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Author: Debra Sauer

Public Notice: Stakeholders visit Garden Route in Covid-19 Awareness Programme

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), together with other stakeholders such as Western Cape Government Health, South African Police Services (SAPS), and municipal officials have embarked on a combined initiative to support the COVID-19 Awareness Programme in the Garden Route. This is an intergovernmental initiative that was arranged as part of the Western Cape Government’s Hotspot Strategy.

SANDF will move through Garden Route towns doing COVID-19 awareness education as well as Level 2 lockdown enforcement with SAPS.
SANDF medical health services will provide health screenings and referral if necessary. The team is currently in Mossel Bay.

Multi-journey top-ups on Smart Card much cheaper

Multi-journey top-ups on Smart Card much cheaper

Issued Wednesday 26 August 2020

 

Buying bulk is the smart choice when you top up your Smart Card with bus trips – it’s much cheaper and more convenient too. Top up before you have completely run out of trips, and do so when you’re not in a rush to get to work or school.

This is the core message conveyed by the GO GEORGE communication team during their current awareness campaign to discourage passengers from loading only one day’s trips on their cards at a time.

Cheaper the more you buy

Smart Card trips bought in bundles of 10 or more cost R10 per trip, single trips cost R12, and bundles of two to eight trips cost R11 per trip. A passenger who uses the bus six days per week, could save up to R104 per month by buying bundles of 10 trips and more, instead of loading one trip at a time.

Trips on the Smart Card never expire, so there is no risk of losing trips, even if you don’t travel regularly.

Top up in time

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

Smart Card kiosks are open from 05:00 until 20:00 and are situated at the George Transport Hub in Cradock Street, in York Street next to the Civic Centre, at the Blanco Triangle and at the Garden Route Mall. The kiosks sell Smart Cards and do top-ups.

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

 

CAPTIONS:

Informing passengers 1

Teams of GO GEORGE communication champions are currently engaging with passengers to advise them on the benefits of buying multiple trips at a time. Passengers waiting for their bus in Cradock Street – maintaining safe social distance – are listening attentively to champion Nomsa Ginyigazi explaining the potential savings.

 

 

Multirit-aankope op Slimkaart heelwat goedkoper

Uitgereik Maandag 24 Augustus 2020

 

Om bundels met 10 of meer ritte te koop, is die slim keuse wanneer jy jou Slimkaart herlaai – dit is baie goedkoper én boonop geriefliker. Herlaai voordat jy geen ritte op jou kaart oor het nie, en doen dit wanneer jy nie haastig is om by die werk of skool te kom nie.

Dit is die kernboodskap van die GO GEORGE-kommunikasiespan tydens hul huidige bewusmakingsveldtog om passasiers te ontmoedig om slegs een dag se ritte op ’n slag op hul kaarte te laai.

Goedkoper hoe meer jy koop

Slimkaartritte wat in bondels van 10 of meer gekoop word, kos R10 per rit, enkelritte kos R12, en bondels van twee tot agt ritte kos R11 per rit. ‘n Passasier wat die bus ses dae per week gebruik, kan tot R104 per maand bespaar deur bondels van 10 ritte en meer te koop, pleks van een rit op ‘n slag op die kaart te laai.

Ritte op die Slimkaart verval nooit nie, dus is daar geen risiko om ritte te verloor nie, selfs al gebruik jy die bus nie gereeld nie.

Herlaai betyds

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

Slimkaartkioks is oop vanaf 05:00 tot 20:00 en is geleë by die George Vervoerkern (Hub) in Cradockstraat, langs die burgersentrum in Yorkstraat, by die Blanco-driehoek en by die Garden Route Mall. Die kiosks verkoop Slimkaarte én herlaai kaarte met ritte.

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

ONDERSKRIFTE:

 

Informing passengers 1

Spanne GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes beweeg tans tussen passasiers om hulle in te lig oor die voordele van die aankoop van groter bondels ritte op ‘n slag. Hier luister passasiers aandagtig na Nomsa Ginyigazi wat die potensiële besparings verduidelik terwyl hulle op ’n veilige afstand van mekaar wag vir hul bus in Cradockstraat.

