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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

PUBLIC NOTICE: UNAUTHORISED HOUSE SHOP ON LAND ZONED FOR SINGLE RESIDENTIAL ZONE I PURPOSES

PUBLIC NOTICE: UNAUTHORISED HOUSE SHOP ON LAND ZONED FOR SINGLE RESIDENTIAL ZONE I PURPOSES

Issued by the George Municipality

The George Municipal Council approved a revised Policy On House Shops And Other Residential-Based Retail Concerns in November 2021. The revised policy establishes sustainable land use management guidelines to allow the operation of house shops or similar micro-enterprises from residential properties, with specific focus given to low-income residential neighbourhoods such as townships, subsidy housing areas, and informal settlement areas – to ensure their short-term economic sustainability while also facilitating the long-term spatial strategy for these neighbourhoods.

The residential business survey conducted by the George Municipality’s Town Planning Department in March 2022 revealed that of the 308 house shops recorded in the George Municipal area, including Blanco. Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Haarlem, and Uniondale, only five (5) are legal in terms of the Town Planning law. This has therefore necessitated a vigorous drive on rectification of illegal house shops in the greater George area.

The George Municipality has issued notices to all illegal house shops in terms of that are section 85 (1) of the George Municipality’s By-law on Municipal Land Use Planning:

These house shops have utilised land in a manner other than prescribed by a zoning scheme without the approval of the municipality.

These house shops have been instructed in terms of section 86 of the said legislation, to cease the unlawful land use and/or the construction activity or both, without delay or within 30 days of the date of registration of this notice.

  1. The house shops can either:
  • Apply to rectify the unlawful land use and/or construction activity in terms of section 86(2)(b) of the said legislation within 30 days of date of registration of this notice. However, this must not be construed as an indication that the application will be approved, or
  • Demolish unauthorised building work and rehabilitate the land or restore the building to its original form within 30 days of date of registration of this notice.
  1. They may object to this notice by lodging written representations to the Municipality within 30 days of the date of registration of this notice in terms of section 87 (6) of the said legislation.
  2. The house shop must please note that failure to comply with the above request may result in further action, legal or otherwise, being taken against them in terms of section 88(1)(g)(i)-(v) of the said legislation.

ILLEGAL HOUSE SHOPS GRANTED 3 MONTHS AMNESTY PERIOD TO RECTIFY THEIR OPERATION AND TO AVOID PAYMENT OF PENALTIES OR FINES

As part of the rectification process, all owners and/or operators of illegal house shops or 3rd party retail concerns, including those who have previously been served a notice, will now be granted an amnesty period of 3 months to rectify their operation and avoid the payment of any penalties or fines. The amnesty will only be granted if the operator can present proof of the shop’s existence prior to the implementation of the new zoning scheme on 1 September 2017 and accepts the General Conditions of Approval for house shops. The granting of amnesty shall not be construed as an indicator of support for their illegal businesses, or that their application will be approved. The amnesty period will close on 30 November 2022.

HOW TO REACH THE MUNICIPALITY FOR RECTIFICATION

The owners can contact the official who issued the notice on the phone number, or the email address provided thereon. They can also visit the offices on the 5th floor, municipal building, 71 York Street. For enquiries, the public can contact our office on Tel: 044 801 9477. They also send an email to town.planning.complaints@george.gov.za to register a service request. There will be a town planner on duty each day to assist with these queries.

Issued by George Municipality

26 August 2022

FIRE AT LANDFILL SITE

FIRE AT LANDFILL SITE

A fire started at the Landfill site again during the night. The fire department was on site as well as Landfill staff with a bulldozer to cover the burning areas with soil last night as well as this morning and they succeeded to extinguish the fire.

There are however parts still smouldering. A water tanker has been dispatched to the area and is currently busy. Preparations to have an excavator on site is underway to do meaningful work for a longer-lasting result.

We will keep you abreast of operations as we progress. The area has been cordoned off and is mostly accessible to clients.

