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Author: Chantel Edwards

PUBLIC NOTICE: SMART Water Meter Billing Explained

Meter Reading Interval Period
Once your SMART Water Meter has been installed you may note that your municipal account reflects a higher-than-normal level of water consumption which results in higher billing charges. This is caused by the change in the meter reading interval period, from the old meter to the new meters.

To address this challenge, George Municipality will implement a maximum interval period of 35 days, and this will be applied from the November 2023 monthly billing onwards.  This interval period will be applied for a number of months until the interval period is aligned to the monthly reading date of the 15th of each month. This will prevent higher consumption charges due to the rising block tariff.

Old Meter Reading
After installation, there is an administrative changeover which links the SMART Water Meter to your account. In isolated cases some consumers with a SMART Water Meter have been billed on an estimate of the old meter where this changeover has not taken place yet.

To ensure that billing is undertaken correctly and accurately, please expect to see Meter Readers still come through to check the SMART water meter readings during the changeover process until the integration of the billing system with the electronic meter data is complete.

When will I be able to reconcile my account to the consumption readings on my SMART water meter?
This process might take up to 3 months or longer, this is due to the administrative changeover process after installation until the integration of the billing system with the electronic meter data is completed.

What if I was already billed at a higher-than-normal consumption due to a longer interval period?
Please contact our Finance Department for assistance in rectifying your billing, on 044 801 9111 or 072 501 1843 after hours or e-mail accounts@george.gov.za

When can I register my NEW SMART Water Meter?
Residents can register their new SMART Water Meter to track their own daily water consumption, respond to leakage alerts and manage multiple meters in one space. As the resident you will receive high usage warnings via SMS and Email and the near real-time consumption allows you to understand exactly where and when you are using water right now. Immediately after installation, please proceed to register your SMART  water meter by following the link to the SMART WATER METER Registration Page or by downloading the Ontec George Home App from Google Play Store or iStore. The Ontec George Home App will guide you on the steps to be taken to register.

For queries related to the smart meter registration process please contact Ontec at 044 873 5474
For any queries related to meter readings and billing please contact George Municipality Financial department at 044 801 9111 or 072 501 1843 after hours or e-mail accounts@george.gov.za

PUBLIC NOTICE – Natis is offline

The public is advised that the E-Natis system is currently offline throughout the country. Our MVR (Registering) Offices at Hibernia St and Blanco Drive-through are therefore unable to process documentation. Updates will be provided.

Issued George Municipality, 31 October 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE: INSPECTION OF ILLEGAL STORMWATER CONNECTIONS INTO HOUSEHOLD DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
DENNEOORD, PANORAMA, LOERIE PARK AND BERGSIG

Illegal connections cause a significant amount of rainwater to enter the sewer system resulting in overflowing manholes and pumpstations. The overflow ultimately ends up in low-lying areas or rivers, and in turn places a considerable amount of strain on the Municipality’s operational requirements in order to maintain service delivery.

Illegal connection – An illegal connection is a connection that permits rainwater, stormwater or subsurface water to enter the sewer network system via the household drainage system. Illegal connections include connections of gutter downpipes, sump pumps and paved/hard surfaces directing rainwater into gullies, rodding eyes or manholes.

Water and Sanitation Services By-Laws section 60 (7) –  No rainwater or stormwater, and no effluent other than an effluent that has been approved by the Municipality, may be discharged into a drainage installation.

NOTICE of inspections at houses in area will commence from Tuesday,  31 OCTOBER 2023

GEORGE TOURISM AT IGTM

In the photograph from left: Lana Carls from Wesgro,  Mmamokwena Gaoretelelwe  the South African Ambassador for the Embassy in Lisbon, and  Joan Shaw from George Tourism.

Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager of George Municipality, is attending the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) 2023 at the FIL Feira International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 October 2023, to promote golf tourism for George and the greater Garden Route. In collaboration with Wesgro and the Garden Route District Municipality, and with the support of Fancourt and the George Golf Club, George is represented as a prominent golfing destination on the South Africa pavilion.

Influencing since 1998, IGTM takes place in a different location every year to provide the global golf travel industry with a platform to conduct business and gain valuable industry insights. Combining the top-producing private travel agents and known tour operators with world-leading golf courses, destinations, and resorts, this is where new business opportunities are created. Golf courses and destinations visit the show, primarily to increase golf traveller numbers and drive industry revenue.

George has always been famous for its rich golf offering, and for the past few years, George’s marketing has focussed on the other sixty or so activities that are available in George, Wilderness and Uniondale. However, since golf is such a strong driver for tourism and the return of the traditional UK and German markets has been lagging, it is time to put golf travel back in the spotlight to attract lucrative new markets to the area.