 

GO GEORGE phasing out reduced service

GO GEORGE PHASING OUT REDUCED SERVICE
Normal timetables, more routes and 100% capacity
Issued 27 August 2020
 
With the recent implementation of Level 2 of the national lockdown, GO GEORGE will start easing out the reduced service from Sunday 30 August 2020. The announcement follows in-depth discussions between stakeholders about the readiness of the bus service and available staff to return operations to the normal schedule.
 
On Sunday 30 August 2020, Route 24 CBD-Loerie Park-Mall will be reinstated and run according to the reduced timetable, along with the other currently active routes.
 
Capacity restrictions are lifted at the same time, with seated as well as standing passengers allowed until the bus has reached 100% capacity. Social distancing remains a safety measure in and around the buses and bus facilities. Passengers who do not feel comfortable getting onto a full bus are encouraged to take a later bus and not to travel during peak times if possible.
 
From Sunday 6 September 2020, the service will return to the normal timetables, but with the last trips of the day departing at 20:00 and not 21:00 as usual.
Three more routes will also return to service on 6 September: Route 61 Pacaltsdorp Community, Route 18 Parkdene – Blanco, and Route 13 City Loop. The two remaining inactive routes – 53B Rosemoor Express and 58 Heather Park Heatherlands – will only be reinstated at a later stage.
 
GO GEORGE safety measures still in place
Drivers and passengers are still required to wear masks on the bus and wash or sanitise their hands regularly. Dispensers with sanitiser have been installed on all buses for the convenience and safety of passengers.
At the George Link depot, the rigorous cleaning and sanitising regime stays unchanged with the interior of buses being sanitised before and after every duty.
 
To ensure good ventilation, all windows are opened when the buses leave the depot, and passengers are requested not to close windows, but rather dress warmly.
Mayor pays tribute to George Link
George Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, expressed the Municipality’s appreciation for the way the management and staff of George Link, the vehicle operating company for GO GEORGE, performed their duties under very difficult circumstances.
 
“The tenacity and commitment of every cleaner, technician, driver, planner, manager – every single staff member – deserve the respect of the George community,” Van Wyk said. “Some days, up to 70 staff members were absent from work; there were days when 60 drivers were off duty at the same time, either positive with the Covid-19 virus, or isolating because they had been in contact with infected people. Two drivers lost their lives – all in the line of duty. On behalf of our community, I thank every worker keeping the wheels rolling. Let’s acknowledge their sacrifice and do everything we can to keep ourselves and them safe by adhering to the safety measures, going back to an almost normal service.”
 
For more information, please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 where agents are on duty from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week. Alternatively, visit the GO GEORGE Facebook page for the latest service updates, or send an email to info@gogeorge.org.za.
 
CAPTION:
GO GEORGE buses will be returning to several routes that have been inactive since the beginning of lockdown in March, at the same time reverting to the normal timetables.
 
 
GO GEORGE LIG BEPERKTE DIENS
Sub-opskrif: Normale roosters, meer roetes en 100% kapasiteit
Uitgereik 27 Augustus 2020
 
Met die onlangse implementering van Vlak 2 van die nasionale inperking, sal GO GEORGE die beperkte diens vanaf Sondag 30 Augustus 2020 begin verlig. Die aankondiging volg op indringende gesprekke tussen belanghebbendes oor die gereedheid van die busdiens en beskikbare personeel om bedrywighede na die normale skedule terug te neem.
 
Op Sondag 30 Augustus 2020 sal Roete 24 CBD-Loerie Park-Mall heringestel word en volgens die beperkte rooster ry, soos die ander aktiewe roetes. Beperking op kapasiteit word terselfdertyd opgehef, met sittende sowel as staande passasiers wat toegelaat word totdat die bus 100% kapasiteit bereik het. Sosiale distansiëring bly ‘n veiligheidsmaatreël in en om die busse en busgeriewe.
 
