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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

Gwaiing Solar System Achieves Remarkable Energy and Cost Savings

Visit to the Gwaing Waste Water Treatment Works earlier this year: From left is Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager), Daniel Greeff (Acting Director of Electrotechnical Services, George Municipality), Councillor Nosicelo Mbete (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services and Fleet Management), Thabo Yiga (Project Manager: Electrotechnical Services) and Edward Pienaar (Engineering Designer for RWK Electrical, the appointed contracting company).

The George Municipality is thrilled to announce that the newly installed 500 kWp solar system at the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) which is located next to the landfill site adjacent to the old Airport Road has been fully operational since 25 March 2024 and it has been delivering remarkable results over the past two months.

The 500 kilowatts peak (kWp) grid-tied PV plant consists of 910 PV Panels & 5 x 100kW inverters at a total cost of around R8.7m (Inclusive of VAT), including a 24-month Operation and Maintenance period. It was commissioned on the 25th of March 2024 and is expected to generate in the order of 870 MWh of energy per year. The electricity generated is used to run the pumps and motors for the wastewater treatment works during the day.

Key Achievements:
• Energy Production: The solar system has generated a total of 112,000 kWh (units) of energy in two months.
• Cost Savings: With an average cost of R1.80 per kWh, the savings amount to R201,600.
• Environmental Impact: The system has reduced our carbon footprint by an estimated 53 tonnes, equivalent to planting 74 trees.

The implementation of this solar system highlights the George Municipality’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and reducing the environmental impact. The savings and carbon footprint reduction are significant milestones in our journey towards a greener future.

The Municipality wishes to thank the community for their support and looks forward to sharing more updates as we continue to enhance our sustainable energy infrastructure.

The solar system has generated a total of 112,000 kWh (units) of energy in two months

 

Temporary Closure of Gwaiing Landfill Site


Issued by George Municipality, 3 June 2024

Due to inclement weather, the Gwaing landfill site is temporarily closed as accessibility is currently poor. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The George Waste Transfer Station remains open for the disposal of domestic waste. Please note that green bags will not be collected until further notice.

Planned Interruption of the Electricity Supply: Portion of Bergsig

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: PORTION OF BERGSIG

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF BERGSIG
2ND STR, KNYSNA RD, MANN STR, AMANDEL STR, REGHOEK STR, BOTHA STR

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 06 JUNE 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 15H00 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 FRIDAY 07 JUNE 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 15H00.

*

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN BERGSIG

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN BERGSIG
2DE STR, KNYSNA WEG, MANN STR, AMANDEL STR, REGHOEK STR, BOTHA STR

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 06 JUNIE 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 15H00 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 07 JUNIE 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 15H00.

UPDATE: Pipe Burst in Heather Park

UPDATE: Pipe Burst in Heather Park
Issued by George Municipality, 2 June 2024 @17:35

Good news! The repair work on the pipe burst in Heather Park has been completed and the water supply has been restored. Thank you for your patience.

***

UPDATE: Pipe Burst in Heather Park
Issued by George Municipality, 2 June 2024 @16:55

The repair work on the pipe burst in Heather Park has been completed. The teams are currently scouring or washing the line, and the water supply will be restored shortly. The pipe burst, which occurred early this morning, had impacted the Heather Park area.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

***

UPDATE: Pipe Burst in Heather Park
Issued by George Municipality, 2 June 2024 @15:50

The estimated 5-hour repair time for the pipe burst on Witfontein Road, initially scheduled to be completed by 15:00, has been extended by an hour.

In the interim, a water truck has been dispatched to Witfontein Road and will be moved to the parking area at Heather Park Spar. A second truck is stationed at Candlewood Street in front of the Church.

The pipe burst occurred early this morning, impacting the Heather Park area. The water team is working hard to repair the pipe and restore the water supply as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

***

UPDATE: Pipe Burst in Heather Park
Issued by George Municipality, 2 June 2024 @10:00

The Water team is attending the pipe burst at Witforntein Road this morning affecting Heather Park. The estimated time of repair is 5 hours.

***

Pipel Burst in Heather Park

Issued by George Municipality, 02 June 2024 @08:45

A pipe burst occurred in Witfontein Road. The area of Heatherpark is affected. The estimated time of repair is to be confirmed.