George Tourism is marketing the entire region, with a focus on George and golf, and sharing all the other activities and news from the area with tour operators and media. Participants are attending a long line-up of meetings, informative talks on subjects such as how to attract new markets and how to structure packages that consumers will find attractive. Meetings have been held with various media agencies, and Wesgro is encouraging representatives from new markets to apply for familiarisation trips to the region so they can experience the destination first-hand.

Speaking from Lisbon, Joan Shaw says “It is so exciting to be at a marketing show where many regular golf tour operators from the traditional markets already know the area, and  to meet many new operators who are looking to move into new markets such as South Africa, who also won the Germany’s Pro Golf International Golf Destination of the Year for 2024, at IGTM”.

Complimentary products on the South African pavilion include Fancourt, de Zalze and Arabella golf estates, Sun International, PRO Golf Safari’s, Adore Africa, Globe Travel and Rovos Rail.

Interesting golf-related presentations and workshops taking place at IGTM 2023.

Planned Power Outage – Portion of Rosemore, 2 November 2023

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE
NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

 

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF ROSEMORE
PARSON & MITCHELL BAKER STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 02 NOVEMBER  2023  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 FRIDAY 03 NOVEMBER  2023 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00

 

GO GEORGE: First route to Thembalethu rolling next weekend

 

In a joint statement released today, the Western Cape Government and George Municipality announced that the first route of the GO GEORGE bus service to Thembalethu will roll out on Sunday 5 November 2023.

It was decided to start out with one route, Route 18A from Thembalethu to Blanco. More routes will continually be rolled out until all the planned Thembalethu routes have been activated, responsibly introducing buses into the congestion at the roadworks on the N2/Thembalethu bridge.

According to George Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, the current roll-out plan was well-thought-out to cause minimum disruption while at last bringing the desired bus service to this area. “We owe the people of Thembalethu this safe and reliable service which will also save them a lot of transport money. We’ll do everything in our power to make a success of this roll-out so that the rest of the routes can follow soon thereafter,” he said.

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, MEC Ricardo Mackenzie expressed his whole-hearted support for the roll-out. “I am delighted that we have now come this far and want to thank all role-players and community leaders for their cooperation and support to make this dream come true. It was long overdue,” he said.

Thembalethu Smart Card kiosk open for business
A fixed Smart Card kiosk next to Truns in Nelson Mandela Boulevard will open for business on Monday 30 October. Two mobile Smart Card kiosks will be parked at Fourways and the Jonga circle, providing the same services.

Prospective passengers are encouraged to purchase their Smart Cards and load trips in time for roll-out. Communication champions will be available at the same locations to answer questions and guide passengers regarding the service in Thembalethu.

A special section about the Thembalethu service can be found on the home page of the website, www.gogeorge.org.za. Anyone who would like more information on the Thembalethu service can call the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week.

 

Update on storm surge repairs at beaches


Retaining Wall in process of being rebuilt at Herold’s Bay.

Following high spring tides that hit the coastal areas of George over weekend of 17 September, George Municipality immediately started with clean-up efforts on the Monday.  Municipal infrastructure damaged at the various beaches which included a sewerage pumpstation, water pipelines, stand-by generators, electrical substations and flooded ablution buildings were all either replaced, cleaned or restored and services returned within the week of the damage.

Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness Leentjiesklip and Wilderness main beach were all closed for a few days while the restoration took place and reopened on Friday 22 September to the public.

Deep sand deposits were cleared off the coastal roads of Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Leentjiesklip and the N2 Wilderness bridge as quickly as possible using graders. Damage to beach furniture, signage,  wooden walkways, lifeguard towers, bridges, roadways, sidewalks and retaining walls required detailed assessments for rebuilding or repair.

Our Civil Engineering Services and Community Services: Parks and Recreation directorates have done a sterling job in restoring all of the beaches as quickly as possible in readiness for the launch of the Blue Flag Season, which was held at Wilderness last week Friday, 20 October 2023. The intention is to have all of the damage repaired prior to the start of the festive season for 2023 with the Blue Flag season starting on 1 December 2023 – 31 January 2024.

Repair work to sidewalks at Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay.

George Weekend Wrap – weather related incidents update

Roads Update
All roads are currently open and free-flowing following a mudslide and fallen tree on the N2 (Kaaiman’s Pass / Far Hills)

NOTE Please use Saasveld / Seven Passes with extreme caution.
Kindly report any visible damage to road surfaces to 044 801 9262/6

Water Outages
All pipe bursts have been repaired and water has been restored.
Should any residents not have water, please report to Water leaks, pipe bursts, sewerage: 044 801 9262/6

Storm Drains
Fifty-seven (57) complaints were received following the heavy rainfall and by 8pm Sunday night fifty (50) blockages had been cleared and two (2) gravel roads had been repaired. Please report any blocked stormwater drains to  044 801 9262/6

Power Outages
A portion of Ballots Bay remains without power following the subsidence of ground around an electrical pole in Thembalethu. Teams have returned to the site to continue with repairs and an ETR will be provided as soon as possible.

