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Press Release Archive

GO GEORGE schedules on upcoming Public Holidays

GO GEORGE SCHEDULES ON UPCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Issued Monday 15 March 2021

 

With several public holidays coming up, GO GEORGE calls on passengers to take note of the schedules that will be followed on these days.

With Human Rights Day (21 March) falling on a Sunday this year, Monday the 22nd of March will be a public holiday with the buses operating according to the Saturday schedule.

Over the Easter weekend, Friday the 2nd of April will see the buses run according to the Sunday schedule, and on Monday the 5th of April, the Saturday schedule will apply on all routes.

For any enquiries or assistance with trip planning, phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or visit the GO GEORGE Facebook page for the latest news.

 

GO GEORGE-SKEDULES OP KOMENDE VAKANSIEDAE

Uitgereik Maandag 15 Maart 2021

 

Met verskeie openbare vakansiedae voor die deur, vestig GO GEORGE passasiers se aandag op die skedules wat op hierdie dae gevolg sal word.

Met Menseregtedag (21 Maart) wat hierdie jaar op ‘n Sondag val, is Maandag 22 Maart ‘n openbare vakansiedag en sal die busse volgens die Saterdagskedule ry.

Oor die Paasnaweek sal die Sondagskedule gevolg word op Vrydag 2 April, en Maandag 5 April sal die Saterdagskedule op alle roetes geld.

Vir enige navrae of hulp met ritbeplanning, skakel die GO GEORGE-inbelkantoor by 0800 044 044, of besoek die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad vir die jongste nuus.

GEORGE MUNICIPAL WATER UPDATE: 15 March 2021

Repairs at the Genevafontein site has been further delayed following further heavy rains, with more rain predicted for early morning.
The site will be prepared once again while the municipality awaits parts from Cape Town following damage to sealing rubbers during repairs in the rain yesterday.

The specialized parts are only expected to arrive from Cape Town by midday today and work is expected to continue most of today, with the hope that water will be restored by tonight. Upon completion of connections, the waterlines will be tested for leaks. A minimum layer of soil must support and cover the pipes before water can be entirely restored. It will take additional few hours for water to have filled up sufficiently to restore full water pressure throughout the system.

The recommissioning of an old raw water pipeline to the Water Treatment Works has ensured that water supply does not run out to other parts of George. Please continue to use water sparingly as the old raw water pipes are smaller and cannot handle full capacity.

Extreme low pressure continues to affect properties in eastern and north-eastern suburbs today.

Please see list of trucks to supply water at points most affected, we continue to address the positioning of the trucks as the need arises and will inform residents accordingly:
1 x Water Truck @ Bergsig, Pick and Pay (4th Street)
1 x Water Truck Rosemore/Levallia – will circulate between two areas
1 x Water Truck, parked in Meyer Street, Van Kerwel Skool
1 x Water Truck, Genevafontein, Corner Herriot and Stander Street
1 x Water Truck Zone 3 (Imizamo Yethu Secondary School) (Private vehicle hired in, not marked George Municipality)
1 x Water Truck Zone 9 (Community Hall)

Water is also available for collection at the Fire Department, Mitchell Street in the CBD

Water has been steadily filling the pipes in Thembalethu, but pressure continues to drop as water is used before it can build up in the reservoir.

Heriot Road between Stander and Spreeu Streets remains closed and the public is warned to not visit the area on foot and to stay well clear of the entire area as it may be unsafe. Traffic officials are on site and residents of the houses in the repair zone must proceed with extreme caution and only if alternative access is not possible.

The municipality will update residents as repairs progress

Potential water crisis managed, please keep saving water

POTENTIAL WATER CRISIS BEING MANAGED, PLEASE KEEP SAVING WATER
The potential city-wide water crisis is being managed following the recommissioning of an old raw water pipeline to the Water Treatment Works. Please continue to use water sparingly as the old raw water pipes are smaller and cannot handle full capacity and there is still no drinking water supply to reservoirs east of the city.

Water trucks are roaming in Thembalethu Zones 1-8 where reservoirs have run dry. Zone 9 still has water for now but will be monitored and supplied if required. Thank you to Mossel Bay Municipality for continued assistance with a large water truck to help supply to these areas.

Eastern suburbs of George, Kraaibosch and Victoria Bay will be experiencing extreme low pressure and still runs the risk of running dry. Water should be used for essentials only.

Please note that in high lying areas of eastern suburbs water pressure may be insufficient at the moment to supply water to taps. Nonetheless the entire network is systematically being checked and the necessary adjustments made.

Work is going well at the site in Genevafontein where a major raw water pipe burst under the tar in Herriot Street caused a large sink hole. The pipe supplies the town’s main water treatment works, which meant that water could not be pumped into the facility’s holding dams.

A traffic incident delayed work at the site, which was referred to the SAPS. It was later discovered that the drinking water pipe that runs parallel to the raw water line has also been damaged.

Civil engineering teams worked through the night excavating the sink hole site to safeguard it for workers, after which repairs commenced. Priority was given to the drinking water line which should be completed late afternoon and water supply reinstated thereafter. It will take additional few hours for water to have filled up sufficiently to restore full water pressure throughout the system.

The raw water line repairs are being done in tandem when possible, and is expected to be complete this evening, a few hours after the drinking water line.

We are concerned that heavy rains expected later today may hamper repairs, and all efforts are being made to finish works as soon as possible.

Herriot Road below Stander Street remains closed and the public is warned to not visit the area on foot and to stay well clear of the entire area as it may be unsafe. Traffic officials are on site and residents of the houses in the repair zone must proceed with extreme caution and only if alternative access is not possible. Spreeu Street is being monitored and may be closed if necessary.

The municipality will update residents as repairs progress.

ENDS
Issued George Municipality on 14 March 2021 at 9.50am.

Potential WATER CRISIS – use water for essentials only

George Municipality makes an urgent appeal to all residents of George and surrounding areas to use water for essentials only, following the major raw water supply line damage in Genevafontein. The pipe supplies the town’s main water treatment works, which means that water cannot be pumped into the facility’s holding dams at the moment.

It has now been established that the drinking water pipe that runs parallel to the raw water line has also been damaged. The line is the main drinking water supply line to Kraaibosch area, Victoria Bay and Wilderness as well as Thembalethu.

Water is already running extremely low in Thembalethu and roaming water trucks will soon be deployed to Zones 1 to 8. Zone 9 still has water for now but will be monitored and supplied if required. Thank you to Mossel Bay Municipality for assistance with a large water truck to help supply to these areas.

Details of trucks to other areas will be confirmed should it become necessary.

Water reservoirs across the city is running low and the remaining water can only be managed with the cooperation of residents.

In the meantime, the municipality is doing everything it can to repair the lines as quickly as possible.

Civil Engineering teams will be working through the night on repairs to both lines. Priority will be given to the drinking water line. Extreme low pressure water is most likely to be experienced in affected areas – we ask that you use this as a reminder to use water for absolute essentials only.

The municipality will update residents as repairs progress.

ENDS
Issued George Municipality, 13 March 2021 (7pm update)

Pipe burst Genevafontein – stay away and save water

Issued George Municipality, 13 March 2021 (3.30pm update)

Residents urged to use water sparingly and stay away from major pipe burst in Genevafontein

George Municipality urges all residents of George to use water sparingly and to stay away from the area where a water supply pipe burst is being attended to in Genevafontein.

A section of Herriot Street, north of the Geneva Café intersection, collapsed following an underground pipe burst. Water has been gushing from the site for several hours but has started subsiding as pipes above the site are starting to run clear following the closure of the relevant valves.