Passasiers wat nie gemaklik voel om op ‘n vol bus te klim nie, word aangemoedig om ‘n later bus te neem en nie tydens spitstye te reis indien moontlik nie.
 
Vanaf Sondag 6 September 2020 sal die diens terugkeer na die normale roosters, maar met die laaste ritte van die dag wat om 20:00 vertrek en nie om 21:00 soos gewoonlik nie.
Nog drie roetes sal ook op 6 September teruggebring word: Roete 61 Pacaltsdorp Community, Roete 18 Parkdene – Blanco, en Roete 13 City Loop. Die twee oorblywende onaktiewe roetes – 53B Rosemoor Express en 58 Heather Park Heatherlands – sal eers later heringestel word.
 
GO GEORGE-veiligheidsmaatreëls steeds in plek
Bestuurders en passasiers moet steeds maskers dra op die bus en hul hande gereeld was of ontsmet. Houers met ontsmettingsmiddel is vir die gerief en veiligheid van passasiers op alle busse geïnstalleer.
 
By die George Link-depot bly die streng skoonmaak- en ontsmettingsroetine onveranderd met die binnekant van busse wat voor en ná elke diensrondte onsmet word.
 
Om goeie ventilasie te verseker, word alle vensters oopgemaak wanneer die busse die depot verlaat, en passasiers word versoek om nie die vensters toe te maak nie, maar eerder warm aan te trek.
 
Burgemeester bring hulde aan George Link
George se uitvoerende burgemeester, raadsheer Leon van Wyk, het die munisipaliteit se waardering uitgespreek vir die manier waarop die bestuur en personeel van George Link, die voertuigbedryfsmaatskappy vir GO GEORGE, hul pligte onder baie moeilike omstandighede verrig het.
“Die volharding en toewyding van elke skoonmaker, tegnikus, drywer, beplanner, bestuurder – elke enkele personeellid – verdien die respek van die George-gemeenskap,” het Van Wyk gesê. “Sommige dae was tot 70 personeellede afwesig van die werk; daar was dae dat 60 bestuurders terselfdertyd van diens af was, hetsy positief met die Covid-19-virus, of in isolasie omdat hulle in kontak was met siek mense. Twee bestuurders het hul lewens verloor in die uitvoering van hul pligte. Namens ons gemeenskap bedank ek elke werker wat die wiele aan die rol hou. Kom ons gee erkenning aan hul opoffering en doen alles wat ons kan om onsself én hulle veilig te hou deur by die veiligheidsmaatreëls te hou terwyl ons terugkeer na ‘n byna normale diens.”
 
Vir meer inligting, skakel gerus die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 waar agente van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week, aan diens is. Die jongste diensinligting is ook beskikbaar op die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad, of kan verkry word deur ‘n e-pos te stuur aan info@gogeorge.org.za.
 
Byskrif:
GO GEORGE-busse keer terug na verskeie roetes wat onaktief was sedert die begin van die nasionale inperking in Maart, terwyl die diens ook weer volgens die normale roosters sal funksioneer.

Trial for new way of doing Census underway

TRIAL FOR NEW WAY OF DOING CENSUS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY
 
If you live in Camphersdrift, Bo-Dorp, George South or Thembalethu in George, you can participate in a new online and dial-in Census Trial that is currently underway across South Africa.
 
The initiative is a test run by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) in preparation for Census 2021 and is investigating alternative ways of being counted in addition to or instead of house-to-house visits by census officials.
 
Registration can take place via your mobile phone or computer on https://getcounted.statssa.gov.za/#!/home or via toll-free phone number 0800 110 248.
 
The more people participate, the more information researchers can gain to ensure that processes are streamlined in time for the main project in 2021. Residents in the above areas are encouraged to participate to help test this safer, more cost-effective and international standard method. The closing date for registration is 6 September 2020.
 
Please see the attached brochure for more information.

