Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Author: Nadine Payle

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipal, 7 May 2024, 9am

George Municipality confirms that as of 9am this morning, 7 May, a total of five (5) patients have been declared deceased.

Twenty-six (26) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 49 persons unaccounted for.

Status of patients: 11 red / 3 yellow / 7 green / 5 blue

75 construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May.

Three teams of rescue personnel are currently working on three different areas within the site of the collapsed building.
An update will be issued at 12pm, 7 May 2024 – South African Time.

Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide safety goggles, Headlamps, drinking water, energy drinks, wine gums, food for the emergency services while they are on site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria St, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge which will remain operational throughout the night.

For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)

Safety equipment including safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist please deliver to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

 

Photograph Credit Herman Pieters, GRDM Communications Manager

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipal, 6 May 2024, 6pm

Following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Victoria Street this afternoon, Disaster Service teams from George and Garden Route District Municipality are currently involved in the rescue operation. SAPS are on site.

53 Emergency personnel are on their way from the City of Cape Town and Worcester Disaster Services as well as Colin Deiner, Western Cape Provincial Disaster Services will be on site as soon as is possible to assist.

The collapse occurred just after 2pm today, 6 May with a construction crew of approximately 70 on site. 22 patients have been retrieved and sent to hospitals throughout the province. Currently the rescue operation remains underway with over 80 rescue personnel on site.

Family and friends of the construction workers involved in the incident are being given space to gather at the foyer of the main municipal building and will be assisted.

A second update will be issued at about 9pm tonight South African Time.

Western Cape Government supporting and monitoring response to building collapse in George

The Western Cape Government (WCG) is closely monitoring and sending resources to assist the emergency response to a construction site collapse in George, in the Southern Cape.

Premier Alan Winde and relevant provincial ministers and government are being briefed on the incident.

Premier Winde said, “All the necessary support has been offered to emergency personnel to expedite their response. At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage.”

The Western Cape Government is sending personnel support as well as emergency response support.

The Premier is receiving ongoing updates on the situation. He has urged the public to allow emergency services officials the carry out their duties and to not put their own lives at risk by travelling to the site.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

George Municipality Brings You Start-Up Tribe Academy!

As part of the George Municipality’s commitment to helping grow our local economy and develop entrepreneurial skills, we have joined hands with the team from Start-Up Tribe, an online platform that offers free online learning.

Start-Up Tribe Entrepreneurship Academy is a free online platform for all individuals thinking of starting a business or existing entrepreneurs wanting to develop and invest in their own businesses with skills training.

So, if you are new to the business environment, try out any of the ten free courses under the 14-Day Start-Up Course.

For the more advanced entrepreneur, check out the Growth Courses.

To learn more about Start-Up Tribe and how to access the Academy, please visit
https://www.thestartuptribe.org/pages/george

Additionally, frequently asked questions can be found at

https://www.thestartuptribe.org/pages/faq.

All online courses are free for all users

George Municipal Internal Audit Department Launches International Internal Audit Awareness Month

May marks International Internal Audit Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognising the vital role of internal audit professionals and elevating the profession’s visibility. The Internal Audit Department at George Municipality is proud to participate in this global initiative by launching an awareness campaign to showcase the value-added role of internal audit within the organisation.

Led by Mr JP Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive, the George Internal Audit Team is enthusiastic about promoting the importance of internal audit and encouraging young South Africans to consider a career in this field. As guardians of good governance and risk management, internal auditors play a crucial role in enhancing processes and adding value to organisations.

Throughout May, the Internal Audit Department will collaborate with the Media Office to publish informative content on the municipal social media platforms. This content will highlight the role and responsibilities of internal audit, as well as address frequently asked questions to increase awareness and understanding.

In addition to informative content, the Internal Audit Department will host weekly competitions with exciting prizes for participants. Questions related to internal audit will be circulated to all users via a provided link, inviting everyone to participate and engage in celebrating International Internal Audit Awareness Month.

• Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive)
• Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit)
• Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor)
• Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor)
• Natacha Martins (IA Intern)
• Xolisile Sotushe (IA Intern)
• Jomeila Apollis (IA Intern)

The Internal Audit Department welcomes inquiries and encourages individuals to reach out for further information about the role and responsibilities of internal audit.

See Video link
https://youtu.be/MZ9-vQZ24mQ

2B Water Restrictions

A reminder that as of May 1, 2024, water restrictions in George will be eased from Level 2C to Level 2B which means that emergency tariffs will no longer apply, and standard water tariffs will be charged.

