interested youth (18-35 years old) entrepreneurs are requested to RSVP by returning the
completed registration form to Rosina Munro on 044 801 9173 or email rmunro@george.gov.za
on or before 10 June 2022. The registration form can be obtained from the Worker Collection
Point and on the George Municipal Website.

Follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/GYEP-Application-Form.pdf

NB. Only those who have RSVP’d for the programme will be accommodated – no walk-ins will be
allowed on the day. Due to Covid-19 regulations only 60 participants can be accommodated. It
is therefore imperative that you register ASAP.

For enquiries and further information please contact Rosina Munro or Amy Kearns at the Worker
Collection Point Office, Industrial Road on 044 801 9173 or email rmunro@george.gov.za /
akearns@george.gov.za

CALL TO APPLY FOR AN INFORMAL TRADING PERMIT

NOTICE TO ALL ENTREPRENEURS / INFORMAL TRADERS IN THE CITY OF GEORGE
TO APPLY FOR AN INFORMAL TRADING STAND FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR.

The George Municipality acknowledges the relevance and contribution of informal trading to
the socio- economic growth of the area. The informal trading sector provides a means of
generating local business opportunities for people and bringing income and job opportunities
into the communities.

To this effect, the George Municipality hereby invites residents of George to apply for an
informal trading opportunity through a fair, equal and transparent process.
Trading stands are available at the following allocated areas:

RESIDENTIAL CBD
 Blanco
 Hibernia Street
 Uniondale
 York Street (4 stands)
 Pacaltsdorp
 York Street
 Conville
 Van der Stel Square
 St Mark Square

The following criteria will apply:
 Certified copy of ID;
 Proof of residence;
 a Certificate of Acceptability (COA) for selling of any foodstuffs or beverages;
 only one permit will be issued per household / family;
 the trader must personally trade on the allocated site; and
 no food preparation will be allowed at stalls.

Application forms can be obtained from the George Municipal Website and the Economic
Development Office in Industrial Road.

Follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/application-

Completed applications must be placed in the Tender box at the George Municipality on the
First Floor, Directorate: Financial Services, Supply Chain Management, York street, George
by no later than 12h00 on Friday 24 June 2022. Late applications will not be considered.

For enquiries and further information please contact Amy Kearns at the Worker
Collection Point Office, Industrial Road on 044 801 9173 or email
akearns@george.gov.za

Public NOTICE: Let’s help Carpe Diem by recycling your tins!

Carpe Diem School for Physically Disabled Children in George has experienced many difficulties over the past few years due to Covid. The school relies on fund-raising activities which have not been able to take place and their government grant does not cover all of their daily expenses. Learners are provided with a cooked meal every day as well as a food parcel to take home with them.

George Municipality would like to urge the entire community of George, our Businesses, Churches, Hotels, restaurants, B&B’s,  gyms and outdoor facilities to join us in an intervention to help Carpe Diem School. We want you to collect your empty used tins, clean them first please and then drop them at your nearest Area Office; OR at our Social Services Offices (Cnr of Varing and St John Street)  OR contact our offices on 044 802 2000/2001/2009 and we will arrange to collect from you.

The collected tins will be handed over to local recycling companies and any funds received will be donated directly to Carpe Diem School.

Carpe Diem is a school that provides for physical-, learning- and intellectually impaired learners between the ages of 6 and 18 years, that cannot be accommodated in mainstream education. The school also serves a few hearing-impaired learners capable of functioning in a normal class situation with the help of hearing aids and/or FM systems (this excludes learners who are deaf). In the autistic unit the school also provides for learners on the autistic spectrum.

Since February 2020 the school has accommodated deaf learners between the ages of 3-8 years in the Unit for Deaf learners. The school serves all towns and farming communities along the Southern Cape coastal region, which include Riversdale, Albertinia, Mossel bay, Hartenbos, Klein Brak, Groot Brak, George, Hoekwil, Sedgefield, Karatara, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and The Craggs. At the moment there are 385 learners in the school, 84 of these learners are also being cared for in the hostels.

Further details please contact Ejustley Boshoff, Gender and Disability Co-ordinator for George Municipality on telephone  044 802 2001/9 or email eboshoff@george.gov.za

UPDATE UNPLANNED POWER OUTAGE – CENTRAL

Issued George Mun, Monday 23 May @ 16h15

Central – Streets affected include: Victoria, Buisfield, Merriman, Mitchell, Jazmyn Street.
Recommissioning of the unit has taken longer than expected due to modifications to the replacement unit and the estimated time of repair is now 19h00 today.

George Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience.