Minister Simmers to conduct Covid awareness in George accompanied by Mayor van Wyk and others

 MINISTER TERTUIS SIMMERS TO CONDUCT COVID AWARENESS IN GEORGE

26 August 2020

Tomorrow, 27 August 2020, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, in his capacity as the Provincial Government’s lead in the covid response for the Garden Route, will conduct a Covid-19 awareness campaign in George.

 

Minister Simmers, who will be accompanied by the Garden Route District Mayor, Memory Booysen and the George Municipal Mayor, Leon van Wyk, along with various MAYCO members, Councillors and the Premier’s Community Liaison Officers (CLO’s) will be distributing masks and information pamphlets.

 

Minister Simmers said: “I’m looking forward to engaging residents and reminding them of the importance of adhering to all the covid regulations. It is critical that we continue keeping the spotlight on this virus, as we have to push the infection rate down. This is truer now, particularly since the alert level has been relaxed and more people can move around.”

 

DETAILS:

Date: Thursday, 27 August 2020

Time: 08:00 – 09:00

Venue/Meeting Point: Hypersave, Pacaltsdorp, George

George Municipality re-opens libraries

Issued on 25 August 2020

Most George Municipality libraries have opened on Monday, 24 August and adopted new work strategies to ensure a smooth and safe reintegration of services for staff and library users.
According to Rachel Williams: Manager: George Municipal Libraries, as libraries are grappling to provide services in safe, harmonious environments, library users will have to adapt to new approaches and service delivery methods that will be implemented to better safeguard the health and safety of both the library patrons and staff members. The Library Service has already started with a phased-in process whereby book returns were encouraged and welcomed by George Library. Rural Libraries such as Waboomskraal and Haarlem are also accepting books.
As from the 24th of August 2020 George Library and other branches have started to issue books to patrons on an appointment basis. This ensures a controlled and focused library service. Books that are returned are quarantined for 72 hours and sanitised according to national and provincial agreed on standards and indications. Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu libraries remain closed until further notice.
Please take note any library can be closed in short notice, according to Covid-19 protocol.

To enhance a smooth, organised and safe working environment, library hours have been reduced and the following measures will apply:

Library Operating hours
Avontuur Library
Ou Bains Road, Avontuur, 6490
Tel: 044 752 3351
E-mail: avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com
Monday, 12:00 – 15:00 Wednesday&Thursday
10:00 – 13:00 Tuesday
11:00 – 14:00 Friday

Blanco Library
George Avenue, Blanco, 6529
Tel: 044 870 7047
E-mail: gmblancobib@gmail.com
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday

Conville Library
Cnr Pienaar Street & Nelson Mandela Boulevard, Conville, 6529
Tel: 044 801 9320
E-mail: Jrhode1@george.gov.za
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday

George Library
Cnr David Road & Caledon Street, Camphersdrift, George, 6530
Tel: 044 8019288
E-mail: rwilliams@george.gov.za
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday
09:00 – 12:00 Saturday

Haarlem Library
Hope Street, Haarlem, 6467
Tel: 044 763 1023
E-mail: shonisemichels@yahoo.com
12:00 – 17:00 Monday, Thursday & Friday (12h:00 – 14:00 is behind closed doors)
14:00 – 17:00 Tuesday & Wednesday (10:00 to 12:00 behind closed doors)

Noll Library
c/o Dieprivier Primary School, Noll’s Ha Halt , George,6462
Tel: 044 745 1014
Email: dieprivierprim@gmail.com
12:00 – 15:00 Monday & Wednesday
09:00 – 12:00 Saturday

Pacaltsdorp Library
Mission Street (near Post office),Pacaltsdorp, 6534
Tel: 044 803 9340
E-mail: Pacsbib@george.org.za
Closed until further notice

Thembalethu Library
Bacela Street, Thembalethu, 6530
Tel: 044 803 9260
E-mail: Xakortman@george.gov.za
Closed until further notice

Touwsranten Library
Besterstraat, Touwsranten, 6538
Tel: 044 803 9285
E-mail: Touwsbib@george.org.za
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday

Uniondale Library
39 Voortrekker Street, Uniondale, 6460
Tel: 044 752 1024
E-mail: fortuinelton@yahoo.com
09:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday

Waboomskraal Library
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre, Waboomskraal , 6529
E-mail: angiefigeland@gmail.com
10:00 – 14:00 Monday – Friday

These services will be limited and will include the following
Issue and return of books;
Telephonic and e-mailed correspondence to assist with Research and Reference Services (bulk preparation of library
material)
Internet Services (2 people at any given time) – booking of Computer Stations is highly recommended and patrons
making use of this method will be given preference
No Children Services; Children Section closed at all Libraries. Adults
are allowed to take out books for children but no children under the age of 12 years old will be allowed in the libraries at this point.
Current awareness and educational displays
All staff and visitors must adhere to Covid-19 health and safety protocols (including wearing masks and cough
etiquette). Visitors who do not adhere to these will not be allowed to enter the library.

Visitor Information:
1. Library services are limited to borrowing and returning of library materials.
2. Please note amended opening hours
3. Wearing of masks is compulsory when entering any Library;
4. Sanitising of hands is compulsory when entering Library premises;
5. Access to the computer area will be restricted in compliance with the National regulations
6. Where possible, small children should not accompany their parents to the library.
7. Children services remain closed in compliance with regulations.
8. The study area in the library will be limited in compliance with regulations.
9. Note signage explaining access conditions and behaviour protocols (such as maintaining social distancing) at the
entrance and throughout the facility;
10. All library patrons should have their temperature read prior to entering the library; Visitors with a temperature of
37.5 º C, or above or any of the known Covid-19 symptoms, will be denied entry into the library.
11. Some libraries will allow patrons to borrow up to ten books for a period of one month.
12. Please feel free to approach any staff member if uncertain about any of our services.

Beaches reopen under Level 2, several improvements undertaken during lockdown

Issued George Municipality, 24th August 2020

The announcement that beaches have reopened under Covid Level 2 was met with great enthusiasm by the public. During the lockdown period, the Community Services Directorate has continued to work on improvements at the various facilities owned by the municipality. All of the beach ablution facilities which fall under George Municipality will have security gates installed in the new financial year, to prevent ongoing vandalism.

Beach goers are reminded that none of the beaches will have lifeguard services until 1 December when they will be on duty daily from 9 till 5. From the 15th of December they will be available from 7H00- 19h00 until the schools reopen in January 2021, there after they will be back to weekends only. All of these arrangements are COVID and Alert Level dependant and subject to change.

The Herold’s Bay tidal pool has received new stainless steel balustrades. Disabled toilets have been installed at Wilderness Beach which will allow for the application for full Blue Flag status to proceed prior to the December 2020 season.

Coastal plants have also been planted near the parking area to stop dune erosion and improve the aesthetics. Neat wooden huts have been installed at Victoria Bay and Gwaing Beach for municipal officials. A lean to with two picnic beaches has been erected to provide shade for beachgoers at Leentjiesklip, after the large milkwood tree there unfortunately fell over. The braai facilities at Gwaing Beach have also been upgraded.

Projects for the new financial year include upgrades to the caravan park at Gwaing that include the extension of the caravan site (which is subject to the Section 24 G application), the installation of wheelchair friendly ablutions, the upgrading of the wash-up and ironing facilities, the upgrading of the ablutions at the beach and the installation of access control boom gates for the caravan park. At Leentjiesklip the empty showers that are not operational will be converted into additional toilet facilities. The caravan park at Herolds Bay will have access control boom gates installed as well as palisade fencing around the caretakes cottage.

Road upgrades impacting GO GEORGE bus service

The next phase of municipal road upgrades in George impacting the GO GEORGE bus service will commence on Monday 24 August 2020. This resurfacing of Knysna Road between Fourth Street and Mandela Road as well as the intersection at Pine Lodge comprises an asphalt wearing course placed over all four lanes and is expected to be done by the first week of October.