 

Sea Training to enhance Water Rescue Unit

In the photograph are from left Chief Fire Officer and Instructor, Neels Barnard; Divisional Commander Johan Brand, Station Commander Santa Sternsdorf, Firefighter Brad Bussack, Junior Firefighter Richard Bruinders and Firefighter and Instructor, Johan Troskie.

In preparation for bolstering the Water Rescue Unit ahead of the upcoming festive season, four dedicated officials from the George Fire Brigade underwent rigorous sea training on Tuesday 23 April. The training included crucial sea hours necessary for obtaining their skipper’s licenses. Under the expert guidance of Instructors Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard and Fire Official Johan Troskie, the officials honed their skills at Wilderness Beach.

This intensive training will allow five (5) fire and rescue officials to obtain their skippers tickets by the end of May. This marks a significant step in strengthening our emergency response capabilities, ensuring swift and effective assistance to those in need, particularly in water-related emergencies. George Municipality remains committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community, especially during peak periods of activity.

1800 CC Jetski combined with pontoons of a rubberduck which is now called a Jetrib. The Jetrib is operated by two people, a skipper and a rescue swimmer and then can carry a third person as a victim. It is an extremely versatile sea vessel.

 

Rubber Duck rescue boat. 5.5 meter in length for deeper sea search and rescue.

 

See Video link
https://youtu.be/QttxvvfFED0

10th World Travel Market Africa, A Success For George Tourism

Sharon House, Senior Tourism Officer was kept busy with prebooked meetings for the duration of WTM.

George Municipality’s Tourism team recently attended World Travel Market Africa (WTM), at the Cape Town International Convention Centre held from the 11 – 13 April 2024, together with members of the George Tourism fraternity promoting the destination at the highest level.

Unam Gila and Nomzamo Entile from Explore our Hood with Manager for Tourism, Joan Shaw on the WTM stand.

George exhibited on the Garden Route & Klein Karoo stand, alongside premium products such as Red Berry Farm and the Hawthorne Hotel to promote the benefits of the destination for business and leisure travel to hundreds of Tour Operators from across the globe.
The George focus was on our key markets which are the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States of America, but also including local buyers that sell tours in key markets, and some agents as far afield as Australia and India. The interest from other South African buyers was also showing stronger than ever this year.

George sponsored and facilitated the attendance of local entrepreneurs, Explore our Hood, who operate experience tours in Thembalethu. The couple has just facilitated a German/South African exchange program with great success and continues to promote tourism in this vibrant township.

WTMA celebrated its 10th year on African soil and an early start ensured confirmed meetings with 40 buyers before the show started. Although a few cancellations were received on the first day, these were filled with walk-in trade, making for a busy show. The standard of the buyers was excellent, and many are already engaging with us.
Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw says “We have just come up for air, after a busy show which was one of the best we have attended to date. Our Marketer, Sharon House, and I had good meetings and the interest in our area remains high, especially for leisure business.”
For more information or to join the Exhibition in 2025, contact Sharon House at 044 801 9298, or email shouse@george.gov.za.

Planned Interruption of the Electricity Supply: Portion Of George South-Newton Street

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF GEORGE SOUTH-NEWTON STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 to do 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 from being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on WEDNESDAY 01 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

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

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE SOUTH – NEWTON STRAAT

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE SOUTH – NEWTON STRAAT

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op WOENSDAG 24 APRIL 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 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.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op WOENSDAG 01 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: PORTION OF LOERIE PARK

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF LOERIE PARK – FIRST STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 26 APRIL 2024 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 from being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on FRIDAY 03 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

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

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN LOERIE PARK

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN LOERIE PARK – EERSTE STRAAT

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 26 APRIL 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 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.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op VRYDAG 03 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PACALTSDORP (WEST) 14.5ML RESERVOIR, PUMP STATION AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE

 

DESCRIPTION:
The construction of a new Pacaltsdorp (West) 14.5ML reservoir, pump station and associated works as indicated in the figure.

PROJECT PERIOD: April 2024 to November 2025

SERVICE DISRUPTION:
Municipal services may be disrupted during this period due to construction activities. Whenever possible, advance notification of temporary disruptions will be sent out via social media.

