Author: Chantel Edwards

Owing to improved generation performance, loadshedding will remain suspended until 16:00 on Monday. Thereafter, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 on Tuesday. Loadshedding will then be suspended from 05:00 until 16:00 on Tuesday.

This pattern of suspending loadshedding from 05:00 until 16:00 and implementing Stage 2 loadshedding from 16:00 until 05:00, will be repeated daily until further notice. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:
Sunday 08/10/2023
None

Monday 09/10/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 10/10/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Wednesday 11/10/2023
02:00 – 04:30

Thursday 12/10/2023
02:00 – 04:30

Friday 13/10/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Sunday 08/10/2023
None

Monday 09/10/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 10/10/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Wednesday 11/10/2023
None

Thursday 12/10/2023
None

Friday 13/10/2023
19:00 – 21:30

A burst on a 110mm distribution pipeline has caused damage to the 300 mm bulk pipeline. Municipal teams have been on site most of the day trying to isolate the 300mm before work proceeds on the 110mm. Wet weather conditions have hampered the excavations.

Affected streets include: Dennegeur Avenue, 6th Avenue, 7th Avenue, Steinbok Street, Dassie Street, 9th Avenue

Complications with the repair have extended repair time by a further 5-6 hours.

Water tanker will continue to roam in the affected area.
We apologize for the inconvenience.

Issued George Municipality

In order to allow further replenishment of the pumped storage dams, Stage 2 loadshedding will continue until 05:00 on Saturday morning. Thereafter, Stage 1 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 05:00 on Sunday. On Sunday, loadshedding will be suspended from 05:00 until 16:00. Stage 1 loadshedding will then resume from 16:00 until 05:00 on Monday. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur. An update on the week ahead will be shared on Sunday.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 06/10/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
04:00 – 06:30

Sunday 08/10/2023
None

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 06/10/2023
23:00 – 01:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
07:00 – 09:30

Sunday 08/10/2023
16:00 – 17:30

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As a result of the loss of four generation units and the need to replenish reserves in preparation for the week ahead, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Friday until further notice. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 06/10/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
04:00 – 06:30

Sunday 08/10/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 06/10/2023
23:00 – 01:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
07:00 – 09:30

Sunday 08/10/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30

ROTATIONAL SWITCH ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – reduce power to avoid network tripping

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly after power returns. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding.

Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

The public is advised that the Gwaing Landfill Site and Transfer Station are closed until further notice following a fire late yesterday afternoon.

Black Bag Collection will be DELAYED for today, Friday 6 October.
Blue Bags will be collected.
Green Bags will NOT be collected until further notice.

Updates will be provided. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The Western Cape Provincial government has authorized a sum total of R88.185 million rand from the Provincial Unforeseen and Unavoidable Reserve Fund to assist municipalities with the unforeseen and immediate impact of prolonged load-shedding on water and wastewater services.

In terms of this allocated Funding, George Municipality has received the sum of R14 220 000 (VAT included) as a contribution toward the purchase and installation of back-up energy supply. This back-up supply can include generators, renewable power sources, batteries and all ancillary costs associated with the installation thereof for example,  switch gear, safe keeping, caging etc. for water and wastewater infrastructure.

This grant funding will assist the George Municipality in ensuring a healthy environment and to continue with the provision of basic services to our citizens and businesses during the current load-shedding.

The municipality is in process of purchasing emergency diesel generators that will be placed strategically as follows:

Water Treatment Works
Haarlem WTW  (+_ 150kVA diesel generator)
Uniondale WTW (+- 200kVA diesel generator)

Waste Water Treatment Works
Uniondale WWTW (+_ 200 kVA diesel generator)
Kleinkrantz WWTW (+_ 300 kVA diesel generator)
Outeniqua WWTW (+_ 1000 kVA diesel generator)

Progress to Date:
The generator for the Haarlem Water Treatment facility was successfully delivered, installed, tested and commissioned at the end of September 2023.  The generators for Uniondale Water and Wastewater treatment facilities and Kleinkrantz Wastewater Treatment facility were delivered successfully at the end of September 2023.  The installations, testing and commissioning are scheduled for October/November 2023. Due to the size of the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment facility`s backup generator a separate procurement process had to be followed and is near completion.  In summary, the overall project progress is as follow:

Procurement Phase:  
Appointment of Consultant ( Complete ) – 100%
Appointment of Contractor: Haarlem WTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Uniondale WTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Uniondale WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Kleinkrantz WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%Outeniqua WWTW ( In Progress ) – 90%

Construction Phase:  
Haarlem WTW ( ± 150 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%
Uniondale WTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 70%
Uniondale WWTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 70%
Kleinkrantz WWTW ( ± 300 kVA diesel generator ) – 70%
Outeniqua WWTW ( ± 1 000 kVA + 650 kVA diesel generator ) – 0%

The total project expenditure to date (as at end of September 2023) is approximately 37.6% of the current funding allocation.