As work will be done one lane at a time, no rerouting is expected. However, due to slower one-lane traffic in this area, delays should be expected all over the system and especially routes servicing the eastern parts of town. Passengers are advised to allow more time for their bus trips during this time, especially during peak hours.

Bus stops temporarily closed
Affected bus stops on the lane under construction will be closed for short periods at a time and temporary stops will be erected in close proximity for passengers’ convenience. The two bus stops in Knysna Road which will be affected intermittently are 709 Fourth B in front of PnP, in the direction towards the Garden Route Mall from the CBD, and 706 Saasveld, in the direction towards the CBD from the Garden Route Mall. Posters informing passengers about the situation are being erected at these stops.

GO GEORGE apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution near roadworks and bus stops.

GO GEORGE PAS AAN VIR OPGRADERINGS IN KNYSNAWEG

Die volgende fase van munisipale padopgraderings in George wat ‘n uitwerking op die GO GEORGE-busdiens sal hê, begin op Maandag 24 Augustus 2020. Hierdie werk aan die padoppervlak tussen Vierdestraat en Mandelaweg asook die kruising by Pine Lodge in Knysnaweg behels ’n asfalt-sluitlaag bo-oor al vier bane en sal na verwagting teen die eerste week in Oktober voltooi wees.
Aangesien die werk in een laan op ’n keer gedoen sal word, word geen herleiding van roetes verwag nie. Weens stadiger enkelbaan-verkeer moet vertragings egter te wagte wees oor die hele stelsel en veral op roetes wat die oostelike dele van die dorp bedien. Passasiers word aangeraai om meer tyd toe te laat vir hul busritte, veral gedurende spitstyd.

Bushaltes tydelik gesluit
Bushaltes wat hierdeur geraak word, sal vir kort periodes op ’n keer gesluit word en tydelike bushaltes vir passasiers se gerief sal in die nabye omgewing opgerig word. Bushaltes in Knysnaweg wat met tussenposes geraak sal word is 709 Fourth B voor PnP, in die rigting van die Garden Route Mall uit die middedorp, en 706 Saasveld, in die rigting van die middedorp vanaf die Garden Route Mall. Plakkate wat passasiers bedag maak op die situasie word by hierdie bushaltes aangebring.

GO GEORGE maak verskoning vir die ongerief en doen ’n beroep op padgebruikers om geduldig en versigtig te wees naby die konstruksiegebied en bushaltes.

Knysna Road Phase 2 roadworks: Road resurfacing project in Knysna Road, George  Phase 2

Knysna Road Phase 2 roadworks: Road resurfacing project in Knysna Road, George  Phase 2
Issued by George Municipality
For immediate release: 21 August 2020

George Municipality would like to advise the residents of George that road resurfacing will be done in Knysna Road between 24 August to 2 October 2020.

Physical construction for the complete section between 4th Street and Madiba Drive(Pine Lodge), the repair of base layerworks and resurfacing of Knysna Road will be done.

Sections of Knysna Road will be closed to traffic from 07:30 to 17h00 daily. The road will be open to two-way traffic for the construction period but will be limited to one lane per direction.

Site access will be managed and communicated with residents and businesses to ensure that minimum disruption is caused. Extra care is to be taken by road users throughout the duration of the entire construction period. Adherence to temporary road signs and markings will be required. Herewith the current planning  and  execution programme of the contractor:

All work will be done on the slow lane  from 4th street to Pine Lodge (Madiba Drive) – milling and other works from 24 – 28 August 2020 and again from 31 August to 4 September. The overlay process will start from 14 to 17 September 2020.

There will be height differences occurring in the road where repairs are being constructed. Caution will be required when driving or walking in the area, especially under wet and dark conditions. Low profile vehicles and motorcycles to take extra care.
There might be more delays and inconveniences, but we will keep the public up to date regarding unforeseen changes that can happen on site.

George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the upgrade. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and roadworks personnel.

