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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

Mayor’s newsletter for George Herald of 26 May 2022

Over the past week, I have once again realised the importance of communication channels between the municipality and the public. The weather forecasts indicated that the berg wind conditions were to be a precursor to the approaching cold front.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, 18 May 2022, we started to receive messages of electricity outages due to wind damage and fires that turned into runaway problems on various fronts. Our Communications team comprising Chantel, Ntobeko and Debra went into overdrive to produce the communications necessary to alert the public. Many councillors have developed messaging groups through which these critical messages can be disseminated. We constantly trust that the persons on our distribution lists are connectors who then share messages to reach a broader audience.

Wednesday’s runaway fires and power outages impacted many communities and through messaging we were able to keep citizens informed on the status of bringing fires under control and then dealing with the more disruptive power outages where our repair teams worked long hours to clear vegetation and re-connect lines. I was touched once again by the positive comments for the work of our communications team, our fire-fighters and electrical teams.

We take pride in having employees (on an ongoing basis we also need to remember our water, sewer, refuse, stormwater teams and others) who are dedicated in keeping our services functioning at a high standard, as well as the privateers who pitch in or are contracted to assist.

It is critically important that our customers and all citizens ensure that their contact details are updated with the municipality so that the communication system can function effectively. The incidents that I have referred to (and the recent floods) are examples where we need to be able to reach our citizens quickly. Our Municipal App can be downloaded onto mobile phones (https://george.comunity.me) to report service faults, download your municipal account and receive communications.

Recently our Chief Whip, Marlene Barnardt attended a regional meeting of the residential estates community where she explained the importance of using the Municipal App and having access to messaging groups. We need to connect with all estates and community interest groups not only in relation to services (or to get counted for the Census) but also for the municipality to be informed about the needs and interests of citizens.

A key feature of becoming a successful, admired and innovative intermediate city is inter-active communication between the municipality and its citizenry and business communities. Communication promotes collaboration and understanding about our challenges and expectations. It would be appreciated if citizens and community groups who wish to be added to communication groups can send their names, addresses/suburbs, mobile numbers and email addresses to mayor@george.gov.za

PUBLIC NOTICE: Implementing service charges for 2021/22 as per our approved Municipal Tariffs

PUBLIC NOTICE: Implementing service charges for 2021/22 as per our approved Municipal Tariffs

Issued George Municipality, 25 May 2022

George Municipality is aware of a number of consumers who have not been billed for all services rendered as per the George Municipal Council approved 2021/2022 tariffs. The Finance Department has proceeded to rectify the monthly billing for all affected clients as from 26 April 2022.

This includes Refuse that is collected from a central spot as arranged with individual owners.
Uniondale, Haarlem, Langvlei, Rondevlei and other rural residential erven are included in these affected areas.

Any enquiries in this regard must please be directed to accounts@george.gov.za. Please provide your Municipal account number and contact details.

*

Publieke Kennisgewing: Implementering van Dienste heffings vir 2021/2022 soos per goedgekeurde Munisipale Tariewe

Uitegereik George Munisipaliteit, 25 Mei 2022

George Munisipaliteit is bewus van ‘n aantal verbruikers wat nie vir alle dienste gefaktureer is, volgens die George Munisipale Raad goedgekeurde 2021/2022 tariewe nie.
Die departement van finansies het voortgegaan om die maandelikse fakturering vir alle geaffekteerde kliënte vanaf 26 April 2022 reg te stel.

Dit sluit vullis in wat op ‘n sentrale punt gestort word soos met individuele eienaars gereël.
Uniondale, Haarlem, Langvlei, Rondevlei en ander landelike residensiële erwe word by hierdie geaffekteerde gebiede ingesluit.

Enige navrae in hierdie verband moet asseblief aan accounts@george.gov.za gerig word. Verskaf asseblief u munisipale rekeningnommer en kontakbesonderhede.

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE DELLVILLE PARK

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF DELLVILLE PARK

ANTELOPE, SPRINGBOK, LLAMA STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  THURSDAY 26 MAY 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 FRIDAY 27 MAY 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00

 

***

BEPLANDE KRAGONDERBREKING DELLVILLE PARK

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE  VAN DELLVILLE PARK

ANTELOPE, SPRINGBOK, LLAMA STRATE

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op  DONDERDAG 26 MEI  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 VRYDAG 27 MEI 2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00

ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN PACALTSDORP

Rehabilitation of Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp will impact road users from 17 May to 31 May 2022.