WORKING HOURS:
Working hours will be from 07h00 to 18h00 Mondays to Fridays and 07h00 – 14h00 on Saturdays as may be needed from time to time.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:
Residents, road users and pedestrians need to exercise caution throughout the duration of the construction period. Please adhere to flag persons, temporary construction works and road signage.

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to the
public to be patient and exercise caution throughout the construction period.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES:
Project manager: Mr Andre Scheepers – 044 801 9492
Community liaison officer: Mr Alewijn Dippenaar – 082 457 5675

Upcoming Construction of Proefplaas 66kV Substation Phase 3

George Municipality is pleased to announce the commencement of Phase 3 of the Proefplaas 66kV Substation project, located within the Outeniqua Experimental Farm property on the western side of George. This crucial infrastructure development aims to enhance the electrical supply network in the area, ensuring reliable power distribution to residents and businesses.

The Proefplaas Substation was initially designed for two 66/11kV 20MVA transformer bays and seven 66kV overhead line feeder bays. Under the first and second phases of the project, four feeder bays were successfully constructed.

Phase 3 of the project involves the construction of one 66/11kV transformer bay, a 10MVA 66/11kV transformer, 11kV switchgear, and its connection to the existing 11kV overhead line network in the area.

Clinkscales Maughan-Brown has been appointed as the Consulting Electrical Engineers on this phase continuing the project. The construction contract has been awarded to MDL Engineering Company, with work expected to commence in April 2024 and conclude in 2025. Xaks Consulting has been appointed as the Client’s Health and Safety Agent to ensure adherence to safety standards throughout the project.

This project underscores George Municipality’s commitment to infrastructure development and ensuring a reliable and efficient electrical supply network for the benefit of the community.

UPDATE: Blanco main pipeline failure, 23 April 2024 @09:50

A repair work of a pipe failure that occurred in Blanco on 17 April 2024 is ongoing.

The estimated time of repair is 4-6 hours since about 08:50 this morning. Meanwhile, the George municipality is supplying potable water to areas that are experiencing water outages. Water tankers are available in the following areas:

• For Farms it is stationed at Maitland Street
• Corner of George Road and Montagu Street
• Garage in Montagu Street
• Large tanker at Maitland Street

Residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands may experience low pressure. Should any resident not have water, please contact 044 801 6266.

Residents are urged to reduce water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry and maintain network pressure so water can reach all areas.

Power Outage in Blanco, 23 April 2024 @09:45

A power outage affecting Crystal Street, Golden Valley, Robyn Crescent, and Marara Crescent has been reported to George Municipality. Repair teams are currently on-site busy with the repair work.

Repair efforts have been delayed due to the involvement of a civil contractor required for road crossing assistance before the repair work can proceed. The fault lies within the road reserve, necessitating the installation of sleeves and rerouting of the cable away from stormwater infrastructure.

Given the complexity of the situation, which involves multiple utility crossings including Fibre, Stormwater, sewerage, and electricity, the repair process is expected to be lengthy.

The municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and assures residents that efforts are underway to resolve the issue promptly. Further updates will be provided as the situation progresses.

UPDATE: Blanco main pipeline failure

Following a 450mm pipe failure in Blanco on 17 April a permanent repair is underway. The estimated time of repair is 4-6 hours. George municipality is aware of areas that are experiencing water outages and tankers are stationed on Maitland Street robots and George Road. An additional tanker will roam as required.

Residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands may experience low pressure. Should any resident not have water, please contact 044 801 6266.

Residents are urged to reduce water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry and maintain network pressure so water can reach all areas.

REFUSE COLLECTION DURING THE UPCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Households may put out SEVEN BLACK, FOUR GREEN and an UNLIMITED number of BLUE bags on their weekly collection day.
Additional tied bundles of branches are allowed if they are shorter than a metre in length and can be picked up by one person.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF HOUSEHOLD REFUSE REMOVAL SCHEDULE OVER THE UPCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1 May 2024 (Worker’s Day) – Collection as per normal schedule
29 May 2024 (General Elections) – Collection as per normal schedule

ALL BUSINESS REFUSE WILL BE COLLECTED ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS.

