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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

New Water Supply Distribution Zones in the pipeline for Pacaltsdorp

In the photo is the visit to the East distribution zone site visit, from left: Councillor Jacqulique von Brandis (Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering: Capital Projects and BFI), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), and Janie Koegelenberg (Director of Civil Engineering Services)

The George Municipality is pleased to announce that a multi-million-rand water storage expansion project aimed at ending sporadic water supply interruptions in Pacaltsdorp is taking off as the process of inviting potential contractors has commenced. Divided into two, the project will have a 14,5 megalitre (ML) reservoir and pump station in the West distribution one, and a 3 ML reservoir, elevated tower, and pump station in the East distribution zone.

This is great news for the community as it will ensure a more consistent water supply. On Tuesday, 19 September 2023, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk accompanied by the Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering: Capital Projects and BFI Jacqulique von Brandis, and the Director of Civil Engineering Services Janie Koegelenberg visited the sites for the East and West water supply distribution zones for Pacaltsdorp.

According to Mayor van Wyk, this development will come as a relief to the residents and businesses in Pacaltsdorp who have been struggling with water supply shortages for some time. “The project will ensure that the water supply is stable and reliable, which will have a positive impact on the local economy. We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact this development will have on the community of Pacaltsdorp and its surrounds.”

Pacaltsdorp is located south of the main centre of George and south of the N2. The current population is approximately 20,000 people using an average of 3,5 million litres of purified water per day. Andre Scheepers, the project manager for Budget Facility for Infrastructure in the Civil Engineering Services Department of the George Municipality says Pacaltsdorp is estimated to grow to approximately 150,000 over the next 45 years, which will then use 21,5 million litres of purified water per day.

Giving background information on the existing water supply system and infrastructure for Pacaltsdorp Scheepers said the Pacaltsdorp water supply zones receive bulk purified water through two existing bulk pipelines of approximately 12 km in length each, originating from the George Main reservoirs situated close to the water treatment plants. The bulk pipelines provide water to various parts of George before it reaches Pacaltsdorp. “The Pacaltsdorp residents are vulnerable to water supply shortages due to the current limited dedicated reservoir storage (3 ML) located at the Pacaltsdorp Sports field and being reliant on the two very long bulk supply pipelines, which frequently experience supply interruptions,” Scheepers added.

The George Municipality has found a long-lasting solution to the Pacaltsdorp water supply and storage challenges. According to Jannie Koegelenberg, Director of the Civil Engineering Services Department, the Pacaltsdorp water supply area will soon have two distribution zones, West and East, each with its own dedicated reservoirs for adequate storage, elevated towers for pressure assurance, and pump stations to provide assurance of purified water supply for the next 50 years. By June 2025, both zones will be equipped with these essential facilities to ensure a reliable water supply.

“The Pacaltsdorp West supply zone will be receiving a first phase 14,5 ML reservoir and first phase pump station by June 2025, when this infrastructure will be put into operation and be connected to the existing reservoir and existing tower. The project will be constructed adjacent to and immediately south of the sports grounds,” Koegelenberg added.

Koegelenberg says the Pacaltsdorp East supply zone will be receiving a 3 ML reservoir, an elevated tower and a pump station before June 2025, when this infrastructure will be put into operation and be connected to the existing east zone water reticulation.

Future phases will consist of the construction of another 14,5Ml reservoir, a second phase pump station upgrade and elevated towers. The project for the 14,5 ML reservoir and pump station is currently out on tender for contractors to bid for the construction thereof. The project value cannot be divulged at the moment as such information might potentially interfere with the tender process. Thanks to the new development, residents in the area can look forward to significant investment into Pacaltsdorp and create job opportunities for Small Emerging Construction firms and for unskilled labour and in the long term bring a stable water supply for years to come.

West distribution zone site visit, from left: Janie Koegelenberg (Director of Civil Engineering Services), Councillor Jacqulique von Brandis (Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering: Capital Projects and BFI), and Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George).