Project:

Rehabilitation of Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp

DESCRIPTION:

Rehabilitation of Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp

PLANNED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AT MISSION STREET:

The Works comprise the rehabilitation of Mission Street between Beach Road and Church Street as indicated in the layout sketch.
The work will entail milling and removal of the existing bituminous surface layers and placing of a new bituminous base and surfacing.

PROJECT PERIOD:

17 May to 31 May 2022.

SERVICE DISRUPTION:

Traffic deviations and congestion can be expected, with unplanned municipal service disruptions during the construction period.

Daily 8h30 – 12h30
One-way traffic in Mission Str towards Beach Road.
Traffic in direction of Traffic Department to use Church Street as an alternative
Flag persons in place at Church and Beach Road Intersection to direct traffic.

Daily 12H30 – 17H15
One-way traffic in Mission Str towards Traffic Department.
Traffic heading in direction of Beach Road to use Church Street as an alternative
Flag persons in place at Church and Beach Road Intersection to escort traffic.

Road Signs will be erected near the construction site that read: MISSION ROAD CLOSED. DETOUR VIA CHURCH ROAD

TRAFFIC ACCOMMODATION:

The road will be re-constructed in half-widths, with Mission Street operated as one way in the direction of travel, alternating depending on the lane being constructed, while access will be restricted to property owners within the lane being constructed. Drivers are requested to make use of Chruch Street as an alternative route during the construction period. One way traffic flow will be West Bound (to Beach Road) from 08:00-12:30 and East Bound (from Beach Road) from 12:30-17:15.

DRIVING COMFORT:

There will be height differences along the road while construction work is in progress. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must exercise extreme caution especially during wet conditions, when visibility is poor and at night. Vehicles with low profile tyres and motorcyclists must take extra care.

The George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the project. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and roadworks personnel. 

PROJECT ENQUIRIES:
George Municipality – 044 801 9111

LinkedIn Information Session

The Youth Development Department at George Municipality is hosting a LinkedIn information session for young professionals, unemployed youth and graduates.

The following topics will be discussed:

  • What a LinkedIn profile is.
  • The benefits of having a LinkedIn profile.
  • How to connect with recruiters and hiring managers.

Venue: Zone 9 Community Hall

Date: Thursday, 26 May 2022

Time: 10:00 (am)

If you would like to enhance your employability, then this session is for YOU.

For enquiries and further information please call Ashley Booysen at the Youth Development office at:

044 802 2000

 

PLANNED RAW WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTION

PLANNED RAW WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTION

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

GEORGE AREA

NOTICE is hereby given that the raw water supply will be interrupted on TUESDAY 24 MAY  2022  FROM  07H00 TO 19H00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the bulk raw water supply pipelines.  Consumers are warned to use the potable water distributed sparingly. Potable water distribution will not be interrupted for the full duration of the works to enable the industry to proceed with its daily operations.

Issued by George Municipality

20 May 2022

 

***

 

BEPLANDE RUWATERVOORSIENING ONDERBREKING

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEORGE AREA

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die rou water toevoer onderbreek sal word op  DINSDAG 24 MEI  2022 VANAF  07H00 TOT 19H00 met  die doel om veranderings aan die rouwater hoofpypleidings te maak.  Klante word gewaarsku om die gesuiwerde water gedurende die dag spaarsamig te gebruik. Die gesuiwerde water toevoer sal steeds lewendig gehou word vir die volle periode sodat industrie kan voortgaan.

Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit

20 Mei 2022

 

MARKET STREET INTERSECTION UPGRADES

MARKET STREET INTERSECTION UPGRADES

Reconstruction of the Market and Cradock Street Intersection will impact road users during the period from

21 May 2022 to 12 June 2022

 

PROJECT:

Market Street – Section between Meade and Cradock Street

DESCRIPTION:

Reconstruction of Market Street and Cradock Street Intersection as indicated in the figure.

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD: 21 May 2022 – 12 June 2022

SERVICES DISRUPTION

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

TRAFFIC IMPACT:

The Cradock/ Market Street intersection will be reconstructed in 2 phases. During the first phase (indicated in yellow), commencing on 21 May 2022, the section of Market Street between Meade Street and Cradock Street will be closed to through traffic to and from Meade Street, as indicated in the figure. During the second phase (indicated in red), commencing approximately 1 June 2022, the section of Market Street between Mitchell Street and Cradock Street will be closed through traffic to and from Mitchell Street. During the entire intersection reconstruction period, traffic flow in the Cradock/ Market Street intersection will be maintained utilizing the traffic lights as a control for a 3-way intersection. As there will be limited turning space access may be limited for large delivery vehicles, and no access will be permissible for interlinks.