*******
REFUSE REMOVAL DAYS

MONDAY: Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Rondevlei area (George side)

TUESDAY: Levallia, Rosemoor, Conville, Protea Park, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borchards, Lawaaikamp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Constantia Kloof, Kleinkrantz

WEDNESDAY: Camphersdrift, Fernridge, Denneoord, Bo-Dorp, Blommekloof, Tweerivieren, Hoogekraal, Hoekwil, Touwsranten farm areas

THURSDAY: Wilderness Heights, Dormehlsdrift, George South, Le Grand, Bos en Dal, Groeneweidepark, Sinksabrug, Herold, Geelhoutboom, Eselsjacht, Hansmoeskraal, Jonkershoek, Rooirivierrif, Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten village

FRIDAY: Glenwood, Loerie Park, Eden George, Genevafontein, Denver Park, Bergsig, Eastern Extension

BUSINESSES: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

CONTACT
George Municipality Environmental Services
82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

TID ROLLOVER – UPDATING YOUR MUNICIPAL PREPAID METER (What if I have an ESKOM PREPAID METER?)

George Municipality currently has less than 1000 municipal prepaid meters to update. The STS system uses a very high security algorithm which needs to be updated nationwide before November 2024 in order for the meters to correctly function.

If your meter is not updated before this deadline, you will not be able to recharge your prepaid meter with the new tokens and will not have power (once your units run out).

ESKOM PREPAID METERS
Customers with ESKOM provided prepaid meters must take note that their prepaid meters can only be updated by ESKOM’s vending system.

Areas that will most likely have ESKOM Prepaid Meters include Geelhoutboom, Outenikwa Stasie, Hoekwil, Bergplaas, Blanco, Touwsranten, Haarlem and other rural areas around George.

ESKOM has indicated that they will start with updating in the George Area in early May 2024. Please keep a lookout on Eskom social media channels and/or for SMS.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR MUNICIPAL PREPAID METER HAS BEEN UPDATED
1. If you have been visited by one of our teams, a pink sticker will be displayed on your meter.

2. If you followed the KEYCHANGE Token process you are aware your meter has been updated.

3. If you remain unsure, please contact Ontec for verification that your meter has been updated on 044 873 5474.

Verification or Queries for Municipal Prepaid Meters Only

Customers may phone the George Municipality on 044 801 9222 or Ontec on 044 873 5474 for verification, for response to queries OR to request that their software be addressed.

Please note that all municipal and/or Ontec officials carry identification cards with a photograph and their ID number as well as a copy of a verification letter explaining the purpose of their visit

Beware Housing Subsidy Scam‼

George Municipality has been made aware of a housing subsidy scam in which a member of the public is contacted by WhatsAPP, alledgedly by the George Municipality with a notice which confirms that they have been approved for a housing opportunity. When making contact with the individuals listed on the fraudulent notice they are requested to pay a sum of money / deposit before collecting keys to the house at the George Municipality.

George Municipality will firstly not communicate via WhatsAPP for confirmation of a housing opportunity and will NOT request payment from any person on the Housing Database in order for the process to conclude. The notice is fraudulent and any person receiving such a notice is requested to inform the municipal Housing Department on 044 802 2033. A criminal charge can be laid at your nearest SAPS office.

******************************************************************
DRINGENDE PUBLIEKE KENNISGEWING: Pasop Behuisingsubsidie-bedrogspul

George-munisipaliteit is bewus gemaak van ‘n bedrogspul met behuisingsubsidie waarin ‘n lid van die publiek deur WhatsAPP gekontak word, na bewering deur die George-munisipaliteit met ‘n kennisgewing wat bevestig dat hulle goedgekeur is vir ‘n behuisingsgeleentheid. Wanneer kontak gemaak word met die individue wat op die bedrieglike kennisgewing gelys word, word hulle versoek om ‘n bedrag geld/deposito te betaal voordat die sleutels van die huis by die George Munisipaliteit afgehaal kan word.

George Munisipaliteit sal eerstens nie via WhatsAPP kommunikeer vir bevestiging van ‘n behuisingsgeleentheid nie en sal NIE betaling van enige persoon op die Behuisingsdatabasis versoek om die proses af te handel nie. Die kennisgewing is bedrieglik en enige persoon wat so ‘n kennisgewing ontvang, word versoek om die munisipale Behuisingsdepartement in kennis te stel by 044 802 2033. ‘n Kriminele klag kan by jou naaste SAPD-kantoor gelê word.

ENATIS OFFLINE

 

The public is advised that the Traffic Department, Pacaltsdorp, the Motor Vehicle Licencing (MVR) and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) at Hibernia Street, as well as the Drive Through facility in Blanco, are currently offline due to a national ENATIS problem.

No transactions can be processed at this time. The Department of Transport is working on the problem.