Please note that access to site will be strictly controlled. Any member of the public who enters the site will have to comply with the relevant requirements in terms of the National State of Disaster: COVID-19 Regulations.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: iX Engineers Representative – 082 944 3654

Motor Vehicle and driving license department: Validity of licenses and grace periods

VALIDITY PERIODS OF LICENCES
All learner’s licences, driving licence cards,
temporary driving licences
All learner licences, driving licence cards temporary driving licences,
PRDPs and professional driving permits that expired during 26 March
2020 up to and including 31 August 2020, are deemed to be valid and
their validity period is extended for a further grace period ending on:

GRACE PERIOD ENDING
31 January 2021

Motor vehicle licence discs
All motor vehicle licence discs, temporary permits and roadworthy
certificates that expired during 26 March 2020 up to and including 31
May 2020, are deemed to be valid and their validity period is
extended for further grace period ending on:

GRACE PERIOD ENDING
1 August 2020

Motor trade number licences
Motor trade number licences that expired during
26 March 2020 up to and including 31 May 2020, are deemed to be
valid and are extended for a further grace period ending on:

GRACE PERIOD ENDING
30 November 2020

Road Resurfacing George: Knysna Road (Phase 2) from 4th Street to Madiba Drive

Road Resurfacing in Knysna Road (Phase 2) from 4th Street to Madiba Drive, George will start in August. No businesses will be affected and the contractor will only work on one lane at a time. George Municipality will update the public soonest with exact dates.

DESCRIPTION:
Road Resurfacing project in Knysna Road, George.
PLANNED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN KNYSNA ROAD:
Repair of base layerworks and resurfacing of Knysna Road between 4th Street and Madiba Drive (Saasveld
Road).
PROJECT PERIOD: August 2020 to end of September 2020
SERVICE DISRUPTION
No service disruptions are foreseen.
TRAFFIC IMPACT:
Sections of the street will be closed to traffic from 07:30 to 17h00 daily. Site access will be managed and
communicated with residents and businesses to ensure that minimum disruption is caused. Extra care is to be
taken by road users throughout the duration of the entire construction period. Adherence to temporary road signs
and markings will be required. The road will be open to two-way traffic for the construction period but will be limited
to one lane per direction.
DRIVING COMFORT:
There will be height differences occurring in the road where repairs are being constructed. Caution will be
required when driving or walking in the area, especially under wet and dark conditions. Low profile vehicles and
motorcycles to take extra care.
ACCESS TO SITE:
Please note that access to site will be strictly controlled. Any member of the public who enters the site will have to
comply with the relevant requirements in terms of the National State of Disaster: COVID-19 Regulations.
LABOUR
The project will utilise use EPWP registered labour, sourced from the adjacent wards, in terms of the EPWP
policy and strict compliance with the relevant requirements in terms of the National State of Disaster: COVID-19
Regulations.
We want to assure the general public that all businesses in Knysna Road are open for business and are accessible
at all time during the construction process.
PROJECT ENQUIRIES: iX Engineers Representative – 082 944 3654
PROJECT: KNYSNA ROAD (PHASE 2)

The George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient
and exercise caution near roadworks and adhere to traffic signs

Recycling programme to continue from 1 September

The George Municipality regrets to inform the public that due to unforeseen delays the collection and delivery of blue and green bags will only recommence from the 1st September. The municipality remains committed to waste reduction and recycling, and believes that its efforts will soon regain momentum. Collection of green and blue bags will start on Tuesday 1st September 2020, and will be collected in neighbourhoods on the same day as the black bag refuse removal.

The municipality would like to encourage residents to continue recycling and to store their blue and green bags for collection OR Green bags can be taken to the TRANSFER STATION – PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR RECYCLING AND/OR GREEN BAGS OUT FOR COLLECTION AGAIN UNTIL 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 AS COLLECTION WILL NOT TAKE PLACE. Our municipal trucks will not collect the recycling and green bags and ONLY pick up your black bags. We apologize for the inconvenience.

CONTACT
Black bags, blue and green bags, dumped waste collection:
George Municipality Environmental Services
82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

GENERAL
Households may put out seven black, three green and an unlimited number of blue bags.
Additional tied bundles of branches are allowed if they are shorter than a metre in length and can be picked up by one person.