Extra care is to be taken by road users and pedestrians throughout the duration of the construction period. Adherence to temporary road signage and markings will be required.

 

PROJECT ENQUIRIES:     

Consulting Engineers:    Charles Rowe and Associates (Phone: 044 884 0209)

Public Liaison Officer:    Thousand Sensations:

Alewijn Dippenaar: email: dyndev@mweb.co.za Phone: 082 457 5675

 

The George Municipality realises the impact of road works, apologises for the inconvenience, and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the upgrade.
Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and be aware of roadwork personnel.

Details of further road upgrade work will be published as may be necessary.

 

 

UPDATE: ALL FIRES CONTAINED IN GEORGE

UPDATE: ALL FIRES CONTAINED IN GEORGE

All Fires are contained, and smoulders are being monitored and attended to. The fire brigade remains on the scene at Groenkloof and Garden Route Fire & Rescue services are monitoring Hansmoeskraal.

Trees that caused concern of potentially posing danger along the Groekloof Road are being attended to.

Issued by George Mun
19 May 2022
12:30

DELAYS IN REFUSE REMOVAL 19 MAY 2022

DELAYS IN REFUSE REMOVAL 19 MAY 2022

Please take note of delays in the below-mentioned areas for today, 19 May 2022. Teams will start a bit later but work will be completed today.

• George South
• George Central apartments
• Pacaltsdorp (Seaview)
• Wilderness Heights
• Touwsranten

Issued by George Mun
19 May 2022 @ 10:40

UPDATE: FIREFIGHTERS CONTINUE TO FIGHT VELD FIRES IN GEORGE

UPDATE: FIREFIGHTERS CONTINUE TO FIGHT VELD FIRES IN GEORGE

Firefighting crews remain on lines at both Hansmoeskraal and Saasveld Road/Kraaibosh/Groenkloof Road area as the fires are still smouldering. Temperatures have dropped and flame intensity reduced.

Report wildfires to the GRDM Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.
George Municipal Fire and Disaster Services on 044 8016300 for after hours and/or 044 801 6311 for fires only.

Issued by George Mun
18 May 2022
19:45

UPDATE: VELD FIRES AND RESIDENTAL FIRES STATUSES IN GEORGE

UPDATE: VELD FIRES AND RESIDENTAL FIRES STATUSES IN GEORGE

George Municipality’s fire fighters, with assistance of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) fire fighters are currently fighting two big fires. These are the Hansmoeskraal fire and a second fire which includes the, Saasveld Road, Kraaibosch Manor, and Groenkloof Road.

Hansmoeskraal Fire
Hansmoeskraal fire remains active, firefighting crews are on the scene. Resources on site are the George Municipal 30 000 ltr tanker and a Unimog.

Saasveld Road, Kraaibosch Manor, and Groenkloof Road
Firefighting crews are actively fighting the fires with three fire engines on-site and aerial support activated this afternoon at 15h36.

Residential fire at John Street, Denneoord resolved.

Report WILDFIRES to the GRDM Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.
George Municipal Fire and Disaster Services on 044 8016300 for after hours and/or
044 801 6311 for fires ONLY

Issued by George Municipality
18 May 2022 @16:50

UPDATE: VELD AND RESIDENTIAL FIRES IN GEORGE

UPDATE: VELD AND RESIDENTIAL FIRES IN GEORGE

The George Fire brigade is inundated with several veld fires and residential fires. Currently, the fire fighters are battling with veld fires at Hansmoeskraal since yesterday. The Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire & Rescue Services joined in to assist to extinguish and contain the veld fires. There’s also been more fires reported within the George Municipal area as follows.

• Ring Road
• Behind Groenkloof
• Zone 1
• George Dam
• New Dawn Park

We would also like to urge the public not to start fires in this windy weather as any fire breakage may cause more problems.

Status report of the fires to be released as soon as it is ready.

Report wildfires to the GRDM Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.
George Municipal Fire and Disaster Services 044 801 6311 for fires only.