Proposed Phase 1A reservoir and pump station(Plus future phases)
Existing reservoir, tower pump station – close-up

 

 

George on High Alert Following a Heavy Rainfall and Severe Thunderstorm Warning

    Floods Safety Tips

The SA Weather report has warned of an intense Spring cut-off low that is expected to affect large parts of South Africa from Saturday to Tuesday. In reaction to this, George Municipality is prepared with a contingency plan consisting of integrated services to respond to predicted disruptive rain, severe thunderstorms and damaging waves.

The Municipality appeals to residents to be alert and cautious. If on the road, avoid flooded areas and rivers and be ready to move to higher ground, if necessary. Remember to keep pets safe. The public can purchase sandbags at Agri and sandbags can be filled at the Fire Department Mitchell Street. Watch the George Municipal social media pages, website and local media for updated information.

Important contact details for emergencies:
Switchboard: 801 9111 (7.45 am-4.30 pm)
AFTER-HOURS AND EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6300
Fire and Rescue: 044 801 6311 or 044 801 6300
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89

Uniondale
Fire: 044 801 6311 or 044 801 6300
Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024

 

All George beaches re-open for the public as of tomorrow

Herolds Bay, Archive picture

Good news for beachgoers in the George area! All beaches, including Gwaing Beach, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness, and Leentjiesklip, will be open to the public starting Friday, September 22, 2023. Heavy construction vehicles are still moving around the beaches and certain beach infrastructure such as benches and walkways have been removed. However, please note that swimming is not advisable due to the absence of lifeguards and debris in the water. Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the heart of the Garden Route!

Issued 21 September 2023, George Municipality

Alien Invasive Plant Awareness Campaign – Lantana spp

All Lantana are classified as a Category 1b invasive species which must be removed and destroyed.

Municipal Plant of the Month – Lantana spp: ALL seed-producing species and seed-producing hybrids are considered one of the 10 worst weeds in the world and comes in at number four in South Africa. Not only is Lantana very invasive and classified as a transformer but it is also one of the most common causes of livestock poisoning in South Africa.  All Lantanas are classified as a Category 1b invasive species which must be removed and destroyed. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.

Identification: Lantana is easily identified almost all year round by the very pretty clusters of multi-coloured flowers that may vary from pink, red, crimson, orange, yellow or white. The flower head is flat and compact often with many colours in one flower head. The fruits turn black when ripe and is a firm favourite with birds and other animals such as rodents and monkeys and appear to be non-toxic to these animals. These animals act as seed dispersal agents. The leaves are dark green and stiff with serrated margins. When crushed they exude a pungent unpleasant odour. The stems are very thorny.

Not only is Lantana very invasive and classified as a transformer but it is also one of the most common causes of livestock poisoning in South Africa.

Impacts: Lantana is a habitat transformer, forming thick impenetrable stands along forest margins, degraded land, road reserves, etc. Where the plants proliferate, they shade out and outgrow any indigenous plants and in addition, Lantana excretes chemicals which reduce the growth of surrounding plants by inhibiting germination and root elongation thus impacting heavily on biodiversity. Dense stands pose a fire risk as a result of increased biomass and fuel load.

Control: Chop down and treat the stumps and re-growth with a registered herbicide. Caution must be exercised that no cuttings are left behind with a node in contact with the soil as these readily take root and establish new plants. The poisons Chopper or Kaput are recommended as herbicides suitable for stump treatment and re-growth can be sprayed with a 3% mix of “Roundup” or other glyphosate herbicides.

 

References:  www.invasives.org.za : www.sanbi.org:

Cheers to Thembalethu Informal Settlement Dwellers as George Municipality switches on electricity

In the photograph from left are: Councillor Khayalethu Lose, Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Zukile Motseki (Resident), Councillor Nosicelo Mbethe (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services), Councillor Thembinkosi Lento (Ward 9 Councillor) and Daniel Greeff (Deputy Director Electro for Planning & Design in the Electrotechnical Services Directorate).

A ray of light shone brightly on the Thembalethu Informal settlements known as ‘Telkom’, on Wednesday, 13 September 2023. It was a day of celebration as the first 100 informal settlement dwellers finally had access to electricity. To mark this momentous occasion, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, officially switched on the electricity, in an event that also signifies the end of illegal connections.