The pipe supplies the town’s main water treatment works, which means that water cannot be pumped into the facility’s holding dams at the moment. The municipality appeals to residents to use water sparingly to ensure that potable water supply is sufficient while the supply line is disrupted. Properties in the eastern suburbs of George, including Kraaibosch and surrounds, may experience some drop in water pressure.

Civil engineering teams are on site and will be working the rest of today and through the night to make the necessary repairs. A traffic incident earlier in the day has delayed repairs and has been referred to the SAPS (nobody was hurt in the incident).

Herriot Road below Stander Street is closed and the public is warned to not visit the area on foot and to stay well clear of the entire area as it may be unsafe. Traffic officials are on sight and residents of the houses in the repair zone must proceed with extreme caution and only if alternative access is not possible. Spreeu Street is being monitored and may be closed if necessary.

Sandbags have been placed above private properties to assist with water run-off and a stormwater team is ensuring that drains are kept clear.

The municipality will update residents as repairs progress.

Construction of satellite fire station in Wilderness going well

Construction of the satellite fire station in Wilderness, 14km outside George, is going well. George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard said construction was currently ahead of schedule and should be roof height by the end of the month (March 2021). “We look forward to serving Wilderness from a local base, which is currently being addressed from the main fire station in the George CBD.” Situated near the Caltex The Waves traffic circle on the N2, the station will ensure quick access and faster response times to road accidents and fires east of the Kaaimans River Bridge. The station is expected to be ready for occupation in July 2021 and will be manned around the clock by four firefighters.
Wilderness will be the municipality’s third satellite station in addition to Thembalethu and Uniondale.

 Mayor hands over green and blue bags in celebration of the recycling service restarting

Mayor hands over green and blue bags in celebration of the recycling service restarting

Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk and Portfolio Cllr for Community Services, Sean Snyman met up with the new recycling contractor, LGE Waste, in Pacaltsdorp on Thursday, 4 March while busy with clearing of backlog and handing out new bags to the public.

The mayor gave a local resident, Charmaine Stols, a blue and green bag to start with recycling and green waste disposal in the correct manner. Van Wyk said he came out with the contractor to see how they follow the route in Pacaltsdorp and how the service is being rolled out. “It is of outmost important to get the service up and running. It will take the contractor  a few weeks to get back up to full speed and to work in the backlog. We ask the public to please remain  patient and to phone in their complaints to the Cleansing Department. We hope that all residents will participate in the recycling and proper waste disposal and that illegal dumping will eventually become something of the past,” Van Wyk said.

Cllr Snyman said that George is definitely moving in the right direction with the appointment of the new service provider. He said the Municipality had struggled for half a year to resolve the service issues and  that it should be much better from now onwards.  Stols said she is very happy and thankful for the service because she wants to live in cleanliness.

The contractor confirmed that they have been handing out bags already to a lot of areas in George and will continue issuing blue and green bags as they work away the backlog.

 

George Acting Director Community Services, Allen Paulse previously said the municipality was relieved to make an appointment after the previous service provider Interwaste had closed its regional offices in George and ended its contract with the municipality in July of last year.

 

LGE Waste  takes up the service as per the previous schedule and will be collecting green and blue bags from all areas that have a recent history of recycling. These include most suburbs of George – incorporating more recent participating areas Ballotsview, Borcherds, Conville, New Dawn Park, Delville Park, Pacaltsdorp, Parkdene, Protea Park, Rosemore and Sea View – as well as the outer areas of Wilderness, Kleinkrantz, Hoekwil, Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay.

 

Two green and two blue replacement bags will be issued to every household in the above-mentioned areas and thereafter to households in exchange for bags placed out.

 

Implementation in Haarlem and Uniondale is currently being investigated to ensure the most effective service, details of which will be announced to the affected communities as soon as arrangements have been finalised.

 

Service to Lawaaikamp and Thembalethu will, for now, be handled on request via the ward councillor or office numbers as listed below. The municipality and service provider hope to commence awareness campaigns in these areas as soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow, with the intent to roll out a more extensive service as more households participate.

 

Residents can put out four green bags and unlimited number of blue bags together with up to seven black bags on their scheduled removal day. Blue and green bags will be collected on the same day as black bags, but by different vehicles.

 

“While we expect the switch-over to go relatively smoothly from the first round, we appeal to residents to remain patient a little while longer should there be any hiccups. We thank residents who have kept the faith with us in these challenging times and hope that others will join our efforts as the service gains momentum once again,” said Mr Paulse.

 

Households or businesses that are actively recycling and require additional green or blue bags, can collect from George Municipality Environmental Services or LGE Waste (details below).

 

ENQUIRIES:

Green and blue bags:

LGE Waste

Physical address: 10 Extension Road, Pacaltsdorp Industrial Area. Phone: 044 878 0688 Email: lgewaste@gmail.com

Black bags:

George Municipality Environmental Services

Physical address: 82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

 

Caption: Mayor Leon van Wyk (middle) hands over a green and blue bag to Charmaine Stols from Back Street, Pacaltsdorp in celebrating the rollout of the service again after seven frustrating months. With him are members from the new Service provider, LGE Waste. From left are Wendy Gelderblom,  Simone Baardman, Muneer Mapoli, Stols and the Mayor, Lorenze Gelderblom (Director: LGE Waste), Faried Follentine and Cllr Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services.

 

Poetry book launched

A local poet from George, Nkosinathi Meziwa, that also works for the department of Correctional Services, launched his poetry book, Lolani izikrwege, at the Thembalethu Library recently. The eclectic poetry book which has a bit of everything is in English and isiXhosa. He donated 20 copies of his book to the local libraries. Meziwa will do a poetry reading on National Poetry Day on the 21st of March.
In the picture are Meza (right) with Rachel Williams and James de Waal from George Libraries. Williams has a copy of the book in her hands. The book was published in September 2020 during Covid-19 lockdown.

Thembalethu Bridge upgrade will boost Southern Cape economy

Thembalethu Bridge upgrade will boost Southern Cape economy
Issued on behalf of SANRAL and George Municipality, Tuesday 9 March 2021

Western Cape, 9 March 2021 – With road infrastructure being prioritised in South Africa’s economic recovery plan in a post-COVID environment, the upgrade of the Thembalethu Bridge in George, bodes well for the Southern Cape economy. This project is a collaborative venture between SANRAL and the George Local Municipality, with the Department Transport having provided R82,127 million towards the funding of the project. SANRAL is the Implementing Agent working closely with the George Municipality.

 

The total construction period is between 24 and 30 months, which should create project participation opportunities for SMMEs as well as both direct and indirect jobs for the local community.

 

The scope of works involves the widening of the Thembalethu Bridge across the N2 from a single carriageway to accommodate two lanes in each direction, with additional turning lanes as well as extra space for pedestrians and cyclists.

 

“A new bridge will be constructed on the Western side. Once completed, the existing bridge will be raised and stitched to the new bridge, to ensure that the upgraded structure complies with the minimum bridge clearance of 5.2 metres,” explained Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Manager.

 

Detailed design works is currently being finalised and the tender for a contractor will be out by June 2021. Taking the procurement processes into account, the contractor should be appointed by November 2021.

 

All SANRAL projects are guided by a 14-point plan that sets the tone for project liaison, sub-contracting and labour sourcing, as well as a commitment to its transformation policy that seeks to prioritise economic empowerment of black businesses in South Africa.