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A number of streets in Central George are without power following damage to a mini substation caused by Loadshedding. Streets affected include: Victoria, Buisfield, Merriman, Mitchell, Jazmyn Street.

Recommissioning of the unit will take approximately 5 hours. The estimated time of repair is 17h00 today. George Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience.

GO GEORGE calls on community to help fight vandalism

The alarming increase in incidents of vandalism of GO GEORGE infrastructure and buses has reached a point where service delivery is constantly hampered by a shortage of buses or compromised shelter at bus stops.

“Vandalism of GO GEORGE infrastructure is a serious concern as it affects the quality of the service experience of our passengers and detracts from our mission of delivering a dignified and safe public transport service and associated amenities,” said James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager. “A damaged bus is taken out of service for repairs, which places pressure on the existing fleet. Delays in coordinating a replacement bus may lead to a ripple effect where the service for the day runs late.”

Most at risk are bus shelters, buses (seats inside the bus as well as damage to windows due to stone-throwing that put the lives of passengers and drivers at risk), and public infrastructure at the bus stops such as refuse bins and toilets intended for the convenience of passengers. Graffiti, littering and theft of infrastructure such as tactile pavers, bus stop poles and shelter elements are a daily reality. Of 80 incidents of bus stoning recorded since 2019, 40 have taken place in 2021.

Astronomic replacement cost
The repair of damaged bus windows has cost the George Public Transport Network (GIPTN) an estimated R965 000 in 2021 alone. Damaged and torn vinyl stickers containing service information are currently being replaced on 40 bus shelters – only about one-third of damaged shelters – at a cost of about R3 000 per shelter.

The cost of replacing infrastructure and branding damaged by vandals is astronomic.

Robb says they are now appealing to the community to assist by promoting ownership and responsibility towards bus facilities in their area. “We need the help of the public, community influencers as well as religious and business organisations to make culprits understand the consequences of their behaviour and to put a stop to senseless destruction of buses and facilities.”

High school rap competition
Expanding the bus service’s anti-vandalism campaign, a rap competition for high school learners was launched, with nine local schools having signed on to run the first round internally, entering three finalists whose anti-vandalism rap songs then stand a chance to win them some exciting prizes. The competition will culminate in June, national Youth Month, and the winning songs will become part of the anti-vandalism campaign.

GO GEORGE appeals to the public to discourage and help stop vandalism, and to report any vandalising activities by phoning the GO GEORGE Call Centre at 0800 044 044. Anyone wanting more information or who would like to become involved in some way can also leave a message at the Call Centre or send an email to info@gogeorge.org.za.

Stone throwing:
This bus was stoned while driving through a residential area. A windscreen on the large buses costs R9 367 to replace, and a side window varies between R12 000 and R15 0000.

 

Shelters, panels and graffiti:
Annoyed Georgians have started coming on board to help stop damage to shelters intended for the convenience of passengers.

 

GO GEORGE doen ‘n beroep op gemeenskap om vandalisme te help beveg

Die kommerwekkende toename in voorvalle van vandalisme van GO GEORGE-infrastruktuur en -busse het ‘n punt bereik waar dienslewering voortdurend belemmer word deur ‘n tekort aan busse of gebrekkige skuiling by bushaltes.

“Vandalisme van GO GEORGE-infrastruktuur is ‘n ernstige bron van kommer aangesien dit die gehalte van die dienservaring van ons passasiers beïnvloed en afbreuk doen aan ons missie om ‘n waardige en veilige openbare vervoerdiens en gepaardgaande geriewe te lewer,” sê James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder. “‘n Beskadigde bus word uit diens onttrek vir herstelwerk, wat druk op die bestaande busvloot plaas. Vertraging in die koördinering van ‘n vervangingsbus kan lei tot ‘n rimpeleffek waar die diens vir die hele dag laat kan loop.”

Die meeste skade vind plaas by busskuilings, aan busse (sitplekke in die bus sowel as skade aan vensters as gevolg van klipgooiery wat die lewens van passasiers en bestuurders in gevaar stel), en openbare infrastruktuur by die bushaltes soos vullisdromme en toilette wat bedoel is vir die gerief van passasiers. Graffiti, rommelstrooiing en diefstal van infrastruktuur soos geriffelde plaveisel, bushaltepale en skuilingelemente is ‘n daaglikse werklikheid. Van die 80 voorvalle van klipgooiery na busse wat sedert 2019 aangeteken is, het 40 in 2021 plaasgevind.

Astronomiese vervangingskoste
Die herstel van beskadigde busruite het die George Geïntegreeerde Openbare Vervoernetwerk in 2021 alleen R965 000 gekos. Beskadigde en geskeurde vinielplakkers wat diensinligting bevat, word tans vervang op 40 busskuilings – slegs sowat ‘n derde van beskadigde skuilings – teen ‘n koste van sowat R3 000 per skuiling.