Issued by George Municipality
18 May 2022 @ 14:40

DELAYS IN REFUSE REMOVAL 18 MAY 2022

DELAYS IN REFUSE REMOVAL 18 MAY 2022

Please take note of delays in the below mentioned areas for today, 18 May 2022. Teams will start bid later but work will be completed today.

Hoekwil (housing ) and surrounding farms – Mdlangu – cylinder -camp
Rosemore,Conville,Tamsui,Pacaltsdorp industrial businesses -Milton
Town businesses -Duda
Pacaltsdorp,town,George South industrial Bulk-Gege

Issued by George Mun
18 May 2022 @ 13:07

GEORGE SCORES R800 000 FROM THE WESTERN CAPE SPORT & RECREATION TOWARDS SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

GEORGE SCORES R800 000 FROM THE WESTERN CAPE SPORT & RECREATION TOWARDS SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

The Western Cape Minister for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports (DCAS), Ms Anroux Marais presented George Municipality with an R 800 000 ceremonial cheque for the development and installation of steel structure pavilions for the Thembalethu and Touwsranten sports fields during a special handover ceremony that took place at the George Municipality on Tuesday, 17 May 2022.

George Municipality is one of three municipalities whose applications for funding from DCAS were granted. Minister Marais officially handed over the cheque to the executive mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk and said that the R 800 000 that has been awarded to George will be split in half. “The R 400 000 is for the Thembalethu Sports field pavilion and another R 400 000 for the Touwsranten sports field.”

“I am delighted to be in the beautiful town of George handing over this cheque. George is fast becoming popular with sports tourism events, and this contribution from the DCAS will certainly add value to sport, tourism, and the economy of George. I hope that the spectators from Thembalethu and Touwsranten will own and take care of these facilities for their communities and the future.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of George, Mayor van Wyk said: “We are extremely grateful for this funding, I’m happy that we also discussed various sporting engagements and events that can be facilitated between ourselves (George) and the DCAS. This will help us enormously, both in the development of sport for George as well as the tourism spin-offs.”

Lyndon Bouah Chief Director for Sport and Recreation in the DCAS explained the allocation criteria of the fund. “The Provincial Government allocates these funds based on received applications from the various municipalities in the Western Cape. The annual application process takes place between July and September, the Department would then award three applicants to share the fund of about R 2 million for sports infrastructure upgrade or development. We would like to congratulate George Municipality, as they applied last year, we subsequently considered their application and signed off the R 800 000.

Amongst the attendees of the handover were the Portfolio Councillor for Community Services: Social Development, Libraries & Sport Cllr. Brendon Adams, senior management of the George Municipality, officials from DCAS, Eden Sport Council and Eden Netball representatives

Ends.

CAPTION:

Please note: Masks taken off for purposes of the photograph.

Front row (FLTR): Dr Lyndon Bouah (Chief Director for Sport and Recreation in the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport), Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager for George Municipality), Ald Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Minister Anroux Marais (Western Cape Minister for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport), Portfolio Councillor Brendon Adams (Community Services: Social Services, Social Development, Libraries & Sport) and Zelda van Staden (Eden Sport Council).

 

Back row (FLTR): Jean Neethling (Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport), Jeanetta Rhode (Eden Netball), Allen Paulse (Director: Community Services for George Municipality), Kevin Malan (Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport), Nicolette Pietersen (Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport), Dyllon van der Rheede (Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport), Granville Campher (Manager: Sport Development for George Municipality) and Dirk van der Westhuizen (Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport)

Photo 2:

Minister Anroux Marais says this contribution will certainly add value to sport, tourism, and the economy of George.

Photo 3:

FLTR: Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager for George Municipality), Ald Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Minister Anroux Marais (Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport), Portfolio Councillor Brendon Adams (Community Services: Social Services, Social Development, Libraries & Sport), and Dr Lyndon Bouah (Chief Director for Sport and Recreation in the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport)

MAYOR VAN WYK IS PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE COMPOSTING FACILITY CONSTRUCTION

The Executive Mayor of George Ald Leon van Wyk, during his recent site visit to the construction site of the new composting facility, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made so far. The George Municipality commenced with the establishment of a compost facility in the 2019/2020 financial year.

“Today, we have come to inspect the progress made on the first platform of the new composting facility,” said Mayor van Wyk during his visit on Wednesday, 11 May 2022. “I would like to commend the team from Community Services who have taken the initiative to establish and initiate this project and made the progress we have seen here today. I would also like to thank the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers on-site for their invaluable input in making this project a success.”