“We are happy to be switching on electricity to informal settlements in this area today,” said Mayor van Wyk. “It’s a whole programme that we are running with this switch-on being the first 100 informal settlements units, and probably another 400 be switched in in the next few weeks. The initiative aims to improve safety by reducing the risk of electrocution from loose wires hanging around. At the same time, it brings electricity to the informal shack dwellers who can now buy it through a prepaid meter system.”

Mayor van Wyk says this switch-on is a significant step towards making life a little easier for our community members living in informal settlements. “We look forward to the positive impact it will have on their daily lives,” he added.

Mayor van Wyk’s entourage consisted of the Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services Nosicelo Mbethe, Ward 9 Councillor Thembinkosi Lento, Councillor Khayalethu Lose who is a resident in the area, officials from the Electrotechnical Services and the contractors. One of the residents, Zukile Motseki who opened his shack for the switch on expressed his joy for finally getting electricity from the Municipality. “This is a special day for us, I’m happy that we are able to have access to electricity and also stop Illegal connections, I’m very much grateful,” he said.

The immense growth in informal settlements has caused damage to the overall electrical infrastructure due to ongoing illegal connections, which in some instances resulted in the loss of lives. The Electrotechnical Department has drafted minimum criteria that will be adhered to for the electrification of informal areas in the future to formalize the provision of electrical services to informal settlements.

Since May 2014, up to April 2023, approximately 1600 informal structures have been added to the network at a cost of around R17 million. The cost per structure for electrification is between R10 000 – R13 000, which includes a prepaid meter. Following Council approval, the Electrotechnical Directorate embarked on the electrification construction work. The construction started at the Telkom informal area and is spreading through the Sityebi-Sityebi Informal area and thereafter Edameni.

Please watch the official switch-on of informal settlements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWJ98Ey_dYo

In the photograph from left in the front row are: Roland Appels (Sub-Contractor from MTDJ Projects), Councillor Khayalethu Lose, Cllr Nosicelo Mbethe (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services in the George Municipality), Cllr Thembinkosi Lento (Ward 9 Councillor), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Deon Esterhuysen (Manager: Projects Planning and Design), and Joubert Theart (Zutari – Civil Consulting Engineers).
Back row: Kevin Grunewald (BDE – Electrical Consulting Engineers), Jandre van Zyl (VE Electrical Contractors) and Daniel Greeff (Deputy Director Electro for Planning & Design in the Electrotechnical Services Directorate).

UPDATE 8: Safety and access to the beaches take priority as cleanup and damage assessments continue

Video: Clean-Up Operations Underway in Herolds Bay 

Issued by George Municipality, 19 September 2023 @13:10

George Municipality is working hard to ensure the safety of its residents following the high spring tides that hit the coastal areas of George over the past weekend. Clean-up efforts are in full swing, and damage assessments have been focused on water pipes for potable water supply and electrical components. Below, we give an overview of the damages at the various beaches in George.

Herold’s Bay suffered extensive damage to Municipal infrastructure and private properties. The value of the damages is still being determined as clean-up operations continue. The sewerage pump station was affected, stand-by generators flooded and bridges, roadways, sidewalks and retaining walls were damaged. Sand deposits in the roadway are making access difficult and are being dealt with. Alternative Sewerage arrangements are already done to ensure and prevent a breach.

Vitoria Bay Beach suffered moderate damages to Municipal infrastructure and private properties. Ablution buildings were flooded and retaining walls and sidewalks were damaged. Residential buildings have damage to gates and garage doors and some water flooding. Steps to the beach have been destroyed. The public should be cautious.

Gwaing River’s Lifeguard tower was damaged and concrete pillars were unearthed.

Wilderness had some infrastructure damage to the Leentjies Braai area/recreational sites, some sand deposits on the N2 bridge, and minor damage to private properties. Also, damage to signage and wood structures

All the above beaches are still closed to the public for recreational use to allow for clean-up and damage assessments. The municipality is doing everything possible to ensure that residents and visitors have access to the area as soon as possible.