 

“With 30% of the project value being committed to targeted enterprises for subcontracting, there are huge opportunities for start-ups and emerging SMMEs to benefit from project participation,” said Thembinkosi Mosobela, SANRAL Stakeholder Coordinator in the Western Region.

 

A process of engagement with relevant stakeholders, is already underway and SANRAL, together with the George Local Municipality will explore opportunities to provide training and development of SMMEs in the road construction sector, to ensure that they are equipped, capacitated and ready to tender for work packages that become available on this project.

 

“These information-sharing and training sessions are of cardinal importance to ensure we broaden the scope of economic opportunities to businesses in the surrounding communities. Our transformation objectives are particularly aligned to facilitate participation of persons with disabilities, women-owned business as well as youth-owned operations,” continued Mosobela.

 

 

//ends

 

Issued on behalf of SANRAL by FTI Consulting. 

SEDA invites female entrepreneurs to a webinar

Are you a female entrepreneur trading locally or internationally?
Are you ready to become part of an international network with over 3
million women in markets across the world?
Seda in partnership with DSBD (Department of Small Business
Development) and ITC (International Trade Centre) would like to invite
you to the SheTrades Awareness webinar, targeting the following
provinces: (Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Western Cape)
25th March 2021 • 11:00 – 12:30 • Zoom – online
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://seda-pta.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__
lpp05HMRaGC7SSqlkAMxA

Come join this phenomenal and unique platform which allows women
owned businesses to connect with diverse businesses, learn various
news business skills through free e-learning materials, participate in
exhibitions and stay up to date with ITC’s SheTrades news and activities.

Support available to help businesses stay open and keep operating safely  

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 03 March 2021

Release: immediately

Support available to help businesses stay open and keep operating safely 

 

With the move to Alert Level 1 this week we appeal to all employers and employees to please continue to adhere to the critical safety measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.

 

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have worked hard to help businesses in the Western Cape to open safely, and most recently the Department of Economic Development and Tourism have secured the services of an occupational health & safety (OHS) agency to assist businesses at no cost.

 

Through our engagements with businesses, we have heard how many are struggling to implement the necessary workplace safety protocols and so the OHS support is available to assist businesses to ensure compliance. This includes assistance such as completing Covid-19 risk assessments, developing risk mitigation plans and implementing relevant sector-specific Covid-19 health and safety measures.

 

Businesses that are in need of this support may contact the OHS service provider Afro Centric Fast Pulse Employee Benefit Solutions directly at Covid19.ohas@afrocentric-ics.com. (Please note that this support is only available until 23 March 2021)

 

Working together we can ensure that businesses remain open and more people get back to work so we can save jobs and save the economy in the Western Cape.

 

Our workplace safety programme team have responded to over 4 200 complaints by customers and employees of non-compliance by businesses in the Western Cape. Where we can assist and advise businesses to implement these necessary safety measures, we have done so, but where there are serious violations of the safety measures these are reported to the Department of Employment and Labour with a request for immediate action which may include temporary closure of the business.

 

Employers and employees are also encouraged to make use of the valuable Covid-19 workplace safety resources which can be found on the Western Cape government’s website:

The move to Alert Level 1 is a welcome relief for businesses across the Western Cape who have been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, and provides an opportunity to breathe new life into the economy. We will continue to work hard to support businesses and save jobs, focusing with urgency on the rebuilding of our economy in the Western Cape.

Unique fire management for George

Massive wildfires in the Garden Route in recent years have highlighted the varied needs of an area with some of the most diverse biomes in the country.

There are few municipalities that deal with the combination of fire and rescue challenges faced in the George municipal area.

From hot and dry conditions in Uniondale and Haarlem north of the Outeniqua Mountains to windy seaside environments in the south, the George Fire and Rescue Services address fire management for semi-desert,
mountainous terrain on both sides and over the mountain, as well as large tracts of agricultural land, pine plantations, alien vegetation, coastal fynbos, indigenous forest and winding inaccessible roads connecting towns and villages over long distances.

In addition, two major national roads and several provincial roads go through the area, which require the fire department’s response at vehicle accidents and transport related hazardous material incidents. The city’s industrial node has also significantly grown over the past decade, which increased factory and hazardous materials fires.

Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard said the devastating wildfires in the neighbouring town of Knysna in June 2017, which took place outside the Western Cape’s traditional summer fire season, was a huge wake-up call for municipalities everywhere. “The George Municipality council approved a multi-faceted approach by the department to acquire key equipment and additional vehicles over a few financial years to systematically address different aspects of fire and rescue management.

“We wanted to be smart and use resources wisely, so we did the research, consulted with colleagues and role players and came up with practical, sustainable solutions for a variety of fire-fighting situations,” said Mr Barnard.

Denneoord fire base
The establishment of the Garden Route’s first dedicated emergency firefighting airstrip on municipal property above Denneoord in December 2017 proved a gamechanger during the month-long wildfires around George less than a year later.

The project between George Municipality, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, Working on Fire and Garden Route District Municipality meant firefighting planes could respond much faster than they would have been able if they were stationed at a commercial airport where they would have had to wait in line for a runway along with other aircraft. This is especially applicable during the summer fire season which coincides with the very busy holiday season when thousands of flights are scheduled at commercial airports.

Five aeroplanes and a chopper are stationed at the base during the fire season, and usually at least one plane and a chopper out of season. Municipalities in the Garden Route district use the facility on a call-out basis as services are required. The airbase consists of a runway, helipad, firebase, hangars, taxiways and a water refilling point.

First-of-its-kind fire tanker and portable dam
The municipality’s capacity to deal with fires in remote and dry areas received a significant boost with the delivery of a large capacity water tanker and portable dam in September 2019. The tanker is the first of its kind to be used for firefighting in South Africa.

The 35 000-litre stainless steel water tanker is a movable water source that can be driven to a suitable site from where all kinds of fire vehicles can refill. The tanker is fitted with a pump that can extract water from sources such as farm dams and can deliver 2200 litres per minute at 10 Bar. On the road the 18-metre (13-metre tanker pulled by a five-metre truck), 22-wheeler vehicle it is an impressive site and requires an advanced EC-driver’s licence for articulated vehicles, which most of the city’s firefighters have.

The 14 000-litre portable dam is one of only three in the country and the first for a local municipality (the others are at West Coast District Municipality and City of Cape Town). The dam is intended as an artificial water source from which a helicopter bucket can scoop water or fire vehicles can be filled. The dam in turn can be filled by the new water tanker or by other fire trucks, depending on where the portable dam is set up. Manufactured from high grade poly-yarn industrial material that can be folded up and transported inside an ordinary trailer, the portable dam’s equipment includes a portable pump, hard suction pipes and valves for filling or emptying the dam water. The water pushes the walls up and the dam readjusts as water empties out (it is not an inflatable). Any water that is not used can be pumped from the dam back into the tanker and reused elsewhere.

“The tanker and dam now become part of a streamlined system in which water can be brought much closer to a fire, and therefore significantly reduce the turnaround time. Instead of having to drive several kilometres to refill one truck, or wasting valuable fuel and water refilling time for choppers, the tanker and portable dam is a sustainable combination solution that will make a significant difference in the first hour of a fire. In firefighting, the first hour is crucial to bring a runaway fire under control, which ultimately increases the chance to save people and property,” said Mr Barnard.

Eyes in the sky
Drone technology is being used for multiple applications, most notably for reconnaissance during fires and rescues in areas that are difficult to access in dense vegetation, mountains, sand dunes and seaside cliffs.