BLUE bags are for non-soiled recyclable materials, including plastic, paper, card board, glass etc.
GREEN bags are for green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves etc. No soil is allowed in the green bags.
BLACK bags are for ‘wet’ waste, things that cannot be recycled.

All refuse bags must be put out by 7am on removal day.
Please don’t put bags out the day or night before removal.
Please wrap broken glass in newspaper before placing in bags to prevent injuries to workers.
A pack of 26 black bags are distributed to households quarterly.

Blue and green bags are collected on the same day as black bag refuse removal, but by different trucks – before or after the black bag collection and may be hours apart.
Collected full blue bags will be replaced with the same colour on the same day. If you do not receive the same amount of replacement blue bags and want more, please phone 044 802 2900 during office hours.
While you can put out three green bags at a time, a maximum of two new replacement green bags are issued per collection.
Households or businesses that are actively recycling and require additional green or blue bags, can collect from the municipal Environmental Services offices at 82 Meade Street.

REFUSE REMOVAL DAYS
MONDAY: Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay
TUESDAY: Levallia, Rosemoor, Conville, Protea Park, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borchards, Lawaaikamp, Thembalethu, Wilderness (excluding Wilderness Heights), Touwsranten, Constantia Kloof
WEDNESDAY: Camphersdrift, Fernridge, Denneoord, Bo-Dorp, Blommekloof, Tweerivieren, Hoogekraal, Hoekwil
THURSDAY: Wilderness Heights, Dormehlsdrift, George South, Le Grand, Bos en Dal, Groeneweidepark, Sinksabrug, Herold, Geelhoutboom, Eselsjacht, Hansmoeskraal, Jonkershoek, Rooirivierrif, Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Waboomskraal
FRIDAY: Glenwood, Loerie Park, Eden, Genevafontein, Denver Park, Bergsig, Eastern Extension
BUSINESSES: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Cost of illegal connections: Request Thembalethu communities to report

High cost of illegal connections: George Municipality asks Thembalethu communities to report illegal connection activities
Issued George Municipality, 6th August 2020

George Municipality continues to battle with ongoing illegal connections which most recently have caused approximately R65 000 worth of damage to a mini-substation in Asazani, Thembalethu this past week with the power remaining off from the 3rd August and only due to be reconnected by Thursday 6th August.

In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, George Municipality has a responsibility to maintain a safe electrical network and for that reason a service provider has been appointed to clear illegal connections, on an as and when basis. Municipal officials are unable to work on, or maintain the network unless all illegal connections on the line have been cleared. The repairwork to the mini-substation in Area 4 started on Monday 3rd August.

“We ask that law-abiding citizens take it upon themselves to report illegal connection activities to SAPS as soon as they see them taking place. The delay in repairwork means that each time, paying consumers are left without electricity for days while we try to secure and make safe the lines to work on them,” said Acting Director Electrotechnical Services, Paul Gerber.

The dangers of illegal connections have consistently been re-emphasized to the communities of George, with such actions having cost several lives in 2019. Since February 2020, several charges have been laid against individuals caught making illegal connections. In terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015, a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years can be given, as the interference with, and damage to Municipal property, can be regarded as sabotage.
George Municipality will continue to act decisively in such matters and it is well-known that the practice of illegal connection puts the perpetrator in danger of electrocution, risking injury and death to themselves as well as the rest of the community. These connections lie across pathways and walkways where anyone passing can easily be electrocuted.
An electricity connection is considered illegal when it is connected to the George Municipal network without the organisation’s permission. Wires are connected to pole-mounted transformers, pole kiosks and overhead lines. The forms of electricity theft include illegal connections, illegal electrification schemes and meter tampering and bypassing. These illegal electrical thefts are mostly in areas where illegal informal structures are built.
Illegal connections should be reported to 044 803 9222 or 044 801 9222 or after hours on 044 801 6300 or to the nearest SAPS office.