Planned Interruption of the Electricity Supply: Portion of Modderrivier Line R404

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF MODDERRIVIER LINE
R404.

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on TUESDAY 04 JUNE 2024 FROM 08H00 TO 17H00 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 THURSDAY 06 JUNE 2024 FROM 08H00 TO 17H00.

*

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN MODDERRIVIER LYN
R404.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN MODDERRIVIER LYN
R404.

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DINSDAG 04 JUNIE 2024 VANAF 08H00 TOT 17H00 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 DONDERDAG 06 JUNIE 2024 VANAF 08H00 TOT 17H00.

Planned Interruption of the Electricity Supply: Portion of Syferfontein

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF SYFERFONTEIN
OLYMPIC SCHOOL

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on TUESDAY 04 JUNE 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00 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 05 JUNE 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00.

*

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN SYFERFONTEIN

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN SYFERFONTEIN
OLYMPIC SKOOL

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DINSDAG 04 JUNIE 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00 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 05 JUNIE 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00.

Emergency Interruption of the Electricity Supply: Portion of Rosemore

EMERGENCY INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: PORTION OF ROSEMORE

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF ROSEMORE
BEER, WOLTEMADE, MILLER STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 31 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00 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.

*

NOOD ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN ROSEMORE

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN ROSEMORE
BEER, WOLTEMADE, MILLER STRATE

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 31 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00 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.

Temporary Switch-Off of Thembalethu Streetlights


Issued by George Municipality, 28 May 2024 @18:55

Please note that Electrotechnical Services temporarily switched off Thembalethu streetlights. This measure was taken to help mitigate possible tripping in Thembalethu which may be caused by an overload due to planned work that has not been switched back.

Trimming of Historic “Slave Tree” for Safety Reasons

One of the largest and oldest trees in the Southern Hemisphere, known as the “slave tree,” approximately 212 years old, has been trimmed for safety reasons. This tree has been a sentry, overlooking the many visitors to the George Tourism Office, situated at 124 York Street, since its inception.

The Quercus Robur (English oak) tree, popularly known as the slave tree, is located at the George tourism office and was #29 on the list of Champion trees. However, it was de-listed after the tree was damaged by the elements in recent years.

Planted in 1811 with the establishment of George, this oak tree has been central to an urban legend and dubbed the ‘Old Slave Tree’ due to the thick chain and lock, firmly lodged into the base of the tree. However, in 1811, when slaves were emancipated, the tree was but a sapling, the roller for the lawn tennis court that once stood in front of the girls’ school, was chained to the tree, and the relic of that was left in the tree.

Over the years, the tree has deteriorated, and its falling dead branches have become a hazard to people and property. Consequently, the George Municipality undertook the pruning of these dead branches.

Discussions are ongoing to find a possible way to preserve what remains of this tree, which plays a significant role in the history of George.

Garden Route Dam Level – 28 May 2024

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL
Issued 28 May 2024, George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 92,97 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 18.2 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 21 until 27 May 2024)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all municipal water users is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Urgent Notice for Public: Construction Work Notice: Garden Route Dam Suction Pipe Works

A planned construction of the Garden Route Dam Suction pipe works, initially scheduled to take place on weekdays, will also include tomorrow, Saturday, 25 May 2024 between 07:00 and 14:00.

SERVICE DISRUPTION:
Minor operational interruptions can be expected during the construction works. Advance notification of planned temporary disruptions and the effects thereof will be issued via social media.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:
No impact to traffic.

ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the site will be strictly controlled. No member of the public will be allowed access to the construction area, in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: Mr Andre Scheepers – 044 801 9492 (Technical)
: Mr Alewijn Dippenaar – 082 457 5675 (Public Liaison Officer)

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

Alien Invasive Plant Awareness Campaign: Sword Fern

Municipal Plant of the Month – Sword Fern: Nephrolepis exaltata / cordifolia. The sword fern typically grows in woodland areas. Fronds tend to be dull green in shaded areas and lighter green or yellowish-green when growing in a sunny position. Both fertile and sterile fronds are pinnate. Rhizomes are orange-brown to pale brown with linear scales having hair-like tips.