The municipality’s high-tech drone also enables extensive fire risk assessment across the municipal area including footage of naturally inaccessible areas, much of which is on private agricultural and residential land. The department can then take steps to address issues highlighted by assessments such as the issuing of notices to landowners reminding them of their legal responsibility regarding alien vegetation and fire management.

Bush-clearing tractor
A big part of ongoing fire management is the maintenance of permanent firebreaks, which in the 2018 George fires proved very effective in safeguarding residences at the foot of the mountain. George now has a specialised multi-use 4×4 tractor for the clearing of firebreaks, designed to access rugged terrain. It is fitted with a specialised blade in front to scrape roads and a brush cutter (bossiekapper) at the back for cutting grass and fine brush.

Dealing with hazardous materials
A mobile decontamination unit and two hazardous materials suits were introduced in mid-2020 to support the department’s handling of hazardous materials at vehicle accidents and factory fires. The new equipment has the added benefit of protecting firefighters in the unknown possible contaminate situations that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic may be associated with.

George Fire Department is often the first responder to vehicle accidents in which trucks had spilt dangerous contents. “The hazmat suit is fire retardant and has its own air supply to protect the firefighter from dangerous fumes and chemicals, which is also very necessary at chemical fires at factories and businesses.

“The decontamination unit is mobile and can be set up at the site to decontaminate personnel attending to the situation, which increases the safety of everyone at the site and reduces the chances of transference.”

Mobile command centre
The municipality is expecting the delivery of a mobile command unit that will be used to manage administration and support on the scene of a crisis, disaster or rescue situation.

The custom-built minibus will be set up with two computerised works stations, radio frequency transceivers and internet access, an electric generator and solar panels, and a fixed camera with live footage capability to allow remote monitoring.

Wilderness fire station
Construction of a satellite fire station in Wilderness, 14km outside George, has commenced. “A satellite station here will ensure quick response to areas characterised by dense vegetation and agricultural land with high fire risk and is close to higher risk structures such as hotels and fuel stations. It is located next to the N2-highway to reduce response time to motor vehicle accidents and is near the Wilderness beach for quick response to beach and water incidents.”

Mr Barnard said the fire department was very grateful to its council for recognising the diverse challenges of firefighting in the George municipal area and for supporting an ongoing plan to address as many aspects as possible in a practical and cost-effective manner. “We continue to see the significant difference it makes in the field every day, which ultimately means the more effective protection of people and property.”

GEORGE FIRE AND RESCUE FLEET
The George Fire and Rescue Fleet currently comprises:
Two major pumper fire engines for structural and vehicle accident fires.
One medium pumper fire engine for structural and vehicle accident fires.
One 7000-litre water tanker for back-up water during firefighting operations.
One 34 000-litre water tanker for extended water supply where there are no hydrants.
Two 4×4 bakkie skid unit with 500-litre water tank for quick response to small fires.
Two 4×4 Unimog 2000-litre bush pumpers for tough terrain and fires in informal areas.
One 4×4 Iveco 3000-litre bush pumper truck for tough terrain and fires in informal areas.
One dedicated rescue bakkie for vehicle accidents and other rescue situations.
One response vehicle bakkie for command response for officers.
One service bakkie and a sedan for personnel transfer and general use.

(Article published in Estate Living platform for luxury estates in Autumn 2021.)

Pacaltsdorp librarian Anita August retires after 42 years’ service

Pacaltsdorp’s long-time ‘library lady’ Anita August recently retired after serving her community for 42 years.

The petite 61-year-old senior library assistant has been an integral part of the lives of library users for generations and was one of the longest serving employees at the George Municipality.

An interview with Anita was published in the municipality’s staff newspaper MunIndaba in March 2020, in which she relayed some interesting experiences (see below).

In the 41 years Anita August has worked at the Pacaltsdorp library, none have been stranger than the three years since the clinic next door has been seeing psychiatric patients. And, while it may not be in her original job description, the petite 60-year-old senior library assistant takes the strange behaviour of regular visitors in her stride. “A library is here to serve its community, so all kinds of people are likely to wonder in.”

Like the day a man threatened her with a pair of scissors and demanded library membership. “I grabbed the heavy stapler on my desk, swung it around, and shouted that I would call law enforcement. It must have been a strange sight to behold and I think he was so surprised at my vehement response, he backed off!” said Anita with a smile.

Anita originally hoped to become a nurse, but her family had been teachers and it was expected of her to follow suit. After a year at the teachers’ college in Oudtshoorn, she was convinced teaching was not her calling and she returned home to Pacaltsdorp discouraged and frustrated.

But sitting at home was not her style either, so she walked into the local library in October 1978 asking for a job and got it. “I love reading and books, love being in the community, love knowing all the people who come in. It doesn’t feel like I have been here for four decades…maybe because I enjoy it so.”

While the physical space around her has changed relatively little in her time at the library, Anita has been around for significant milestones including the incorporation of Pacaltsdorp into George Municipality, computerisation of the library catalogue and the internet. “The library has changed from being a quiet place where people came for printed materials to a vibrant centre that empowers people through access to the internet and computer facilities. I have also become a bit of a policeman, having to monitor especially what people search for on the internet.

“There is a part of me that is sad that less people are into books, but I accept that the world is changing. It makes our children and community outreach programmes so much more important. The schools programme is my favourite because I can share my love of books, encourage reading and show kids how to get the most out of the library.

“As a branch library we are also part of a wider community of libraries that serve the outer areas of George and we meet regularly to address our unique needs. There is a special bond between us, a unique unity and understanding that I enjoy and appreciate.”

While colleagues and library users cannot imagine Pacaltsdorp library without her, Anita is looking forward to retirement. “It has been wonderful to be so intricately part of a community and serving my own people, but I am starting to look forward to having time for myself and my family.”

Anita has two daughters, Annabel da Silva and Angelique August, and two grandchildren, Tamsyn and Angelo.

George Libraries Manager Rachel Williams thanked Anita for her service and wished her a rewarding retirement. “Anita has literally been part of the lives, education and enrichment of generations of local people and her contribution is immeasurable. While we will miss her dearly, we wish her the wonderful rest she deserves.”

More than R355-million spent on preventing illegal land invasions

 MORE THAN R355-MILLION SPENT ON PREVENTING ILLEGAL LAND INVASIONS

2 March 2021

 

It is incomprehensible that during the current financial year, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, has already spent more than R 355 million to prevent illegal land invasions and the illegal occupation of completed units. Between July 2020 and 28 February 2021, there were 1 014 attempts of illegal land invasions across the province, with the majority being in the Cape Metro.

This means, with the exclusion of the bulk services, approximately 2 150 Breaking New Ground (BNG)/free housing units could’ve been built.

It is deeply concerning that those encouraging these illegal land invasions are blatantly disregarding the impact this has on the most vulnerable, which they claim to represent. Knowing that it takes in excess of 1 500 days for a brand-new human settlements project to be completed to the point of handover to beneficiaries, we have put a plan in place to avoid all unnecessary delays on our side.

This process includes working smartly to obtain all the relevant and required statutory approvals, which amongst others consist of town planning, environmental impact studies, land surveying, engineering services and indeed the process of building the units.

We’re constantly seeing how projects are delayed due to these invasions. In fact, the delivery of housing opportunities can be delayed by 3 months to 5 years, and in rare instances even longer. Having the elderly, individuals living with medically certified disabilities, those who’ve been on the Housing Demand Database (HDD) for 15 years and longer and backyard dwellers, wait even longer due to these illegal invasions is unacceptable and uncalled for.

