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Author: Nadine Payle

Victoria Street Building Collapse – Municipal Relief and Charitable Fund

George Municipality would like to confirm that we have issued details of our Municipal Relief and Charitable Fund Bank account following requests from the public and organisations with regard to financial donations for the families affected by the incident on Monday 6th May when a building site collapsed. Currently 44 people remain unaccounted for and the rescue operation has reached over 71 hours.

We have been informed of other individuals and/or organisations issuing their bank account details for a similar purpose. We request that the public assure themselves of the accuracy of the bank details they wish to utlize.

George Municipality: Relief and Charitable Fund
ABSA BANK Cheque Acc: 9149554208
Branch Code: 632005

Your contributions and support during this challenging time are greatly appreciated.

Planned Power Outage: Heather Park

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED: A PORTION OF HEATHER PARK, FIR ROAD AND YSTERHOUT STR

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SATURDAY 11 MAY 2024 FROM 08H30 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 SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024 FROM 08H30 TO 16H30
__________________________

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD: GEDEELTE VAN HEATHER PARK FIR WEG EN YSTERHOUT STR

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SATERDAG 11 MEI 2024 VANAF 08H30 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 SATERDAG 18 MEI 2024 VANAF 08H30 TOT 16H30

Unexpected Water Outage Delville Park

A faulty valve was found at Delville Park earlier today, and the George municipality team is currently on site to repair it. The estimated time for repair is 4-6 hours. Additionally, a water tanker is en route to Delville Park Primary School to provide temporary water supply.

UPDATE – GWAING RIVER, MOUTH AND BEACH REOPENED

Following the flooding incident several weeks ago which caused severe damage to the Blanco 350mm sewer line which transverses the Malgas River, the
Gwaing River, Mouth and Beach has been reopened for swimming and other water activities.

Interim repair measures have been implemented to half any further sewer spillage in the Malgas River.
The Civil Engineering Services department continues with the redesign of the support structure for the sewer line to accommodate the floodline and withstand future weather conditions.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 9 pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 8 May 2024, @9:00 pm

George Municipality confirms that as of 7:32 pm on Wednesday, 8 May the total number of deceased persons is eight (8). The rescue efforts are ongoing overnight, the emergency response team is implementing more substantive concrete breakers and additional trucks to remove building rubble from the site to free the remaining entrapped patients.

37 patients retrieved.
8 are blue (Deceased).
16 red patients (Critical).
6 yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries).
7 green (minor injuries).
A total of 38 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

The rescue operation is approaching 55 hours as of 21:00 this evening, 8 May.

An update will be issued by 3 am on Thursday, 9 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description:
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Photos by: Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6 pm, Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George, 8 May 2024, @19:00 pm

MEDIA STATEMENT: 6 pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

Issued George Municipality, 8 May 2024, @19:00 pm

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 6:00 pm 8 May. As the rescue effort is ongoing overnight, the emergency response team will now implement more substantive concrete breakers and additional trucks to remove building rubble from the site to free remaining entrapped patients.

36 patients retrieved.
7 are blue (Deceased).
16 are red patients (Critical).
6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries).
7 are green (minor injuries).
A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

The rescue operation is approaching 53 hours as of 18:45 this evening, 8 May.

An update will be issued by 9 pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description:
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Photos by: Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality

Planned Power Outage: Thembalethu, Thursday 09 May 2024

NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED: PORTION OF THEMBALETHU, LIBODE, BIZANA, BHISHO, DIKELA, CALA, ZUSAKHE STREETS.

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 09 MAY 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 being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on TUESDAY 14 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

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

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE NOOD ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD: GEDEELTE VAN THEMBALETHU, LIBODE, BIZANA, BHISHO, DIKELA, CALA,
ZUSAKHE STRATE.

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 09 MEI 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 DINSDAG14 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 3 pm Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George,  8 May 2024

Dr Carla Hauman and Vilje Maritz, a Garden Route Volunteer

George Municipality confirms that figures remain unchanged at this point, 3:00 pm 8 May.

36 patients retrieved.
7 are blue (Deceased).
16 are red patients (Critical).
6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries).
7 are green (minor injuries).
A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

Support to the rescue personnel

The rescue operation is approaching 49 hours as of 14:30 this afternoon, 8 May.

An update will be issued by 6 pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.

On-site Triage Description:
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

Support for Emergency Personnel at Victoria Street Building Collapse Site

In light of the exhaustive rescue operations and the high physical stress endured by the multi-disciplinary emergency personnel working tirelessly at the Victoria Street Building collapse site, volunteers have stepped in to provide essential support.

Vitamin B complex for rescue workers

Recognising the critical need for sustaining these dedicated workers’ health and energy levels, volunteers are supplying vitamin B complex boosters. These supplements play a vital role in releasing energy through metabolism and supporting overall bodily functions under strenuous conditions.

The George Municipality thanks all volunteers and medical professionals for their invaluable assistance during this critical time.

 

PhotoS by: Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality

MEDIA STATEMENT: 9am Status Update – Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George

George Municipality confirms that thirty-six (36) patients have been retrieved from the collapsed building as at 09:00 Wednesday 8 May.

Of the 36 retrieved, 7 are blue (declared deceased), 16 are red patients (critical); 6 are yellow patients (Life-threatening injuries) and 7 are green (minor injuries).

A total of 39 of the initial 75 workers on site remain unaccounted for at present.

Rescue operations continue at the building collapse site on Victoria Street today with a multi-disciplinary rescue team of more than 200 emergency services available.

The rescue operation is now approaching 43 hours as of 09:00 this morning 8 May.

An update will be issued by 12pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024, – South African Time.

On site Triage Description:
Blue: Deceased
Red: Critical
Yellow: Life-threatening injuries
Green: Minor injuries

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

Issued George Municipal, 7 May 2024, 15.00

The rescue operations continuing and as of 14:30 this afternoon, 7 May 2024 a total of six (6) patients have been declared deceased.

Twenty-eight (28) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 47 persons unaccounted for.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 24.20 hours as of 14:25 today, 7 May.

An update will be issued at 18:00, 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, or food for the emergency services while they are on-site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria Street, 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 helmets, safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist, please deliver to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We have had requests from the public about financial donations. Please use below banking details:

George Municipality: Relief and Charitable Fund
ABSA BANK Cheque Acc: 9149554208
Branch Code: 632005

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse, Victoria Street – George, 7 May 2024, 15:00

The rescue operations continuing and as of 14:30 this afternoon, 7 May 2024 a total of six (6) patients have been declared deceased.

Twenty-eight (28) patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site at 75 Victoria Street, leaving 47 persons unaccounted for.

Seventy-five (75) construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday 6 May and the rescue operation is now approaching 24.20 hours as of 14:25 today, 7 May.

An update will be issued at 18:00, 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, or food for the emergency services while they are on-site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria Street, 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 helmets, safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist, please deliver to GRDM Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria.

We have had requests from the public about financial donations. Please use below banking details:

George Municipality: Relief and Charitable Fund
ABSA BANK Cheque Acc: 9149554208
Branch Code: 632005

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