Planned Interruption of the electricity supply – portion of Modderrivier

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF MODDERRIVIER

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF MODDERRIVIER
(STEENKAMP)VAN RENSBURG LINE US 12

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30

***
BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER – GEDEELTE VAN MODDERRIVIER

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN MODDERRIVIER
(STEENKAMP)VAN RENSBURG LYN US12

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 22 SEPTEMBER 2023 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 MAANDAG 25 SEPTEMBER 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30

UPDATE 7: George Municipality commences mop-up operations and damages assessments

The George Municipality’s service and technical departments this morning have begun mop-up operations and damage assessments following the high spring tides that hit the area over the past weekend.

Community Services, Electrotechnical Services, and Civil Engineering Services are working together to assess the damage to municipal properties and infrastructure. The municipality is unable to provide an estimate of the rand value of the damages at this stage, but it is believed to be in the millions of rands.

The George beaches, Herolds Bay, Victoria Bay, Leentjies, and Wilderness remain closed until further notice and access is currently restricted by law enforcement teams. The municipality is working hard to resolve the situation and will keep the public informed of any updates as they become available.

 

UPDATE 6: George beaches remain closed as the Municipality prepares for Mop-up operations

Issued by George Municipality, 17 September 2023 @18:50

The high tide predicted for this afternoon appeared to be much calmer with no threat to people, property, and infrastructure. While minor incidents were reported, the Municipality of George worked tirelessly to protect infrastructure while also saving lives. Dr Michele Gratz, the Municipal Manager of George, thanked the Municipal teams for their dedication and hard work this weekend.

Our hearts go out to the family of the elderly lady who passed away and those injured after a huge wave hit them at Leentjiesklip in Wilderness yesterday. “My condolences to the family who lost a loved one. My thoughts also go out to everyone along the coast who was affected by the storm surge. We appreciate the cooperation of the public during the very difficult weekend,” said the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk.

The George beaches remain closed until further notice. The Municipality will commence with the mop-up operations on Monday, 18 September 2023, while also continuing to assess damages caused by the high tide over the weekend.

We encourage everyone to report any incidents to the AFTER HOURS AND EMERGENCIES contact numbers: 044 801 6300 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311. Stay tuned for further updates.

The power supply was restored in parts of George following emergency repairs

The power supply was restored in parts of George following emergency repairs

The power supply to Kraaibosch, Victoria Bay, and part of Wilderness had to be switched off for emergency repairs. We are pleased to inform you that the power supply has been restored in these areas. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Issued by George Municipality
17/9/2023 @17:45

***

Power outage in parts of George due to Emergency repairs

Kraaibosch, Victoria Bay, and part of Wilderness are to be switched off for emergency repairs. The estimated time of repair is 2 hours.

Issued by George Municipality
17/9/2023 @16:00

Eskom Loadshedding update: 17 September 2023 @13:45

Due to further improvement in generation capacity, Stage 2 loadshedding (previously communicated Stage 3 loadshedding) will be implemented from 16:00 today until 16:00 on Monday.

Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 on Monday until 05:00 on Tuesday, followed by Stage 2 loadshedding from 05:00 until 16:00.

This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:
Sunday 17/09/2023
none

Monday 18/09/2023
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Tuesday 19/09/2023
22:00 – 00:30

Wednesday 20/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30
22:00 – 00:30

Thursday 21/09/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30

Friday 22/09/2023
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Sunday 17/09/2023
17:00 – 19:30

Monday 18/09/2023
17:00 – 19:30

Tuesday 19/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
17:00 – 19:30

Wednesday 20/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Thursday 21/09/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30

Friday 22/09/2023
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

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/

Issued by George Municipality

UPDATE 5: The public is urged to stay away from the George beaches

The George Municipality notes with concern that there seem to be people approaching the beaches in George. We would like to issue a stern warning that high seas are expected from 2 pm in anticipation of the high tides increasing at about 4:45 pm.