To further ensure that no land that is earmarked for human settlement development is lost, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed by the provincial department to assist municipalities across the province which might be experiencing illegal invasions. This SOP, which is still to be finalised with the municipalities, seeks to ensure that there is a coordinated approach between the provincial department and municipalities to rapidly respond to illegal land invasion attempts to either prevent the invasion or remove the illegal occupiers lawfully.

It is also critical that we receive assistance from our citizenry to avoid these illegal invasions. The more the various stakeholders, including the different spheres of government and especially our national law enforcement agencies, work together, the more we can ensure that these illegal invasions are prevented – and where they might’ve occurred, the illegal invaders can swiftly be removed in accordance with the law.

We can only start addressing the housing backlog, which is currently at almost 600 000 in the Western Cape, if we all work together to end this criminal behaviour.

Those with a genuine housing need must ensure that they are registered on the housing demand database and if they are, to verify and update their details. In addition to this, they should also engage the relevant structures such as Project Steering Committees (PSC’s) and Ward Councillors to receive factual information, and not allow devious community leaders to mislead them.

This will only lead to disappointment at the hands of dubious individuals who do not have their best interests at heart. These individuals seek to disrupt and break our communities down by offering false promises and inaccurate information. Government has no such vested interest – we are there to uplift and serve you.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.

Weevils released as part of multi-faceted Kariba Weed management plan.

George Municipality is seeing excellent results following the release of 1500 weevils as part of a multi-faceted plan to sustainably manage Kariba Weed infestation in the Garden Route Dam.

“The municipality is fully aware of the presence of Kariba Weed in the dam, as well as the causes for it, and is working alongside experts in the field to manage the problem holistically,” said George Municipality Superintendent Parks and Recreation Priscilla Burgoyne.

Weevils of the species Cyrtobagous salviniae were released mid-February 2021 at the Kat River inlet into the dam and near the dam wall where most of the Kariba Weed grows. Upon follow-up investigation, studies confirmed a 91% infection uptake and a significant reduction in the amount of dead plant material is expected once the weevils have established.

The weevils reproduce constantly and is expected to stay and reproduce as long as it has Kariba Weed to feed on. The larvae do the most damage as they bore into the stem of the plant and disrupt the vascular system, hollowing it out. The adults eat away at the growing tip which stops growth.

“We are grateful to be working with specialists in the Aquatic Weeds Programme at the Rhodes University Centre for Biological Control, which is currently undertaking studies in the Garden Route Dam. During a visit to the infection sites, the unit indicated that the infestation was not currently a concern as the surface coverage was proportionally small compared to overall size of the dam and could be effectively addressed with a few interventions.

“The Parks and Recreation section is developing a management plan with the assistance of aquatic specialist Dr Jackie Dabrowski and will comprise biological control, manual removal and spraying when necessary. We hope to combine funding with other relevant municipal departments to implement practical sustainable solutions that will address the issue as long as it is necessary.

“The municipality assures the public that this matter is well in hand, is being addressed by learned experts in their fields, and that there is no current threat of oxygen depletion or eutrophication as has been suggested by non-expert members of the public citing ‘Wikipedia’ as their source of reference,” said Ms Burgoyne.

The municipality has already reported on the upgrades of the Eden Pump Station, situated in the Kat River above the main Kariba Weed site, in the 2020-2021 financial year. This project was prioritised because of its proximity to the Garden Route Dam, although sewage is in any case always chemically treated to neutralise the impact of possible spillage.

When a spillage occurs anywhere, it is cleaned and chemically treated as soon as possible. The George Municipality has a scheduled water sampling programme and results are submitted to the Department: Water and Sanitation, who are the custodians of all water sources and courses, as is required in terms of legislation.

Contamination in the Kat River is also attributed to its proximity to built-up areas and it is inevitable that debris, garden and household effluent and other pollution from human habitation are flushed into the water course.

Caption
Roleplayers pay a follow-up visit to the site in the Kat River where weevils had successfully were released as a biological control measure for Kariba Weed. From left are Hershon Amill of service provider A-Turf, Matthew Paper of the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University, aquatic specialist Dr Jackie Dabrowski of Confluent Environmental and George Municipality superintendent Parks and Recreation Priscilla Burgoyne.

 

Municipal Services during Covid-19 updated 11 February

Latest update: 11 February 2021 (current Level 3 amended)
George Municipality hereby confirms that it is open for business, services are being rendered and administration buildings are open except for halls, venues and sport facilities.

While in-person services are rendered where required, we appeal to the public to consider doing transactions and business online, per telephone or via email to avoid coming to the municipality in person and helping to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

During the Covid-19 crisis period, certain staff may be working from home or on rotation, which means contact details and office hours of some services may differ from usual operations. Please see below for more details per directorate.

Please note access to all municipal buildings by members of the public, when open, is subject to Covid-19 protocols which include registration, temperature-checking, sanitising of hands and always wearing a face mask.

Depending on the size of foyers and reception areas, the number of people allowed into a specific department or section may differ and you will be advised accordingly upon arrival. We kindly request the public to be patient and to allow for extra waiting time.

GENERAL
Depending on the requirements of a specific department, staff are working on rotation or from home, and access by the public may be limited. Please phone or email as far as possible as per details below.
Switchboard: 044 801 9111
All after-hours George Municipality emergencies: 044 801 6300
Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours)

PROTECTION SERVICES
Protection Services administration offices are closed to the public.
Fire emergencies only: 044 801 6311 (all hours)
General fire department enquiries: 044 801 6300
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89
Anti-Land Invasion: 044 801 6310
GIPTN PTOO: 044 801 6345
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Traffic Department Offices, Driving and Learners Licences:
Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp 044 878 2400
Open to the public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm unless otherwise announced as per Covid-19 measures.

The department is open for new appointments for driving and learner’s licences as per usual rules (see Driving and Learners Licence section under Protection Services at www.george.gov.za for details).

Pick-up times for newly issued driving licences from the Pacaltsdorp offices: Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm, except if your confirmation SMS indicates a Saturday collection opportunity. Please bring your ID document and show the pick-up confirmation SMS to the official at the entrance.

Please note that learner’s licences, driving licences, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits which expired from 26 March 2020 up until 31 December 2020 are deemed valid and validity is extended for a further grace period ending 31 August 2021.

If your driving or learners’ licence test was cancelled during lockdown or because of offices being closed due to Covid-19 measures, you will receive an SMS with a new date and time. Please phone 044 878 2400 if you have not received an SMS within 20 days from your previous appointment.

Traffic fines
To pay your traffic fines online, use the account details below and use the traffic fine number printed on the fine as reference.
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Number: 62869623168
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Vehicle Testing Station
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9312
Open to public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm, access control from gate at the street.

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Please note the email addresses for proof of payment of online payments have been changed.
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310
Open to the public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays when closed at 2pm due to compulsory training, or if otherwise indicated as per Covid-19 measures.
Access control is from the gate at the street, when necessary.

Please consider ONLINE RENEWAL of vehicle licenses as per details below instead of in-person renewals at the vehicle licencing centre as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day.
Bulk transactions are being handled separately or after hours when required.
Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.

While vehicle licence RENEWALS CAN be done online, the REGISTRATION of vehicles CANNOT be done online as RICA requirements stipulate that the owner of the vehicle must physically appear in front of the official and the documentation must be original – this is, among other things, a measure against fraudulent registration of vehicles.

ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
1. The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ or download the RTMC mobile application for Android from Google PlayStore.
2. Choose between registering as an individual or business.
The following information will be required:
Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving license number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving license number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information of the vehicle for which you are renewing the licence.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle license RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. If your licence disk is valid but near expiry or if it has expired but is still in the 21-day grace period after expiry, the amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. If your license has already expired beyond the grace period, it will not indicate an amount on the system and clients must please phone the George Motor Vehicle Licensing office at 044 801 9310 to confirm the amount due.
8. Pay the amount due into the George Municipality, FNB Public Sector Cheque Account, Number 62869623150 (Branch Code 210554). Use the relevant vehicle license number as a reference such as CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP.
9. Email the proof of payment to payments@george.gov.za and mvr@george.gov.za. Please note the forementioned email addresses are no-reply addresses and are set up for proof of payments only and cannot be used for enquiries. Please phone 044 801 9310 for enquiries.
10. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your license disk but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime. Traffic law requires officials to still issue you with a ticket for displaying an invalid disk, but you can appeal the fine and submit the proof of payment as part of your request to have the fine cancelled (details for the appeal process is on the back of the fine).
11. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle license will be processed, and you will be contacted to arrange collection. Please do not collect unless pre-arranged and notified via telephone – you won’t have to queue in the transaction lines when you collect.
If you want the licence posted to you, please give the person who phones you the address to which you require it posted.
Licences that have not been collected within two weeks from the notification phone call, will be posted to the address listed on the NaTIS system – onus is on the vehicle owner to ensure the correct address is logged on the national system.
The turnaround time for online license renewals is about two weeks.

CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Services continue as usual but public access to administration offices (old City Hall) and Customer Services (corner York and Progress Streets) is limited to protect staff.
Urgent appointments that cannot be dealt with via online meetings on MS Teams or other electronic means will be attended to by prior arrangement. Please phone 044 801 9354 or 044 801 9277 to obtain relevant email address.
Report water leaks and burst pipes, sewerage blockages, leaks and spillages and urgent road and stormwater issues to:
044 801 9262/6 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times are 24-48 hours from recorded time of complaint at the above numbers.

ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES
Services continue as usual and the administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45-4.30pm.
Two people are allowed in the foyer at any given time and members of the public will be allowed into offices following screening at the security desk.
Planned maintenance continues and essential repairs for which planned outages are required will be communicated.
Please report power outages, broken street lights and faulty traffic lights to:
044 801 9222 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 9202
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times from recorded time of complaint at above numbers:
Low voltage electricity – within 24 hours.
High voltage electricity faults – can be longer than 24 hours depending on type of fault.
Street lights – three to four weeks.
Pre-paid electricity queries to Itron/Ontec: 044 873 5474 (8am-4pm).

COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services Administration, 82 Meade Street, is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
One person is allowed in the foyer at any given time, but no public allowed into the administration offices for any reason. Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrage for online meetings if necessary.

Reception/all departments: 044 802 2900 ccunningham@george.gov.za or ykibido@george.gov.za
Office of the Director: 044 802 2904 and imlubbe@george.gov.za
Parks and Recreation complaints: 044 802 2921 and bmbondweni@george.gov.za
Uncollected BLACK bags 044 802 2900/20/27 or ymali@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za
Uncollected GREEN and BLUE bags: 044 802 2900/ mabotha@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za
Environmental Health: anontshikiza@george.gov.za / tabotha@george.gov.za
Transfer Station: edraghoender@george.gov.za

Landfill Site and Transfer Station, Airport Road, open to public weekdays 7am-6pm and Saturdays 7am-1pm. Covid-19 protocols in place, bring your own pen to sign in for extra safety. edraghoender@george.gov.za

Street cleaning crews continue to operate in and around the CBD and entrance roads to the city at selected hours, seven days a week.

Public toilets at the CBD taxi rank and Doneraile Square open every day, toilets at Shoprite open on weekends.

Please report illegal dump sites to 044 802 2900 or aapril@george.gov.za or kvstoffels@george.gov.za. The municipality appeals to communities to remain safe and to not dump waste, which is illegal and can be hazardous to their health.

Attendance of funerals is limited to 50 persons or less provided that no more than 50 percent of the capacity of a venue is being used. Attendees must observe a distance of at least 1.5m, wear face masks and adhere to all health protocols. Night vigils and ‘after-tears’ are not allowed.

Visitation to cemeteries by small groups are allowed at weekends provided that all Covid-19 protocols are observed.

Municipal sport fields and public swimming pools are closed for all activities, practices and games. Enquiries Gerald de Villiers on gdevilliers@george.gov.za or 044 801 9488.
This measure does not apply to municipal sport facilities rented out to clubs and sports bodies, such as tennis and squash courts. Please contact relevant clubs in this regard.

Community Development offices behind the Main Building are open on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. Contact 044 802 2000 or ejcorner@george.gov.za

The municipality continues to support 129 municipal soup kitchens. Strict social distancing and hygienic practices apply. Emergency essential social services enquiries 072 693 3488.

The Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) unit is open to the public by appointment only, weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. Contact 044 802 2010 or gesau@george.gov.za to arrange appointments or phone 072 070 7234 for emergencies only.

All libraries reopened on 8 February 2021 with all protocols in place. Opening hours remain reduced and admittance to the George Main Library remains by appointment only while the community libraries will be access-restricted based on the amount of people inside the library according to the size of the facility.
A new service is available in which patrons can select books via the online library portal (see details below) and email a list of materials they want to loan. Librarians will make up piles of available materials and arrange a time for collection. You can also phone your librarian to inquire about a book-by-phone service.
Library services remain limited as follows:
Issue and return of books.
Ten books per library member for lending period of a month at a time.
Admittance to adults and children older than 12.
Children’s section is closed to children, but adults can take out books on behalf of children.
Research and reference services arranged by phone and/or email.
Internet services – preference given to pre-booked patrons, maximum two people at any given time.
Study area limited in compliance with regulations.
Wearing of masks and sanitising of hands are compulsory.
Your temperature will be taken before entering the library area, no admittance if it is 37.5C and higher.

Library materials handed in will be quarantined for 72 hours as per national and Western Cape safety standards and plastic covered materials wiped with sanitiser before being made available for loan.

Avontuur Library: 044 752 3351 avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com – Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm.
Blanco Library: 044 870 7047 gmblancobib@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Conville Library: 044 801 9320 Jrhode1@george.gov.za – Monday 9am-4pm
George Library: 044 801 9288 mluyenge@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Haarlem Library: 044 763 1023 shonisemichels@yahoo.com – Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2pm-5pm
Noll Library: 044 745 1014 dieprivierprim@gmail.com – Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Pacaltsdorp Library: 044 803 9340 pacsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Thembalethu Library: 044 803 9260 xakortman@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Touwsranten Library: 044 803 9285 touwsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Uniondale Library: 044 752 1024 fortuinelton@yahoo.com – Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm
Waboomskraal Library: angiefigeland@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 10am-2pm

George Municipality library portal link: wc.slims.gov.za/desktop/desktopwcgeplge
You can search online according to author, title, subjects, keyword, publisher or ISBN number.
Type in your library number on your card to check your library materials status including due date and opportunity to renew your books yourself.