It spreads through the thousands of spores it produces. These spores are dispersed by wind and water.

Invasive status: Listed as Nemba Category 1b invasive weed, it is a habitat transformer and must be removed. It threatens indigenous species by aggressively invading swamps, forests, coastal bush, and roadsides. It forms dense stands, quickly displacing indigenous vegetation thus threatening biodiversity.

Control: When uprooting by hand ensure all parts of the plant have been removed. Poisons are available. Regular follow-up is essential.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE: CYBERCRIME – Beware of Telephone Scams – Unblocking of Prepaid Meters

 

Freepic Image of Cybercrime

George Municipality kindly asks that all ratepayers, and Municipal clients be vigilant – we have been informed of telephonic calls and/or WhatsApp messages made to a ratepayer requesting the payment of a large sum of money into an unknown bank account to prevent the blocking of a prepaid meter. The municipality will not contact a ratepayer telephonically or via WhatsApp regarding the blocking of a meter and also not request a large payment into an unknown account to unblock a meter. Your prepaid meter will only be blocked if you have outstanding payments on your municipal account and despite us sending you several SMS (directly to your registered contact number as the municipal account holder), you make no effort to get in touch with us. Only then will your prepaid meter be blocked, and you will have to come in or phone in to resolve and discuss payment arrangements.

When making any payments to the municipal bank account please follow the procedures for sending proof of payment. Cybercriminals constantly challenge any measures put in place and clients are asked to be vigilant.

The public is urged to carefully check and confirm the municipality’s banking details as received on a municipal invoice. It remains your responsibility as the payer (ratepayer, citizen, business, client of the Municipality etc.) to ensure that the correct banking details are captured when making payments to George Municipality as the insurance companies and banks also do not accept any risk if a transaction approved and authorised by yourself ends up being to fraudulent sources.

BANK DETAILS FOR GEORGE MUNICIPALITY
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Use your GRG municipal account details as a reference and send proof of payment to payments@george.gov.za

For traffic fines only:
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Number: 62869623168
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Use the traffic fine number as a reference.

Please follow these steps to update George Municipality as a beneficiary on your online banking:
1. Delete your current George Municipality beneficiary.
2. Create a new George Municipality beneficiary:
Search for George Municipality as the Institution name and click select,
Continue filling in the required information until the transaction is complete.
3. Should you require any assistance in updating George Municipality as a beneficiary, please feel free to contact our Finance offices on 044 801 9111.

Contact for Debt Control Assistance:
For help, phone the municipality’s debt control section at 044 801 9111 during office hours or via email creditcontrol@george.gov.za

CREDIT CONTROL AFTER-HOURS NUMBER: 072 501 1843 ONLY for EMERGENCY BLOCKED ELECTRICITY METERS during the following hours:
Monday to Friday from 16:30 to 20:00/ Saturday from 8:00 to 20:00 and Sunday from 8:00 to 14:00

Please note: a minimum payment is required before the meter will be unblocked after hours.

MEDIA STATEMENT: 21:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa, 16 May 2024 at 21:00

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 16 May 2024 at 21:00

Rescue and recovery efforts are still underway on day ten (10) following the building collapse at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 247 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 62
* Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 19

FAMILIES LINKED TO SURVIVORS AND DECEASED

So far, 47 victims have been linked to their families.

HANDOVER OF SITE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

The Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality are finalising preparations for the Department of Labour and Employment to take over the building collapse site to continue their formal investigation.

RESPECTING PATIENT PRIVACY IN MEDICAL FACILITIES

Members of the media and public are kindly requested to respect the privacy of the patients who are still hospitalised and receiving treatment at medical facilities. Their dignity while they recover, should be observed, protected, and respected.

REFRAIN FROM SPECULATION

The public is advised that official investigations into the incident are being undertaken by SAPS, Department of Labour, Department of Infrastructure, and an independent structural engineering firm appointed by the Western Cape Government. Speculation and possible causes by unofficial “experts” could impact negatively on the official investigation. The public is requested to refrain from spreading malicious rumours and/or fake news.