Wilderness Heights – terrain issues are making the repair extremely difficult. Teams have returned to site to continue with repairs and an ETR will be provided as soon as possible.

Assistance to flooded homes/areas
250 pieces of Gumplast were issued to 25 areas within George, as a temporary measure to assist over the weekend to those residences which qualified in terms of the Municipal Emergency and Accommodation Assistance Policy.

Gwaiing Landfill Site
The landfill site is open but please proceed with caution as the road is slippery following extreme weather conditions this weekend.

For emergencies please contact any of the following numbers:
TOLL FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300
FIRE ONLY 044 8016311

We thank the residents for their cooperation and patience during this situation.

EMERGENCY ROADS UPDATE – GEORGE, 11h30

EMERGENCY ROADS UPDATE – GEORGE, 11H36

STOP AND GO IN PLACE at Kaaiman’s Pass following mudslide. One lane has been opened and a stop and go is activated. Traffic is moving slowly and motorists are requested to proceed with extreme caution.

SAASVELD ROAD
Closed to due fallen trees and remains inaccessible. SANRAL is addressing the problem.

Other Roads
Heavy rain conditions are impacting roads throughout George and surrounds.
Motorists are warned to travel with caution and to avoid being on the roads unless absolutely necessary. Please do not attempt to cross low-lying bridges or flooded roads or bridges but rather use alternative routes.

Avoid low-lying areas and bridges
Our emergency personnel appeal to people living in low-lying areas to take special care during this time. They should monitor the rising water levels and evacuate to a safer place or higher area when the water level rises.

For emergencies please contact any of the following numbers:
TOLL FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300
Cellphone 1: 074 6218737
Cellphone2: 074 423 8635

We thank the residents for their cooperation and patience during this situation.

George has three blue flag beaches, one pilot and a Green Coast Award for 2023/24 Festive Season

Proudly holding the Green Coast Flag and Award for Gwaiing Beach and River Mouth are from left Kerry Maclean, WESSA Senior Project Manager; Ald Leon Van Wyk; Janssen Davies, WESSA Chairman; Helena Atkinson, WESSA CEO; Dawie Adonis, Director for Community Services; Ward 4 Councillor Marlene Viljoen and Municipal Manager for George, Dr Michele Gratz.

George Municipality was the proud recipient of three blue flags at the national launch hosted by George Municipality at Salina’s Wilderness today, 20 October 2023. Wilderness and Herold’s Bay beaches retained Blue flag status, Victoria Bay beach was awarded Blue Flag after being a pilot beach for two years and the new pilot blue flag was awarded to Leentjiesklip beach.  Gwaiing Beach and River Mouth has been awarded a Green Coast Award for the 2023/24 festive season. The Green Coast Award, officially launched in 2017, is an annual award programme that recognises inclusive and sustainable management at less developed coastal sites with high biodiversity value.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk the keynote speaker for the event, accompanied by Ward 4 Cllr Marlene Viljoen, Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz and Director for Community Services, Dawie Adonis took receipt of the flags and certifications at the launch. Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services. In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA).

Dr Gratz said Blue Flag status offered many benefits including improved tourism facilities, enhanced management of coastal ecosystems, increased awareness of the coast and capacity building of coastal municipalities. “Blue Flag status has significant international merit, and the achievement of such accolades is important to stimulate and confirm international and high-end interest in the city and district as a desirable, quality tourism and lifestyle destination. We thank SANParks Garden Route National Park who shares jurisdiction of Wilderness beach with the George Municipality.”

The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2023 to 31 January 2024. Compliance includes high standards of water quality monitoring, public safety and lifeguard services, and well-maintained coastal amenities. South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag programme since 2001.

Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz in thanking everyone who attended the event noted that participation in the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards is an honour. She also thanked attending George Municipal officials for the hard work and effort they have put in toward the hosting of the event as well as the preparation of the beaches so soon after the damage caused by the storm surges in early September this year.

 

ABOUT BLUE FLAG:

  • The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
  • In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
  • With over 4500 sites in over 45 countries around the world, Blue Flag is actively contributing to the sustainable development goals. Blue Flag also campaigns against disparity, inequality, unemployment, health threats, depletion of natural resources, environmental threats, pollution and general environmental degradation.
  • In South Africa, Blue Flag has been operational since 2001 and has proud municipal, marina and tourism boat partners in 18 coastal municipalities around the country.
  • Blue Flag is voluntary, which shows a very strong commitment to environmental sustainability from those municipalities, marinas and tourism boat operators that are awarded annually. All properties and companies that apply for the Blue Flag award are assessed by a South African National Jury as well as by the Blue Flag International Jury in Europe.