CORPORATE SERVICES
Records are open to the public weekdays 8am-4pm unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
Central Records Main Building: 044 801 9286/9431/9125/9178 and emergencies only Cynthia Boltman 072 1780 327.
Building Plan Records (corner York and Progress Streets) 044 801 9367 and emergencies only Mia Mackenzie 083 475 6722.
Area offices are open to the public on weekdays 8am-3pm and contactable by phone until 4.30pm as per below list unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures. After-hours emergencies to 044 801 6300.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and thresholds apply as to how many people are allowed into each applicable building.
Services available at area offices and service points include reporting essential services faults such as water and electricity problems, all other municipal complaints, account inquiries, indigent applications, housing waiting list enquiries, property valuation roll queries and general inquiries.
Blanco: 044 803 9275
Conville: 044 803 9261
Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9286
Protea Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2796 (Tuesday, Thursday)
New Dawn Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2797
Rosedale: 044 803 9295
Rosemoor: 044 801 9379 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 044 803 9280
Thembalethu: 044 801 9448

Thusong Centres reception are open weekdays 8am-3pm, but other departments’ tenants are open as per their usual individual office hours.
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre: 044 886 0040
Thembalethu Thusong Centre: 044 801 9448
After hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Community halls and venues are closed to the public. Enquiries to Rozendra Thysse on 044 8019111/5 or rsthysse@george.gov.za and Alwyn Joseph 044 801 9005.
Acting Superintendent Halls: 060 823 3607 (on rotation with Maintenance)
Acting Superintendent Maintenance: 083 418 4588 (on rotation with Halls)

Human Resources offices are closed to the public unless otherwise arranged, HR functions continue. Enquiries to HRAdmin@george.gov.za

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Human Settlements administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm. Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
For basic services (water and sanitation in informal areas) queries and complaints in informal settlements please contact 044 802 2003.
For assistance with emergency structures following disaster (fire, flooding etc) please phone 044 802 2029.
Queries and complaints for water leakages and sewerage complaints (indigent cases) can be reported at the office on above times, but preferably by phone on 044 801 9210/9994/9453 or pshelane@george.gov.za or ddlouw@george.gov.za

Existing Housing Offices
Existing Housing offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Enquiries: 044 801 9113 or 044 801 9078

New Housing
New Housing Department (St Johns Street) offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Please note only the person making the enquiry will be allowed access.
There may be a waiting period and/or the person can leave their contact details and enquiry on the form provided at the security point where after an official will make contact.
Enquiries: 044 802 2003

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Please note Town Planning, Building Control and Property Management offices are closed until further notice but officials can still be contacted by phone or email or can arrange a virtual Zoom or Microsoft Teams appointment with the relevant official to discuss any matters.
Town Planning General enquiries: 044 801 9477
Property Transfer Certificates: Marina Welman mhwelman@george.gov.za / 044 801 9171
Zoning Certificates: Lorraine Malangeni lxmalangeni@george.gov.za / 044 801 9477
Zoning Rectifications: Jeanne Fourie jfourie@george.gov.za / 044 801 9138 and Ilané Huyser ihuyser@george.gov.za / 044 801 9550
Illegal Land Use Complaints: Robin Hector rlhector@george.gov.za / 044 801 9475 and Mawethu Bonga mbonga@george.gov.za / 044 801 9520

Land use applications
Land use applications can be submitted as per instruction sheets on website. See ‘Covid 19 Level 1 Land Use Applications Submission Guidelines – Oct 2020’ and ‘Public Participation Instructions Covid 19 Level 1 – Oct 2020’ on the link https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions/
Enquiries land use applications as below:
Erven ending with an even number (i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Primrose Nako 044 801 9416 pnako@george.gov.za
Erven ending with an odd number (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Marissa Arries 044 801 9473 marries@george.gov.za
Farm/portion numbers: Marina Welman 044 801 9171 mhwelman@george.gov.za

Building Control
Building plans can be submitted online. See https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/building-control/ for more information.
Building Control General Enquiries 044 801 9370
Request for existing building plans (Registration Department):
Phindiswa Lingani: 044 801 9370 pmlingani@george.gov.za
Sinazo Moshani: 044 801 9019 smoshani@george.gov.za
Musa Dyakop: 044 801 9166 mdyakop@george.gov.za
Status on building plan approvals: Vasti Laws: 044 801 9509 vnlaws@george.gov.za
Andrea Griessel: 044 801 9502 agriessel@george.gov.za
Please contact Building Inspectors directly during office hours:
James Vollenhoven: 076 823 0412
Fuzisa Siguba: 083 949 8651
Illegal activity: Nolan Noemdoe 083 757 3717

Property Management
Donald Gelderbloem: Manager Property Management 044 801 9073 dmgelderbloem@george.gov.za
Leasing of properties: Josephine Mpembe 044 801 9190 jmpembe@george.gov.za
Sale of properties: René Hendricks 044 801 9472 rehendricks@george.gov.za
General enquiries: Monique Isaks 044 801 9375 misaks@george.gov.za

Economic Development
Cathedral Square office is open to the public 9am-4pm, strict protocols apply.
Business queries: Joan Shaw 081 412 9995
Other queries: 044 801 2820 bduplessis@george.gov.za

IDP Office
Closed to the public but contactable during office hours.
Ronel le Fleur: 044 801 9075 / 071 870 7887 rlefleur@george.gov.za

Ward committee operations
Closed to the public but contactable during office hours.
Paulina Saaiman: 044 801 9074 / 060 579 6829 pasaaiman@george.gov.za

George Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 801 9295 info@visitgeorge.co.za
Wilderness Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 877 0045 info@visitgeorge.co.za

FINANCE
The Finance Hall in the Main Building is open to the public weekdays from 8am-3.30pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only six people are allowed inside the Finance Hall at any given time.
Estimated waiting time is 20 minutes depending on the type of queries of the customers ahead of you in the queue.
While electronic payments are recommended (see details below), the Finance Hall is open for account payments in addition to municipal account queries, opening of accounts, new connections, duplicate accounts, arrangements on arrears, indigent applications etc.
Printed municipal accounts are being issued every month. If you have not received your account by the due date of the 15th of each month, please contact us to forward an email copy or pay your monthly average amount. Online accounts via email have not been affected by lockdown. If you want to receive your account via email please mail a request to accounts@george.gov.za.

Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments.
Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), via pay@ mobile applications (see details below) and at Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave and SPAR.
Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

Meter readings
Online submissions of water meter readings are welcomed and can be provided via the below email address along with the accountholder’s name, contact details and GRG account number.
Please note that meter readings are done per area at different times of the month and it is important that your meter reading email is submitted around the same time as your area’s reading time. Please check the date of the previous reading at the bottom of your account to determine your meter reading slot.
A new service provider, Electro Cuts, has commenced water meter reading services for George Municipality on 1 January 2021.
Consumers who have in the past sent water meter readings via email to the previous service provider, Ikapa, must please note the change in email address for this purpose to meterreadings@george.gov.za.
Enquiries: accounts@george.gov.za

Bank Details for electronic payment (please note bank details changed 1 December 2020)
The old account is being phased out so please amend as soon as possible. For now it is still active and payments made so far will have been received.
If you have a debit order on your account, details will automatically be updated. If you have created an account for online banking, please delete the old account and create a new one with the details as below.
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

pay@ mobile applications
Download Masterpass, Snapscan or Zapper application on your mobile phone and complete your profile.
Load your credit or debit card.
To pay the account, open ‘Wallet’ inside the App you have downloaded and scan the QR code (the black square with the little squares inside it on the bottom right of your account).
Enter the amount you are going to pay and complete the transaction.
The App will confirm your successful, secure transaction.
You can also use the following link for payment of your account:
https://payat.io/qr/11413
Click on the link and enter the Pay@ reference number (number starting with 11413) which appears on your account. Your customer information will appear with payment options to choose from.

Prepaid electricity purchases
www.prepaid24.co.za
https://home.ontec.co.za
www.ipay.co.za
The electricity token is automatically sent to the client via SMS or email.
Mobile apps belonging to banks also have a pre-paid electricity purchase function.
For prepaid enquiries please contact 044 873 5474.