Link to further information on how George Municipality is trying to mitigate the impact of load-shedding for George. https://www.george.gov.za/what-is-george-municipality-doing-to-alleviate-eskom-loadshedding-and-other-renewable-energy-projects/

The George Municipality is currently experiencing multiple water network failures. Network adjustments had to be made due to the pipe failures. The higher pressure put on the alternate route has resulted in changes to the water colour.
The Municipality is in the process of flushing the system to get rid of the discoloured water.
The discoloured water is safe for bathing and showering, however before drinking we advise that it should be boiled.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Owing to the stable electricity demand and generation performance, the current pattern where loadshedding is implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 the following day and suspended from 05:00 until 16:00, will continue daily until further notice. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:
Wednesday 04/10/2023
None

Thursday 05/10/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Friday 06/10/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
04:00 – 05:00

Sunday 08/10/2023
04:00 – 05:00

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Wednesday 04/10/2023
17:00 – 19:30

Thursday 05/10/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Friday 06/10/2023
23:00 – 01:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
None

Sunday 08/10/2023
None

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY DURING REPAIRS

A major bulk pipeline burst is affecting most of Thembalethu areas which are fed from the Thembalethu Tower. Municipal teams are on site and working on the fault.

The estimated time of repair is 2 hours.

Tankers are located as follows:
1 x Thusong Centre
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7PsUskrnWpnuNVPG7

1x Roaming in Zone 1
1x Roaming in Zone 9

George Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience.

NOTICE  OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF PINEDEW – LANGVLEI DUNES

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  THURSDAY 05 OCTOBER  2023  FROM  09H00 TO 16H30 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
FRIDAY 06 OCTOBER  2023 FROM  09H00 TO 16H30

Issued George Municipality, 26 September @ 16h45

George Municipal teams have exhausted all possible options in providing sufficient pressure to Skuinsbank Street. The cause appears to be a pipe that has collapsed or an undetected valve collapse.

Upgrade 1: The George Municipal team is in the process of connecting high pressure lines from Vaalkom to Skuinsbank Street.

Upgrade 2: The contractor is installing a new water supply line from the upper area of Rooidraai to Skuinsbank Street.

Both the George Municipal and Contracting teams will work through the night to provide Skuinsbank Street with sufficient pressure. Please note the water may be shut off intermittently during the repairs.

Herold’s Bay residents outside of Skuinsbank Street who may experience no water or low pressure are urged to contact the following numbers 044 801 9260/ 62/ 66 during work hours and 044 8016300 After hours to report.

George Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience caused to residents.

Eskom will resume loadshedding at 16H00  on Wednesday 27 September for George and Wilderness.

George and Wilderness will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 26/09/2023
NONE

Wednesday 27/09/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Thursday 28/09/2023
02:00 – 04:30
18:00 – 20:30

Friday 30/09/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 26/09/2023
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Wednesday 27/09/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Thursday 28/09/2023
05:00 – 07:30
21:00 – 23:30

Friday 29/09/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30

ROTATIONAL SWITCH ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – reduce power to avoid network tripping
Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly after power returns. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding.

Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – 10 September @ 17h00
Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Monday. Thereafter, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 5:00 until 16:00.

George will be affected as follows:
Sunday 10/09/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Monday 11/09/2023
02:00 – 04:30
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 12/09/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Wednesday 13/09/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Sunday 10/09/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Monday 11/09/2023
05:00 – 07:30
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 12/09/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Wednesday 13/09/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly when power returns after a 4-hour loadshedding slot. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.

Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by onand not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

Due to the recovery of some generation units whilst planned maintenance is still underway, Stage 5 loadshedding was implemented at 05:00 today and will continue until 05:00 on Saturday. Thereafter, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00, followed by Stage 4 loadshedding from 16:00 until 05:00 on Sunday.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 08/09/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Saturday 09/09/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Sunday 10/09/2023
02:00 – 04:30
18:00 – 20:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 08/09/2023
15:00 – 19:30 **
23:00 – 01:30

Saturday 09/09/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Sunday 10/09/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly when power returns after a 4-hour loadshedding slot. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.
Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF MODDERRIVIER LINE US 32 REDBERRY FARM

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 08SEPTEMBER 2023 FROM 09H00 TO16H30 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 11 SEPTEMBER 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30

With the increase in generation planned maintenance, as previously communicated and the loss of a further two generation units today, Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Tuesday until further notice.