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF GEORGE CENTRAL

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF GEORGE CENTRAL

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF GEORGE CENTRAL – MARKET STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SUNDAY 28 AUGUST 2022 FROM  08H30 TO 16H00 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 SUNDAY 04 SEPTEMBER 2022 FROM  08H30 TO 16H00

***

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRISITEITSVOORSIENING – GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE SENTRAAL

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE CENTRAL – MARK STRAAT

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SONDAG 28 AUGUSTUS 2022 VANAF  08H30 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 SONDAG 04 SEPTEMBER 2022 VANAF 08H30 TOT 16H00

 

 

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF HOEKWIL

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF HOEKWIL

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PLATRUG ROAD AND OLIFANTSHOEK ROAD

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SATURDAY 27 AUGUST  2022 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 SUNDAY 28 AUGUST  2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H30

 

***

 

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRISITEITSVOORSIENING – GEDEELTE VAN HOEKWIL

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

PLATRUGWEG EN OLIFANTSHOEKWEG

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SATERDAG 27 AUGUSTUS  2022 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 SONDAG 28 AUGUSTUS  2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30

 

Golf and colour-run fun to bolster OCC 2022 fundraising efforts

George, Garden Route (August 2022) – All wheels are in motion to ensure that this year’s Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) can be hosted once again, with continued support from George Municipality and George Tourism since 2002. Taking into account the two-year hiatus necessitated by Covid-19, this year’s much-anticipated event may well be more of a mammoth production than ever before.

But come Saturday October 15, the OCC race village at Carpe Diem School as well as all routes, markers, marshals and meals, will have been secured and an army of helpers will be ready to roll – thanks to the efforts of event owner the Disabled Road Race Foundation (DRRF) and its many resourceful collaborators.

Roslyn Saptoe serves as DRRF chairperson and is tasked with directing the essential fundraising drives required to keep the race on the road, as it were. Two such initiatives are scheduled for the last weekend in August, allowing the general public to show their support for people in wheelchairs while contributing to OCC operational funds.

First up is a Fun Walk at Rooirivier Sports Grounds on Saturday the 27th at 12 noon. Entry fees are R30 for adults and kids pay R10 – register at the grounds from 11am onwards.

“The Fun Walk will follow the well-loved Colour Run-format, with rainbow-tinted powder ensuring no participant leaves the grounds looking drab or grey! Wear a white T-shirt and remember, donations are always very welcome,” smiles Roslyn.

She adds that Rooirivier grounds staff has been asked to trim the grass two days prior to the OCC Fun Walk, which should make it much easier for wheelchair participants to navigate their way.

Then, divot diggers of all skills levels must diarise Sunday August 28, when the OCC Golf Day fundraiser will be hosted at spectacular Oubaai Golf Estate. Entry fee is R2,000 per four-ball and includes green fees, golf carts, and a halfway snack. There’s also a plethora of prizes to be won for nearest to the pin, longest drive and suchlike, as well as an auction and lucky draws.

Various sponsorship options are available – call Roslyn on 073 450 2469 to find out more. Deposit your entry fee into Nedbank (branch code 198765) savings account 2033421546 and email proof of payment to ggtgolf01@gmail.com before August 26. For general golf bookings, WhatsApp Nick on 083 491 9133 or Hilton on 073 901 6638

OCC race director Alewijn Dippenaar explains that all funds raised during the run-up to this year’s event will help footing the bill for essential infrastructure such as tents, toilets, sound equipment, water points, delineators and the like.

Says Alewijn: “Consider that we are positioning 2,600 delineators along a 21km circuit, with an equal amount of sandbags. Funds raised will also support our opening ceremony on the Friday evening, when we provide a bite for athletes in attendance.

“Then add the fact that all participants receive medals, and it’s clear the list of expenses is nearly endless. Long story short, the total cost of hosting an event of this magnitude is around R750,000.”

Local business folk unable to attend this month’s fundraisers must take note that a special category has been created by OCC organisers to allow their involvement and support.

“In the lead-up to Boss’s Day on October 16, we’ve opened our 5km route and invite businesses to participate in their own unique challenge on Saturday’s race day. Put your MD or manager into a wheelchair, and get your crew to take turns pushing along the 5km circuit.

“Entry is only R3,000 and affords you brand bragging rights at the race village and during the 5km event, so don’t miss this opportunity for great publicity and a whole lot of fun,” says Alewijn.

The DRRF was established in 2004 as NPO with the specific purpose of enhancing races for people in wheelchairs; each one of its seven directors has a specific portfolio to further this cause. OCC pre-entries can be done by clicking on www.onlines.co.za or contact Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 or at dyndev@mweb.co.za with queries.