In June 2021, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries promulgated Norms and Standards for the Treatment of Organic Waste. In terms of these norms, compost facilities must meet certain standards, and one of them is that the final platform layer works must contain a concrete platform or include a clay layer within its layer structure.

Mayor van Wyk confirmed that this construction is in line with the norms and standards for the Treatment of Organic Waste. “Effectively, builder’s rubble is used to fill the ground to the desired level whereafter a layer of clay is laid on top, and the working surface will consist of a wearing course material classified as G5, according to Committee of Land Transport Officials (COLTO) specifications. The idea is that the green bags that are collected from residents every week will go into a source which will make up compost.  Eventually, we are going to add garden refuse, kitchen waste and sludge from the sewerage works to create the compost. This is all to reduce the amount of refuse going into landfill sites in the municipal area.”

“Work is already underway to expand the size of the platform for future use. We are also introducing a green bag levy so that our residents can become part of the solution in dealing with our refuse and maintaining the critical environmental balance that we, as citizens of George, are custodians of. The levy will provide the funding to launch this project and to make a success of George becoming a Green City,” Ald van Wyk added.

The Municipality’s Department of Community Services assured that the Municipality will finalise the construction of phase 1 of platform A of the composting in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years. “Phase 2 of platform A is also underway, and the public is requested to divert and dispose of builders’ rubble at the Gwaing waste disposal facility to assist the municipality in finalising phase 2 of platform A,” said Sivuyile Mtila, senior manager for environmental services at the George Municipality.

“An attenuation pond will be constructed in the 2022/2023 financial year to treat and store stormwater runoff. Platform A will only be able to accommodate 76% of the George Municipality’s green waste. However, once platform B is built, all green waste will be accommodated. The maximum number of windrows that platform A can accommodate is 13. This equals a maximum volume of 2 486 m3. The average volume of compost produced for 6 weeks is 243 m3,” said Mtila.

The municipality urges the public to dispose of all builders’ rubble at the Gwaing landfill site instead of dumping illegally, as the material is required to complete the construction of the compost facility.

“We also urge the community to use the three-bag system to the benefit of reducing the landfill footprint. All three bags must be placed out on the same day on the designated refuse collection day,” Mtila added.

The municipality intends to operate the compost facility from 01 July 2023.

 

Ends.

PROJECT: REHABILITATION OF AIRWAY ROAD AND ROUNDABOUTS

PROJECT: REHABILITATION OF AIRWAY ROAD AND ROUNDABOUTS

Rehabilitation of Airway Road and associated Roundabouts, George will impact on road users from May – September 2022

DESCRIPTION:

Rehabilitation of Airway Road and associated Roundabouts.

PLANNED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AT AIRWAY ROAD AND ASSOCIATED ROUNDABOUTS:

Roadway: The Works comprise the rehabilitation of 685 m of Airway Road. The work will entail milling and removal of existing bituminous surface layers and gravel base layers, addition of material and cold in-situ recycling of the subbase layer. Placing of new bituminous base and surface layers and reconstruction of kerbs and channels where required. Roundabouts: The Works comprise increasing the entry and exit radii and with associated layer work of three roundabouts along Airway Road, between Meent Street and Plattner Boulevard, Heather Park.

PROJECT PERIOD

(Phase 5): May to September 2022

SERVICE DISRUPTION:

Traffic deviations and congestion can be expected, with unplanned municipal services disruptions during the construction period.

TRAFFIC ACCOMMODATION:

The road will be re-constructed in half-widths, with Airway Road operated as one way in the direction of travel, alternating depending on the lane being constructed, while access will be restricted to property owners within the lane being constructed. Drivers are requested to make use of Wattle Road as an alternative route during the construction period.

DRIVING COMFORT:

There will be height differences along the road while construction work is in progress. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must exercise extreme caution especially during wet conditions, when visibility is poor and at night. Vehicles with low profile tyres and motorcyclists must take extra care.

The George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the project. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and roadworks personnel.

LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE, 15 MAY 2022

LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE, 15 MAY 2022

Due to a continued loss of generating capacity, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 17:00 – 22:00 tonight, and Stage 3 will be implemented on Monday and Tuesday evening (Eskom)

George will not be affected on all three days,15, 16 & 17 May 2022

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Sunday 15/05/2022
None

Monday 16/05/2022
None

Tuesday 17/05/2022
17:00 to 19:30

Issued by George Mun
15 May 2022
09:25