NUMBER OF AREAS REMAIN OFF DUE TO EXCESSIVE LOADING – 18H50
Please note that there are still quite a few areas off due to excessive loading. Areas will be restored as capacity becomes available.

George will be affected as follows:
Monday 04/09/2023
22:00 – 00:30

Tuesday 05/09/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 16:30 **
20:00 – 00:30 **

Wednesday 06/09/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 00:30 **

Thursday 07/09/2023
04:00 – 08:30 **
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Friday 08/09/2023
04:00 – 08:30 **
12:00 – 16:30 **
20:00 – 22:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Monday 04/09/2023
17:00 – 21:30 **

Tuesday 05/09/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 19:30 **
23:00 – 03:30 **

Wednesday 06/09/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 03:30 **

Thursday 07/09/2023
07:00 – 11:30 **
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Friday 08/09/2023
07:00 – 11:30 **
15:00 – 19:30 **
23:00 – 01:30

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly when power returns after a 4-hour loadshedding slot. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.

Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

The Western Cape Provincial government has authorized a sum total of R88.185 million rand from the Provincial Unforeseen and Unavoidable Reserve Fund to assist municipalities with the unforeseen and immediate impact of prolonged load-shedding on water and wastewater services.In terms of this allocated Funding, George Municipality has received the sum of R14 220 000 (VAT included) as a contribution toward the purchase and installation of back-up energy supply. This back-up supply can include generators, renewable power sources, batteries and all ancillary costs associated with the installation thereof for example,  switch gear, safe keeping, caging etc. for water and wastewater infrastructure. This grant funding will assist the George Municipality in ensuring a healthy environment and to continue with the provision of basic services to our citizens and businesses during the current load-shedding.

The municipality is in process of purchasing emergency diesel generators that will be placed strategically as follows:
Water Treatment Works
Haarlem WTW  (+_ 150kVA diesel generator)
Uniondale WTW (+- 200kVA diesel generator)

Waste Water Treatment Works
Uniondale WWTW (+_ 200 kVA diesel generator)
Kleinkrantz WWTW (+_ 300 kVA diesel generator)
Outeniqua WWTW (+_ 1000 kVA diesel generator)

Progress to Date:
A Professional Engineering Consultant was appointed to assist the George Municipality with the design, procurement, and implementation of the backup generator units.  The municipality has to date (August 2023) completed the procurement of the contractors required to construct the Generators required for Haarlem and Uniondale water treatment facilities; and Uniondale and Kleinkrantz wastewater treatment facilities.   Due to the size of the Outeniqua wastewater treatment facility`s backup generator a separate procurement process had to be followed and is underway.

It is furthermore to be noted that generator equipment in general is a long lead item, and therefore the delivery times associated therewith are very much dependent on the stock availability on same.    In this regard the major risk foreseen at this stage is a delay in timeous completion of the project because of the knock-on effect due external factors affecting and delaying the delivery time of equipment, i.e., shipping of imported components, strikes / shutdowns, etc, as well as any delay in the Outeniqua WWTW generator tender process.  In summary, the overall project progress is as follow:

Procurement Phase:   Appointment of Consultant ( Complete ) – 100%

1. Appointment of Contractor: Haarlem WTW ( Complete ) – 100%
2. Uniondale WTW ( Complete ) – 100%
3. Uniondale WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%
4. Kleinkrantz WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%
5. Outeniqua WWTW ( In Progress ) – 80%

Construction Phase:   Haarlem WTW ( ± 150 kVA diesel generator ) – 80%

1. Uniondale WTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 50%
2. Uniondale WWTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 50%
3. Kleinkrantz WWTW ( ± 300 kVA diesel generator ) – 60%
4. Outeniqua WWTW ( ± 1 000 kVA + 650 kVA diesel generator ) – 0%

The total project expenditure to date (as at end of August 2023) is approximately 24.8% of the current funding allocation. Approval has been granted by the Western Cape Provincial Government for the rollover of funding to the 2023/24 financial year.

Other Load Shedding initiatives Implemented by George Municipality:
Battery energy storage is planned for all the Water and Waste-Water Treatment Plants as well as the Sewer Pump stations in order to reduce the diesel costs. The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) deployment is being fast-tracked to save costs over the long run. The intention is to deploy BESS of more than 100MWh for the city using a phased-in approach. The city is currently in the process of feasibility studies for the BESS deployment, to assess the technical, environmental, economic and practical feasibility for installation and integration into the distribution network. These studies will further inform the city on the deployment strategy to undertake as it strives to reduce reliance from Eskom.

Link to further information on how George Municipality is trying to mitigate the impact of load-shedding for George. https://www.george.gov.za/george-municipality-installs-generators-to-protect-its-infrastructure-against-loadshedding/Regards