Die koste van die vervanging van infrastruktuur en handelsmerkmateriaal wat deur vandale beskadig is, is astronomies.

Robb sê hulle doen nou ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap om te help deur eienaarskap en verantwoordelikheid teenoor busfasiliteite in hul gebied te bevorder. “Ons het die hulp van die publiek, gemeenskapsbeïnvloeders sowel as godsdienstige en sake-organisasies nodig om skuldiges die gevolge van hul gedrag te laat verstaan en om ‘n einde te maak aan sinnelose vernietiging van busse en fasiliteite.”

Rap-kompetisie vir hoërskole
Ter uitbreiding van die busdiens se anti-vandalismeveldtog is ‘n rap-kompetisie vir hoërskoolleerders van stapel gestuur, met nege plaaslike skole wat ingeskakel het om die eerste ronde intern te behartig en drie finaliste in te skryf wie se anti-vandalisme rap-liedjies dan ‘n kans staan om vir hulle ‘n paar opwindende pryse te wen. Die kompetisie sal oploop na ‘n hoogtepunt in Junie, nasionale Jeugmaand, en die wenliedjies sal deel word van die anti-vandalismeveldtog.

GO GEORGE doen ‘n beroep op die publiek om vandalisme te ontmoedig en te help stop, en om enige vandalistiese aksies aan te meld deur die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel. Enigiemand wat meer inligting wil hê of op een of ander manier betrokke wil raak, kan ook ‘n boodskap by die inbelsentrum agterlaat of ‘n e-pos aan info@gogeorge.org.za stuur.

 

 

New Electrical Tariff Structure

The price increase from Eskom to municipalities will be 8.61% as from 1 July 2022.  George Municipality will be implementing an average price increase of 8% to cover this and own cost increases based on the NERSA guideline.

George Municipality will also be implementing tariff structure changes.  This follows the completion of a comprehensive cost of supply study as required by NERSA and stipulated in the National Electricity Pricing Policy (EPP) of South Africa.  The study showed that the current tariffs do not reflect the actual cost of supplying different consumers accurately and do not address the changing energy environment.  The proposed changes, subject to final NERSA approval, which will be phased in over a two-year period to allow consumers to adapt to the new structures:

Die Eskom prysverhoging aan munisipaliteite beloop 8.61% op 1 Julie 2022. George munisipaliteit sal ‘n algemene prysverhoging van 8% toepas om die Eskom en eie kosteverhogings te dek in ooreenstemming met NERSA se aanbevole verhoging.

George munisipaliteit sal ook nuwe tariefstrukture implimenteer.  Dit volg nadat ‘n volledige koste van voorsiening studie voltooi is, soos vereis deur NERSA en gestipuleer is in die Nasionale Elektrisiteits Prys Beleid (EPP) van Suid Afrika.  Die studie het aangedui dat die huidige tariewe nie die werklike koste van voorsiening van verskillende verbruikers reflekteer nie en nie die veranderende energie omgewing aanspreek nie. Die voorgestelde veranderings, onderhewig aan finale NERSA goedkeuring, wat oor ‘n twee jaar periode infaseer gaan word, ten einde verbruikers kans te gee om aan te pas by die nuwe struktur:

 

The price increase from Eskom to municipalities will be 8.61% as from 1 July 2022.  George Municipality will be implementing an average price increase of 8% to cover this and own cost increases based on the NERSA guideline.

George Municipality will also be implementing tariff structure changes.  The proposed changes, subject to final NERSA approval, which will be phased in over a two-year period to allow consumers to adapt to the new structures:

 

Please click on below link for information on new electrical tariff structure/ Volg asseblief die onderstaande skakel vir inligting oor nuwe elektriese tariefstruktuur
https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/GEORGE-MUNICIPAL-NEWSLETTER-Volume-55-MAY-2022-FINAL-pdf.pdf

Application form for selection of electrical supply capacity attached / Aansoekvorm vir keuse van elektriese toevoerkapasiteit aangeheg.

https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/GM-APPLICATION-FORM-_SELECTION-OF-ELECTRICITY-SUPPLY-CAPACITY.pdf

PUBLIC NOTICE  2:  ELECTRICAL TARIFFS – 20 Amp Capacity – you can avoid basic charges

George Municipality will be implementing an average electricity price increase of 8% and various electricity tariff structure changes from 1 July 2022 – these changes can impact what you pay for electricity and how you use electricity in your home or business in future.