 

ABOUT GREEN COAST:

  • Based on the success of the Blue Flag eco-label and the recognition that Blue Flag is only applicable to a limited stretch of urban coastline, WESSA developed a second coastal award for implementation along South Africa’s coastline. The Green Coast Award, officially launched in 2017, is an annual award programme that recognises inclusive and sustainable management at less developed coastal sites with high biodiversity value.
  • Green Coast is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and local public participation in coastal management. Successful coastal sites achieve Green Coast status by meeting a set of criteria that are designed to ensure environmental, developmental and participatory standards are continually maintained and improved. Where possible, Green Coast sites aim to include a resident’s association or public group who can mobilise active citizens to participate in the management of the site. The Green Coast criteria include aspects of basic ecological monitoring, encouraging citizen science initiatives that empower communities for civic action and influence localized decision making. Coastal areas with Green Coast status appeal to a specific sector of the tourism market who are looking for experiences in adventure, outdoor living, and nature tourism along our coastline. The Green Coast award assists these sites by putting them on the tourism map and promoting them all under one national eco-label.

Receiving the Blue Flags for Wilderness Beach, Victoria Bay Beach and Herold’s Bay Beach are from left Ald Leon Van Wyk;  Helena Atkinson, WESSA CEO; Dawie Adonis, Director for Community Services; Ward 4 Councillor Marlene Viljoen and Municipal Manager for George, Dr Michele Gratz.

 

Training for GO GEORGE bus drivers on Thembalethu routes

In preparation for the roll-out of the GO GEORGE bus service to Thembalethu, bus drivers will do route training in the area on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 October, and again from Monday to Wednesday next week (23 to 25 October).
Prospective passengers must note that these are only training trips on some routes in preparation for the big day and that buses will not be boarding passengers.

Roll-out in stages
It was announced earlier that the Thembalethu service will be rolled out in three stages. Considering the current traffic congestion on the N2 bridge and Nelson Mandela Boulevard due to roadworks, a more staggered approach will be followed, with a gradual phase-in of more routes as part of a controlled roll-out plan.

The latest plan is to start with one route between Thembalethu and Blanco (R18A) during stage one. The exact roll-out date will be announced soon.

Thembalethu routes
Once the full service to Thembalethu has been rolled out, 10 main routes will transport passengers from Thembalethu to other areas in town and five community routes will crisscross inside Thembalethu, making it easy to travel within the area or to join one of the main routes.

For any enquiries, please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or follow the GO GEORGE Facebook page to stay updated with developments.

 

GO GEORGE bus drivers will start training on certain routes in Thembalethu this week, commencing with Route 18A (Thembalethu – Blanco).

UPDATE ON BULK WATER SUPPLY PIPELINE FAILURE, 9 October @ 09h45

Excavation on the 500mm Caledon bulk water supply pipeline has resumed this morning although the saturated soil continues to be problematic. No ETR can be given on the repairs at this time.

Another pipeline in Botanical Gardens also failed this morning resulting in loss of water in the Bo-Dorp and George Central. Work has begun on the pipe and ETR is 5 hours.

A water tanker will roam in the affected areas.

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY

PUBLIC NOTICE: Closure of Transfer Station and status of Gwaing Landfill Site

The public is advised that the Transfer Station remains closed until further notice following a fire last week.

The Gwaing Landfill Site will be open subject to the condition of the access road which goes up to the landfill area.

REFUSE COLLECTION
Black Bags will be collected, but there may be delays.
Blue Bags will be collected.
Green Bags (garden refuse) collection is suspended until Tuesday 10 October and will resume on Wednesday 11 October.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

UPDATE ON CALEDON BULK WATER SUPPLY PIPELINE FAILURE, 8 October

 

Excavation on the 500mm Caledon bulk water supply pipeline has proved extremely difficult due to saturated soil from 2 days of rain and overflow from nearby stream. Heavy machinery approaching site may damage pipe further due to the soft soil. Repairs will continue on Monday once water drains from soil.

We have no reports of areas without water, only a few with low water pressure. Any residents who have NO water must please report to our After Hours Number 044 801 6300 with your address.

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY
issued George Municipality

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE, Sunday , 08 October 2023

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

 

UPDATE ON WATER OUTAGE – Denneoord Pipe Burst, 7 October @ 20h00

 

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

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE, Friday, 06 October 2023, 15h15

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

***************************************************************************

 

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/