All beaches remain closed to the public due to the very high tides and rough sea conditions. The George Municipal Disaster Management and Service teams are on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation.

We will continue to keep you updated on any related incidents. If you witness any incidents, please report them to the AFTER HOURS AND EMERGENCIES contact numbers: 044 801 6300 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311.

Issued by George Municipality, 17 September 2023 @13:00

UPDATE 4: George beaches remain closed and damage assessments commence

Issued by George Municipality, 17 September 2023 @08:50

Assessments are being conducted to ascertain the nature of damages to infrastructure

All beaches remain closed to pedestrians and vehicles due to the very high tides and rough water conditions. The George Municipal Disaster Management and Service teams are on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation.

More high tide surges, predicted to swell up to 2.9 meters, are forecasted for this afternoon. Therefore, all-out cleaning and mop-up operations are not being conducted for the day. However, the Municipal Community Services will clear the debris.

Assessments are being conducted to ascertain the nature of damages to infrastructure. A number of structural damages have been noted, with power outages in some areas lying on the beaches of George. While the tide is low, the Municipal technical teams will go on-site to assess the issues.

We will continue to keep you updated on any related incidents. If you witness any incidents, please report them to the AFTER HOURS AND EMERGENCIES contact numbers: 044 801 6300 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311.

Eskom Loadshedding Update, Saturday, 16 September 2023 @20:00

Due to lower-than-anticipated demand, loadshedding will be suspended from 22:00 tonight. Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 on Sunday until 05:00 on Monday.

George will be affected as follows:
Saturday 16/09/2023
None

Sunday 17/09/2023
none

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Saturday 16/09/2023
None

Sunday 17/09/2023
17:00 – 19:30

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/

Issued by George Municipality

UPDATE 3: The public is urged to stay away from the George beaches

Issued by George Municipality, 16 September 2023 @19:15

All beaches and access remain closed to pedestrians and vehicles due to the very high tides and rough water conditions. The George Municipal Disaster Management teams are on high alert and have made necessary arrangements to react to any emergencies overnight. The next surge is predicted to take place on Sunday morning at approximately 4 a.m. We will continue to keep you updated on any related incidents. If you witness any incidents, please report to the AFTER HOURS AND EMERGENCIES contact numbers: 044 801 6300 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311.

UPDATE 1: Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay beaches closed due to high tide, 16 Sept 2023 @ 16:00

UPDATE 1: Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay beaches closed due to high tide
Issued by George Municipality,16 September 2023 at 16:00

All beaches are closed. We urge members of the community to stay away from all beaches. It is not safe due to the very high tides and rough water conditions. Please take this warning seriously and avoid any unnecessary risks. Updates will be provided as to when the beaches will reopen.

***

URGENT NOTICE: Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay beaches are currently closed due to high tide 16 September 2023 @15:00

The roads to Herolds Bay and Victoria Bay beaches have been temporarily closed due to the incoming high tide. People are warned not to visit the two beaches, as well as all other beaches, due to the high tide that is predicted. Our emergency teams are busy evacuating affected residents at Herolds Bay and Victoria Bay. We will keep you updated as we receive more information about when the beaches will reopen.

Eskom Loadshedding Update 16 September 2023 @13:00

Due to further improvement in generation capacity, loadshedding will be suspended from 11:00 today until 16:00. Stage 3 loadshedding will resume from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Sunday. Thereafter, loadshedding will continue to be implemented as previously communicated.

George will be affected as follows:

Saturday 16/09/2023
none

Sunday 17/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Saturday 16/09/2023
none

Sunday 17/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

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

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

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

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

 

Eskom Loadshedding update 15 September 2023 @15:00

Stage 4 loadshedding was implemented at 14:00 this afternoon and will continue until 05:00 on Saturday. Thereafter, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Saturday until 16:00, followed by Stage 4 until 05:00 on Sunday. This pattern will be repeated on Sunday.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 15/09/2023
16:00 – 18:30

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

Sunday 17/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 15/09/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Saturday 16/09/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Sunday 17/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

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/