The municipality remains committed to service delivery and addressing the needs of all our consumers. Consumers who on average purchase 400kWh or less per month are recommended to be placed on a 20 Amp capacity. This is done to protect our indigent consumers, small domestic as well as small commercial consumers from paying fixed charges

The annual historical monthly average consumption will be used to determine the consumers who can be placed on 20 AMP capacity. These consumers will be required to do some load management in order to maximise the benefit of being on a 20 Amp capacity.

What can you do with 20 Amp capacity?
The load management will require that a consumer does not operate appliances, exceeding a total load of 4,600 Watts at the same time. This means that the consumer could easily switch on all lights, radios, TVs with decoder, fridge, freezer, fan, computer, all types of chargers and toaster at the same time. Consumers will need to start managing the switching on of their appliances which generate heat. Don’t try and run them all at the same time as you will exceed the 4,600 Watts. The heat-generating appliances are tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, heaters, kettles, stoves, geysers, air-conditioner, hair dryers, underfloor heating and a number of others not listed here.

Through load management, the consumers using an average of 400kWh or less per month can easily continue with not much impact and be protected against paying a fixed charges. Consumers, who will be unable to manage their load within the 20 Amps capacity, will have an option to choose a higher capacity and be subjected to the applicable fixed charges.

Further information on understanding the potential electricity cost and management of loads, and how to make a decision about the capacity you can choose will be provided. Keep an eye on our social media and the municipal website for further details.

 

PUBLIEKE KENNISGEWING 2: ELEKTRIESE TARIEWE – 20 Amp Kapasiteit – jy kan basiese heffings vermy
Uitgereik George Munisipaliteit, 6 Mei 2022

George Munisipaliteit sal vanaf 1 Julie 2022 ‘n gemiddelde elektrisiteitsprysverhoging van 8% en verskeie elektrisiteitstariefstruktuurveranderings implementeer – hierdie veranderinge kan ‘n impak hê op wat jy vir elektrisiteit betaal en hoe jy in die toekoms elektrisiteit in jou huis of besigheid gebruik.

Die munisipaliteit bly verbind tot dienslewering en om die behoeftes van al ons verbruikers aan te spreek. Verbruikers wat gemiddeld 400kWh of minder per maand koop, word aanbeveel om op ‘n 20 Amp-kapasiteit geplaas te word. Dit word gedoen om ons behoeftige verbruikers, klein huishoudelike sowel as klein kommersiële verbruikers te beskerm teen die betaling van vaste heffings

Die jaarlikse historiese maandelikse gemiddelde verbruik sal gebruik word om die verbruikers te bepaal wat op 20 AMP-kapasiteit geplaas kan word. Daar sal van hierdie verbruikers verwag word om ‘n mate van lasbestuur te doen om die voordeel van ‘n 20 Amp-kapasiteit te maksimeer.

Wat kan jy doen met 20 Amp kapasiteit?
Die lasbestuur sal vereis dat ‘n verbruiker nie toestelle gebruik nie, wat ‘n totale vrag van 4 600 Watt op dieselfde tyd oorskry. Dit beteken dat die verbruiker maklik alle ligte, radio’s, TV’s met dekodeerder, yskas, vrieskas, waaier, rekenaar, alle soorte laaiers en broodrooster op dieselfde tyd kan aanskakel. Verbruikers sal die aanskakeling van hul toestelle wat hitte genereer moet begin bestuur. Moenie probeer om hulle almal op dieselfde tyd te laat loop nie, want jy sal die 4 600 Watt oorskry. Die hittegenererende toestelle is tuimeldroërs, wasmasjiene, skottelgoedwassers, verwarmers, ketels, stowe, geisers, lugversorger, haardroërs, ondervloerse verhitting en ‘n aantal ander wat nie hier gelys is nie.

Deur vragbestuur kan verbruikers wat ‘n gemiddeld van 400kWh of minder per maand gebruik, maklik voortgaan met min impak en beskerm word teen die betaling van vaste heffings. Verbruikers wat nie hul vrag binne die 20 Amp-kapasiteit sal kan bestuur nie, sal ‘n opsie hê om ‘n hoër kapasiteit te kies en aan die toepaslike vaste heffings onderwerp te word.

Verdere inligting oor die begrip van die potensiële elektrisiteitskoste en bestuur van vragte, en hoe om ‘n besluit te neem oor die kapasiteit wat jy kan kies, sal verskaf word. Hou ons sosiale media en die munisipale webwerf dop vir verdere besonderhede.

 

Planned Power Outage – Pacaltsdorp

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF PACALTSDORP-HARMONY PARK, HEATHER, ROSE, BACK, HAYDN STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  MONDAY 09 MAY 2022  FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 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 TUESDAY 10 MAY 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00