Press release on behalf of the Road Race Foundation:
interface by goji
mimi finestone |  mimi@gojipr.net  |  +27 84 583 3144

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF ROSEMOORE

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF ROSEMOORE

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

KANARIE, NO NAME, BAKER, COMAY, DELPORT, VAN BRIESIES, DEERLING STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 26 AUGUST  2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 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 29 AUGUST 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00

Issued by George Municipality

24 August 2022

 

***

 

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRISITEITSVOORSIENING – GEDEELTE VAN ROSEMOORE

 

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

KANARIE, NO NAME, BAKER, COMAY, DELPORT, VAN BRIESIES, DEERLING STRATE

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op  VRYDAG 26 AUGUSTUS  2022 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 MAANDAG 29 AUGUSTUS 2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00

Uigereik deur George Munisipaliteit

24 Augustus 2022

 

ESKOM INTERRUPTION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

ESKOM INTERRUPTION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Date: 01 September 2022

Time: 06:00 to 18:00

AFFECTED AREAS:

Outeniqua Substation

Dysseldorp Substation

Oudtshoorn Substation

Meiringspoort Substation

Riet Substation

Calitzdorp Substation

 

as well as surrounding areas

Affected areas in the George Municipal area are:

Uniondale, Haarlem, Noll, Herold and

Waboomskraal

 

Alternative date: 14Th September 2022

Time: 06:00 to 18:00

LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE: 22 AUGUST 2022

LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE
Issued George Mun, 22 August 2022

Monday, 22 August 2022: Eskom cautions the public that the system remains constrained, and that Stage 2 load-shedding might be required to be implemented at short notice from 16:00 – 24:00 over the course of the week. – Eskom

If Eskom would implement stage 2, then George will be affected as follows:

Monday 22/08/2022
20:00 to 22:30

Tuesday 23/08/2022
20:00 to 22:30

Wednesday 24/08/2022
None

Thursday 25/08/2022
None

Friday 26/08/2022
18:00 to 20:30

If Eskom would implement stage 2, then Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Monday 22/08/2022
23:00 to 00:30

Tuesday 23/08/2022
23:00 to 00:30

Wednesday 24/08/2022
None

Thursday 25/08/2022
None

Friday 26/08/2022
21:00 to 23:30

 

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – WILDERNESS HEIGHTS

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – WILDERNESS HEIGHTS

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

SEVEN PASSES RD, TIEN MYL LAAN, SKIETBAAN LINE, DR. STRYDOM LINE, MTN TOWER

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST  2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 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 WEDNESDAY 31 AUGUST  2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00

***

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

SEVEN PASSES WEG, TIEN MYL LAAN, SKIETBAAN LYN, DR. STRYDOM LYN, MTN TORING

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op WOENSDAG 24 AUGUSTUS 2022 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 31 AUGUSTUS  2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00

 

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF WILDERNESS

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF WILDERNESS

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

BARNARD LINE, DE WAAL DRIVE

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 25 AUGUST  2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 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 THURSDAY 01 SEPTEMBER  2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00

Issued by George Municipality

22 August 2022

 

***

 

BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRISITEITSVOORSIENING – GEDEELTE VAN WILDERNIS

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

BARNARD LYN, DE WAAL DRIVE

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 25 AUGUSTUS 2022 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 DONDERDAG 01 SEPTEMBER 2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00

Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit

22 Augustus 2022

PLANNED INTERRUPTION  OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: GEORGE CENTRAL, MARKET STREET

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION  OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:PORTION OF GEORGE CENTRAL, MARKET STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2022  FROM  08H30 TO 16H00 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 SUNDAY 28 AUGUST 2022 FROM  08H30 TO 16H00.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN  DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE CENTRAL, MARK STRAAT

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SONDAG 21 AUGUSTUS 2022 VANAF  08H30 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 SONDAG 28 AUGUSTUS 2022 VANAF 08H30 TOT 16H00.

PLANNED ELECTRICITY SUPPLY INTERRUPTION – PORTION OF THEMBALETHU

PLANNED ELECTRICITY SUPPLY INTERRUPTION – PORTION OF THEMBALETHU

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF THEMBALETHU

ZONE 1: AFRICA SKILLS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST 2022 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 THURSDAY 25 AUGUST 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H30.