RESCUE WORKERS ON SITE

The highest number of role players on-site in a single day was 682. As of now, nearly 150 rescue workers and support staff remain committed on-site to the rescue and recovery operations.

STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE

The Garden Route District Joint Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has indicated that a comprehensive range of services will continue to be made available to the affected families for a minimum of 6 months. Psychosocial support for all rescue and non-rescue personnel will be addressed.

All families of the affected contract workers will from 10:00 am, tomorrow, 17 May, be routed to the Department of Social Development at the York Park Building situated on York Street. For more information contact telephone number: 044 814 1920/1 / 072 4561 486.

THANK YOU TO ALL ROLE PLAYERS

The President of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to the site today, and the Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Minister Anton Bredell, at the JOC this evening, respectively extended words of gratitude to all roleplayers for the excellent manner in which the entire incident was coordinated.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE MEDIA/PUBLIC

As from Friday, 17 May 2024 (tomorrow), updates about the rescue and recovery operations will be scaled down to and communicated from 6 updates to 3 updates per day at 9:00, 12:00 and 15:00.

The next update will be issued at 9:00, 17 May 2024 (tomorrow).

Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality

#Georgebuildingcollapse

MEDIA STATEMENT: 18:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 16 May 2024 at 18:00

Rescue and recovery efforts are still underway on day ten (10) following the building collapse at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 244 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 62
* Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 19

FAMILIES LINKED TO SURVIVORS AND DECEASED

So far, 47 victims have been linked to their families.

HANDOVER OF SITE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

The Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality are finalising preparations for the Department of Labour and Employment to take over the building collapse site to continue their formal investigation.

RESPECTING PATIENT PRIVACY IN MEDICAL FACILITIES

Members of the media and public are kindly requested to respect the privacy of the patients who are still hospitalised and receiving treatment at medical facilities. Their dignity while they recover, should be observed, protected and respected.

REFRAIN FROM SPECULATION

The public is advised that official investigations into the incident are being undertaken by SAPS, Department of Labour, Department of Infrastructure as well as an independent structural engineering firm appointed by the Western Cape Government. Speculation and possible causes by unofficial “experts” could impact negatively on the official investigation. The public is requested to refrain from spreading malicious rumours and/or fake news.

RESCUE WORKERS ON SITE

The highest number of role players on-site in a single day was 682. As of now, nearly 150 rescue workers and support staff remain committed on-site to the rescue and recovery operations.

STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE

The Garden Route District Joint Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has indicated that a comprehensive range of services will continue to be made available to the affected families for a minimum of 6 months. Psychosocial support for all rescue and non-rescue personnel will be addressed.

The next update will be issued at 21:00, 16 May 2024.

Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality

#Georgebuildingcollapse

MEDIA STATEMENT: 21:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa, 15 May 2024 at 21:00

Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 15 May 2024 at 21:00

Rescue and recovery efforts are continuing into day nine (9) following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 223 hours.

The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 62
* Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 19

FAMILIES LINKED TO SURVIVORS AND DECEASED

Up to now, 47 victims have been linked to their families.

STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE

The Garden Route District Joint Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.

DONATIONS TO FAMILIES

Today, several organisations, such as the Gift of the Givers, Makro, Lions Club, and Food Socks (feature image) and the Ghanian Community Association in George, provided food hampers and other items to families who are related to the workers who were present at the Victoria Street building collapse in George. The Multi-Agency Command Centre expresses its heartfelt gratitude and thank you to all these organisations for their generous acts of kindness.

DONATIONS FOR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AT THE GEORGE BUILDING COLLAPSE SITE

The George Municipality would like to provide details of how the public can support the multi-disciplinary emergency personnel with donations of drinking water, energy drinks, wine gums, or food for emergency services while they are on-site.

Donations may be delivered to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street in George or contact the Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428) in this regard.

MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS

The President of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Cyril Ramaphosa, will be visiting the disaster site in George, accompanied by a delegation of National Ministers, on Thursday, 16 May 2024 (tomorrow).

POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has indicated that a comprehensive range of services will continue to be made available to the affected families for a minimum of 6-months.

The next update will be issued at 6:00am tomorrow morning, 16 May 2024.

Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality

#Georgebuildingcollapse