General enquiries to accounts@george.gov.za or 044 801 9111.
Please provide your GRG account number with all enquiries.
Please note that limited assistance is available as personnel may be working offline.

Credit Control enquiries: 044 801 9111

MUNICIPAL COURT
The George Municipal Court is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
Please note the office of the Clerk of the Court is closed every day 1pm-1.45pm for representations and other transactions.
Enquiries: 044 801 9400

UNIONDALE/HAARLEM
Offices are open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm (not open over lunch 1pm-1.45pm) unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
Fire: 044 752 1225
Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024
Tourism: 044 752 1076
Haarlem: 044 763 1013
After hours: 044 801 6300

New blue and green bag service provider starts Monday

Following seven frustrating months without a recycling contractor, a new service provider, LGE Waste, will start with the collection of green and blue bags on Monday 1 March 2021.

George Acting Director Community Services Allen Paulse said the municipality was relieved to make an appointment after the previous service provider Interwaste had closed its regional offices in George and ended its contract with the municipality in July last year.

“The municipality has been trying to provide the service in addition to its own schedule since September 2020, which we acknowledge has had mixed success due to factors such as unprotected strikes, diminished availability of staff due to Covid-19, limited overtime budget to address backlogs and increased workload associated with three types of bags instead of just black bags.

“We look forward to working with LGE Waste and believe that together we can work towards sustainable, integrated waste management for the entire municipal area,” said Mr Paulse.

The new service provider takes up the service as per the previous schedule and will be collecting green and blue bags from Monday (1 March 2021) from all areas that have a recent history of recycling. These include most suburbs of George – incorporating more recent participating areas Ballotsview, Borcherds, Conville, New Dawn Park, Delville Park, Pacaltsdorp, Parkdene, Protea Park, Rosemore and Sea View – as well as the outer areas of Wilderness, Kleinkrantz, Hoekwil, Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay.

Two green and two blue replacement bags will be issued to every household in the above-mentioned areas this coming week and thereafter to households in exchange for bags placed out.

Implementation in Harlem and Uniondale is currently being investigated to ensure the most effective service, details of which will be announced to the affected communities as soon as arrangements have been finalised.

Service to Lawaaikamp and Thembalethu will, for now, be handled on request via the ward councillor or office numbers as listed below. The municipality and service provider hope to commence awareness campaigns in these areas as soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow, with the intent to roll out a more extensive service as more households participate.

Residents can put out four green bags and unlimited number of blue bags together with up to seven black bags on their scheduled removal day. Blue and green bags will be collected on the same day as black bags, but by different vehicles.

“While we expect the switch-over to go relatively smoothly from the first round, we appeal to residents to remain patient a little while longer should there be any hiccups. We thank residents who have kept the faith with us in these challenging times and hope that others will join our efforts as the service gains momentum once again,” said Mr Paulse.

Households or businesses that are actively recycling and require additional green or blue bags, can collect from George Municipality Environmental Services or LGE Waste (details below).

ENQUIRIES:
Green and blue bags:
LGE Waste
Physical address: 10 Extension Road, Pacaltsdorp Industrial Area. Phone: 044 878 0688 Email: lgewaste@gmail.com
Black bags:
George Municipality Environmental Services
Physical address: 82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

 

Four-year housing project nearly complete

Building is underway for the last 37 houses of a 700-unit housing project that commenced in Thembalethu in February 2017.

George Municipality Director Human Settlements Charles Lubbe said Phase One of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) was coming to a close with the second-last batch of 50 completed and transferred to owners at the end of last year. “This project has been life-changing for 700 new homeowners and the municipality is proud of its role in administering the process.”

The last section of the project is situated on land where beneficiaries had been temporarily relocated while their houses were being built. As beneficiaries moved into their new houses, construction of top structures on the already laid foundations could start and the first five units are already at roof-height. Weather and circumstances permitting, the anticipated completion date for the entire project is end of May 2021.

The UISP is funded by the Western Cape Department Human Settlements with the George Municipality acting as implementation agent via the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP). Beneficiaries could be involved in the planning including selection of a house with or without a patio.

A retention phase of three months applies in which defects can be reported and addressed. Thereafter homes are the responsibility of the owner, including maintenance and alterations.

Caption
Houses built in a previous phase of the UISP in Thembalethu.

GO GEORGE sets learners on their way to safe bus travel

GO GEORGE sets learners on their way to safe bus travel

Issued: 22 Feb 2021

 

The 2021 school year has commenced at last with all learners returning to school last week. With most schools rotating attendance, the usual increase of bus passengers was not as noticeable this year, but GO GEORGE was ready to welcome the young passengers back on board, focusing on route planning for the new commuters and Covid safety for all.

GO GEORGE communication champions were positioned at all bus stops close to schools, handing out and explaining school-specific route maps. New GO GEORGE superhero, The Sanitiser, provided lots of fun and laughter sanitising the learners’ hands with a toy water pistol while the importance of hand sanitising was reinforced by handing out pocket-sized bottles with sanitiser.

Any individuals, schools or businesses needing more information about using the bus service are welcome to phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 for assistance, or to request a visit from the communications team.

CAPTION:

The GO GEORGE champions handed out and explained each school’s specific route map for learners travelling to the school from different areas in of town.

 

 

GO GEORGE berei leerders voor vir veiligheid op bus

Uitgereik: 22 Februarie 2021

 

Die 2021-skooljaar het uiteindelik begin met alle leerders wat verlede week teruggekeer het skool toe. Met die meeste skole wat bywoning roteer, was die gewone toename in buspassasiers nie vanjaar so merkbaar nie, maar GO GEORGE was gereed om die jong passasiers weer aan boord te verwelkom, met die fokus op roetebeplanning vir die nuwe pendelaars, en Covid-veiligheid vir almal.

GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes is by alle bushaltes naby skole geplaas om skool-spesifieke roetekaarte uit te deel en toe te lig. Die nuwe GO GEORGE-superheld, The Sanitiser, het vir baie pret gesorg met sy ontsmetting van die leerders se hande met sy speelgoed-waterpistool terwyl die belangrikheid van handreiniging versterk is deur sakgrootte botteltjies met handreiniger uit te deel.

Enige individue, skole of sakeondernemings wat meer inligting oor die gebruik van die busdiens benodig, is welkom om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel vir hulp, of om ‘n besoek van die kommunikasiespan aan te vra.

ONDERSKRIF:

Die GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes het elke skool se spesifieke roetekaart uitgedeel en verduidelik aan leerders wat uit verskillende gebiede in die dorp bus ry skool toe.

 

 

Public Notification: Recent power outages explained

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:  RECENT POWER OUTAGES EXPLAINED

 

During a 24-hour period this week, seven cable faults were experienced on 5 11kv cables.  The cables mostly fed the CBD, Denneoord and Bergsig areas.

The bulk of the residents in these areas were able to be re-energised using alternative feeders, but unfortunately 13 small transformers had to remain off until repairs were completed to at least one of the 11 kv underground cables.

 

A preliminary investigation and fault analysis indicated that there were no network abnormalities or negligence that could have caused the cable faults.

Further investigations are still being performed to give us an indication as to why so many cable faults occurred in such a short time.  The latest series of load shedding by ESKOM has not been ruled out as a possible cause.

 

The network remains vulnerable until such time as all the cables have been repaired and the system is switched back to normal. The first outage occurred at 03h13 on the 15th February and the last consumers were restored at 02h51 today 16th February.

 

George Municipality apologizes for this unforeseen occurrence and regrets any inconvenience caused.