Issued by George Municipality

17 August 2022

 

PLANNED ELECTRICITY SUPPLY INTERRUPTION – HOEKWIL

PLANNED ELECTRICITY SUPPLY INTERRUPTION – HOEKWIL

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF HOEKWIL

HOEKWIL ROAD, DUIF ROAD, BITOU ROAD

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SATURDAY 20 AUGUST  2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 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 SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00

Issued by George Municipality

17 August 2021

***

BEPLANDE ELEKTRISITEITSVOORSIENING ONDERBREKING – HOEKWIL

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE  VAN HOEKWIL

HOEKWIL WEG, DUIF STR, BITOU WEG

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op  SATERDAG 20 AUGUSTUS  2022 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 SONDAG 21 AUGUSTUS 2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00

Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit

17 Augustus 2021

 

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – STREEKRIOOL NO. 1

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – STREEKRIOOL NO. 1

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

STREEKRIOOL NO.1

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 19 AUGUST  2022  FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains.  Consumers will not be affected.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on MONDAY 22 AUGUST 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00

Issued by George Municipality

16 August 2022

***

BEPLANDE KRAGONDERBREKING – STREEKRIOOL NR.1

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

STREEKRIOOL NO.1

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 19 AUGUSTUS  2022 VANAF  009H00 TOT 16H00 met  die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak.  Klante word nie geaffekteer nie.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op MAANDAG 22 AUGUSTUS 2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00

Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit

16 Augustus 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE: WARD 10: Upgrading of Ndzonwabili Street

PUBLIC NOTICE: WARD 10: Upgrading of Ndzonwabili Street
 
DRAW for (2) SUB CONTRACTORS FOR LAYING OF PAVING AND KERBS
 
You are cordially invited to a draw for (2) Sub Contractors
 
THEMBALETHU COMMUNITY HALL
 
Emerging Contractors residing in Ward 10 wishing to partake in this project need to be registered with the following entities:
 
CIPC: Companies and Intellectual Property Commission
CSD: Central Supplier Database
CIDB: Construction Industry Development Board (Registered as 1 CEB or Higher)
 
The supporting documents proving valid registration with the above-mentioned entities need to be presented at the draw and will serve as an access pass to limit attendance numbers, in accordance with the latest Covid-19 Regulations.
 
DATE: 19 AUGUST 2022
VENUE: THEMBALETHU COMMUNITY HALL
WARD: 10
TIME: 10h00
 
Very Important Note:
1. Only one (1) representative per SMME Construction Business will be allowed
due to Covid-19 Regulations.
2. Emerging Contractors who have done work on similar projects for George Municipality in the past two (2) years, will not be considered in the initial round, but will be allowed to partake should no successful contractors be found.

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY EMBARKS ON A RECTIFICATION OF ILLEGAL HOUSE SHOPS CAMPAIGN

The George Municipal Council approved a revised Policy On House Shops And Other Residential-Based Retail Concerns in November 2021. The revised policy establishes sustainable land use management guidelines to allow the operation of house shops or similar micro-enterprises from residential properties, with specific focus given to low-income residential neighbourhoods such as townships, subsidy housing areas, and informal settlement areas – to ensure their short-term economic sustainability while also facilitating the long-term spatial strategy for these neighbourhoods.

The residential business survey conducted by the George Municipality’s Town Planning Department in March 2022 revealed that of the 308 house shops recorded in the George Municipal area, including Blanco. Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Haarlem, and Uniondale, only five (5) are legal in terms of the Town Planning law. This has therefore necessitated a vigorous drive on rectification of illegal house shops in the greater George area.

As part of the rectification process, all owners and/or operators of illegal house shops or 3rd party retail concerns, including those who have previously been served a notice, will now be granted an amnesty period of 3 months to rectify their operation and avoid the payment of any penalties or fines.

“The amnesty will only be granted if the operator can present proof of the shop’s existence prior to the implementation of the new zoning scheme on 1 September 2017 and accepts the General Conditions of Approval for house shops. The granting of amnesty shall not be construed as an indicator of support for their illegal businesses, or that their application will be approved,” said, Clinton Petersen, the Senior Manager in the George Municipality’s Town Planning Department.”

Petersen confirmed that the Municipality has already commenced the process of issuing notices directly to all unauthorised house shops in George. “The notice that we have issued is a ‘First Notice’, which basically informs and warns the property owner and the house shop operator that they have utilised the land outside the zoning scheme prescripts and without the approval of the municipality. The notice furthermore advises that they must rectify the contraventions (the illegal activity and/or building works) within 30 days of the date of notice being served. The notice will also request the owner/operator to contact and visit the Town Planning department to discuss options in rectifying the contravention,” Petersen said.

If the property owner and/or house shop operator does not adhere to the municipality’s ‘first notice’, the municipality will issue a second notice allowing the owner and/or operator a further 14 days to address the contravention. Should the owner and/or operator adhere to the above-mentioned notices, he/she will be assisted by the Planning department and advised on the requirements of submitting the necessary land use applications. They will also be advised that the submission of such an application does not give them the authority to continue operating the illegal shop and further, that submission of the application does not guarantee that their application will be successful.

Petersen says that the owner and/or operator will then be provided one (1) month to submit the required land use application. “Should the second notice not be adhered to, or the land use application is not be submitted, the matter will be handed over to the Department of Legal Services and Compliance for the instituting of further legal action. The Legal Department will issue a final compliance notice allowing the owner and/or operator a final opportunity (14 days) to address the contravention, failing which, said Department will be instructed to either lay a criminal charge with the SAPS or appoint an attorney to institute civil proceedings against the owner and/or operator,” he added.

The municipality may deviate from the above procedures and institute legal action if the activity and/or structure pose an imminent danger to life or property, or if illicit activities are suspected to be taking place on the property and pose a threat to the health and wellbeing of the community concerned.

The owners can contact the official who issued the notice on the phone number, or the email address provided thereon. They can also visit the offices on the 5th floor, municipal building, 71 York Street. For enquiries, the public can contact our office on Tel: 044 801 9477. They also send an email to town.planning.complaints@george.gov.za to register a service request. There will be a town planner on duty each day to assist with these queries.

Ends.

 

VANDALISM OF MUNICIPAL PROPERTY IS SELF-DEFEATING

Vandalism of paving and manhole covers from the roads in Erf 325 East and Metro Grounds Developments areas, that have been serviced for future housing development is raising a huge concern for the Municipality, as it deprives citizens of deserving services.

“The vandalism of the road which is caused by members of the public is self-defeating because the infrastructure that has been built in this future residential area is meant for the development of the community. It also takes away from the public funds. Each destruction robs the community of what they deserve, and it hinders good quality service delivery. The Municipality has also noted that the manhole covers on the Metro grounds are also being vandalised, and this poses a danger to small children and animals,” said Lionel Daniels, acting director for Civil Engineering Services in the George Municipality.

 

“We plead to the community to assist by reporting these incidents. We implore the public to help us, as it appears that people continue to plunder Municipal property in many parts of the Municipal area. Assessments of the extent of the damages on the road and missing manhole covers is ongoing and it is unfortunate that funding earmarked for new infrastructure, now needs to be allocated for these repairs,” Daniels added.

Vandalism is a crime and ultimately costs ratepayers, money. Vandalism also results in communities being deprived of services. The public is requested to please report people tampering, painting, breaking, or stealing municipal property with the SAPS and George Municipality Law Enforcement (044 801 6350 or 044 801 6300 after hours) as soon as you see it happening. If you can take pictures of the culprits in the act without endangering yourself, it will help a lot. Thank you in advance for helping us protect our infrastructure.

Reward

George Municipality offers a R2500 reward for information that leads to the successful conviction of vandalism in a court of law. The witness will have to go on record to the authorities, giving his/her name and contact details to testify, but his/her identity will be protected. Report to 0860 044 044 to be eligible for the reward.

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HAZARDOUS DAY OPEN DAY A SUCCESS

The George Municipality wishes to thank the public for a successful open day for hazardous waste held on 29 July 2022 between 08:00 and 15:00 at the Outeniqua Stadium Parking area, on Augusta Street.

A word of gratitude goes to the 150 people who came to turn in hazardous waste as the open day was a resounding success.

The following wase was collected:

  • 315 litres of medical waste
  • 200 fluorescent tubes / globes
  • 10kg of household batteries
  • 2 tons of e-waste and
  • 1 ton of paint

The next open day will take place on 28 October 2022, the following items are acceptable as hazardous waste:

  • Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid
  • Used antifreeze
  • Paint, paint thinner, turpentine
  • Pesticides or herbicides
  • Household batteries
  • CRT’s old TVs, miscellaneous electronics, Tyres, Fluorescent tubes, and Globes
  • Household medical waste (needles and old medicine and tablets)

The following items are not acceptable as hazardous waste:  

  • Explosives – Ammunition
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Controlled Substances

Remember to bring the items you wish to dispose of in a strong box preferably in their original, labelled containers and do not mix products. For further enquiries please contact the George Municipality’s environmental services on 044 802 2900.

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