Press Release Archive

Most George Municipality libraries have opened on Monday, 24 August and adopted new work strategies to ensure a smooth and safe reintegration of services for staff and library users.

According to Rachel Williams: Manager: George Municipal Libraries, as libraries are grappling to provide services in safe, harmonious environments, library users will have to adapt to new approaches and service delivery methods that will be implemented to better safeguard the health and safety of both the library patrons and staff members. The Library Service has already started with a phased-in process whereby book returns were encouraged and welcomed by George Library. Rural Libraries such as Waboomskraal and Haarlem are also accepting books.

As from the 24^th of August 2020 George Library and other branches have started to issue books to patrons on an appointment basis. This ensures a controlled and focused library service. Books that are returned are quarantined for 72 hours and sanitised according to national and provincial agreed on standards and indications. Pacaltsdorp an Thembalethu libraries remain closed until further notice.

Please take note any library can be closed in short notice, according to Covid-19 protocol.

To enhance a smooth, organised and safe working environment, library hours have been reduced and the following measures will apply:

Operating hours:

These services will be limited and will include the following:

• Issue and return of books;
• Telephonic and e-mailed correspondence to assist with Research and Reference Services (bulk preparation of library material)
• Internet Services (2 people at any given time) – booking of Computer Stations is highly recommended and patrons making use of this method will be given preference
• No Children Services; Children Section closed at all Libraries
• Current awareness and educational displays
• All staff and visitors must adhere to Covid-19 health and safety protocols (including wearing masks and cough etiquette). Visitors who do not adhere to these will not be allowed to enter the library.

Visitor Information:

1. Library services are limited to borrowing and returning of library materials.
2. Please note amended opening hours
3. Wearing of masks is compulsory when entering any Library;
4. Sanitising of hands is compulsory when entering Library premises;
5. Access to the computer area will be restricted in compliance with the National regulations
6. Where possible, small children should not accompany their parents to the library.
7. Children services remain closed in compliance with regulations.
8. The study area in the library will be limited in compliance with regulations.
9. Note signage explaining access conditions and behaviour protocols (such as maintaining social distancing) at the entrance and throughout the facility;
10. All library patrons should have their temperature read prior to entering the library; Visitors with a temperature of 37º C, or any of the known Covid-19 symptoms, will be denied entry into the library.
11. Some libraries will allow patrons to borrow up to ten books for a period of one month.
12. Please feel free to approach any staff member if uncertain about any of our services.

Regards

Debra Sauer
Communications Officer

Office of the Municipal Manager

Office:044 801 9181

Cell:063 682 2092

Email: ddsauer@george.gov.za

George Municipality is thinking ahead keeping George clean and green and has completed Phase 1 of a composting plant to be established at the George Landfill site on the R102 (airport road). According to Walter Hendricks, Director of Community Services, the main reason for the establishment of the composting facility is the decommissioning and closing of the George Landfill site within the next 18 months. The facility will also assist the municipality to reduce and re-use waste, in particular green and organic waste.

Phase 1 was the building of the first platform of the composting plant which has been completed during the previous financial year. This platform will be used to do composting with green materials and organic waste received from businesses and residents. Phase 2 of the project entails the building of the second platform for composting with both platforms required for the service provider to continue.

The next step is to appoint a service provider to establish and operate the composting facility and this will be addressed via municipal supply chain management criteria. The public will be allowed at the composting site under strict regulations to deliver green and organic waste only. Hendricks said the operations of the day to day work will be handled by the appointed company. The highly technical process will have to be run by a specialised service provider.
Council will still need to take a decision on what will be done with the final product, but it can be sold and provide revenue.

George Municipality Municipal Manager Trevor Botha said previously, the city was committed to waste reduction, not only because the region was running out of landfill space but also because it was the environmentally right thing to do. “Waste management is increasingly expensive, which ultimately impacts on our citizens. Local landfill sites are closing and transport to regional landfill and waste disposal facilities outside Mossel Bay is adding to the bill. If we can reduce the amount of waste transported out of the city, everyone benefits in the long-term – financially and environmentally,” said Mr Botha.

Caption: The cleared surface shown in the picture is the area from where the composting plant will be operated from at the Landfill site on the R102 (airport road).

Dam level: 78.69% (down from 79.43%)
Rainfall since 27 August 2020: 11.5mm
Demand/usage: 26,565 megalitres

SECTION 2B WATER RESTRICTIONS CURRENTLY APPLY IN GEORGE AND SURROUNDS:
• Handheld watering of gardens using a hose using municipal water: even-numbered households Mondays and Thursdays, 7pm-9pm (summer) and 3pm-5pm (winter) AND uneven-numbered households Tuesdays and Fridays, 7pm-9pm (summer) and 3pm-5pm (winter).
• Mechanical irrigation of gardens (sprayers) using municipal water is prohibited.
• Watering sports fields using municipal water is prohibited, except for golf course greens, bowling greens and cricket pitches, daily 7pm-9pm (summer) and 3pm-5pm (winter).
• Filling up of swimming pools using municipal water is prohibited.
• Washing cars with a hose using municipal water is prohibited (buckets allowed, rainwater encouraged), except for commercial car washes.
• Cleaning of outside surfaces using a hosepipe with municipal water is prohibited (buckets allowed, rainwater encouraged).
• “OWN WATER” signage must be displayed where applicable and must be proven on request by municipal officials.
• Applications for exemption of some restrictions may be considered on merit.

Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

Recent cold weather has again highlighted the need for fire safety at home as the George Fire Department responded to an increasing number of residential fires over the past weeks.

George Fire Chief Neels Barnard said winter months were traditionally the busiest time for residential fires as people tried to stay warm in cold weather. “The past weekend was a case in point – six informal structures burned to the ground leaving 20 people homeless in three separate fires in Blanco, Conville and Thembalethu.

“While the causes of house fires are not always straight-forward to determine, they generally have in common unsafe practices including overloading electrical plugs, falling asleep with burning cigarettes or taking a drum or tin fire indoors. Fires in formal residences are often associated with newly installed fireplaces that had not been sufficiently insulated and new or neglected gas installations,” said Mr Barnard.

Vegetation fires in winter are often associated with homeless people making open fires to keep warm when sleeping outside. While not necessarily the cause of the past weekend’s fires, the department responded to five vegetation fires during this time.

When rain and snow accompany the cold, motor vehicle accidents increase, which are also attended by the fire department. George Fire and Rescue responded to 10 motor vehicle accidents this past weekend.

The above factors are often worsened by alcohol abuse and there is a correlation between the number of callouts on Fridays and at the end of the month when people have been paid wages and salaries.

“George Municipality Fire and Rescue appeals to everyone to take extra care when working with fire and electricity, to be responsible and fire-conscious at all times – your life and property are at stake,” said Mr Barnard.

WINTER FIRE SAFETY TIPS
Do not overload electrical connections and plugs, use the plug for what it was made for.
Do not override the safety switch on your electrical board to avoid the electricity kicking out when you overload plugs.
Monitor plugs and check that they do not become hot.
Pull out cellphone and other chargers when you are not using them.
Do not carry drum and tin fires indoors.
Do not get into bed with a cigarette.
Put the electrical heater off before you fall asleep.
If you install a fireplace, use a reputable builder or installer and monitor new installations when in use. Have your fireplace and chimney serviced regularly.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE
Stay low and under the smoke.
Make alarm and get everyone out of the house.
Close doors of rooms behind you as you move through and out of the house.
Phone the fire department when you are outside. (Save the fire department’s number on your phone – see below)

WHAT TO DO WHEN A HOUSE IS ON FIRE NEAR YOU
Phone the fire department. (Save the fire department’s number on your phone – see below).
Move cars and other obstacles out of the way so fire trucks can pass.
Do not carry furniture into the road where it can be in the way of fire trucks and firefighters.
Do not go into the burning house for any reason.
Do not open the doors or break windows – it fuels the fire.

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Fire emergencies only: 044 801 6311
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300
General enquiries fire department (office hours): 044 801 6300
Uniondale (office hours): 044 752 1225

Issued George Municipality, Monday 31 August 2020

George Municipality has identified a shocking 200 illegal dump sites in George, located in Thembalehtu, Protea Park, Lavalia, Rosemoor, Conville, Maraiskamp, Parkdene, Rosedale, Syferfontein, New Dawn Park, Seaview, Blanco, Touwsranten, Wilderness Heights Informal Settlement and Kleinkrantz Informal Settlement. The impact of Covid-19 on our communities and in particular on our two hotspots, Thembalehtu and Pacaltsdorp, has highlighted the extreme dangers of these illegal dump sites which serve as a breeding ground for insects and vermin as well possibly containing dangerous medical waste which could be contaminated with COVID-19.

The Budget office in response to a plea from the Hotspot Strategy Task Team, has set aside a sum of R500 000  to address the illegal dump sites over the next two months and the Community Services Directorate, Cleansing division will start this week with a cohesive clearing programme. Areas will be systematically cleared up and the refuse removed to the Transfer Station using JCB’s and trucks.  

An Intergovernmental, multi-disciplinary Hotspot Strategy Task Team (HSSTT) was established in July 2020 to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in areas such as Thembalehtu and Pacaltsdorp the moment evidence became available that these areas were Hotspots i.e. communities showing the highest rates of transmission of infection.  

Steven Erasmus, Director for Protection Services and Chairperson of the HSSTT noted that one of the proposed interventions which is critical to the strategy outlined in the HSSTT’s action plan, is the removal of refuse that has been illegally dumped in the respective hotspot areas.” This matter has been escalated internally as well as externally. A Provincial Cabinet decision on this and other critical matters is awaited. In the meantime, the George Municipality as well as the Garden Route District Municipality have joined efforts and made funding available for this purpose. This is a classic and very commendable example of intergovernmental cooperation, demonstrating how various authorities can collaborate to achieve a common goal. The Task Teams’ main objective is to minimize the spread of the virus and in so doing save as many lives possible,” said Mr Erasmus.

During a Budget meeting held on Friday 28 August, Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk highlighted the urgency and need to keep our vulnerable communities safe, but at the same time admonished those citizens who perpetuate the misinformation that illegal dumping provides for job creation. “The reality is no jobs are being created, the clearing  of these sites is generally done with expensive equipment which uses budget previously allocated to infrastructure and/or similar projects. By allowing illegal dumping to take place in your neighbourhood, and turning a blind eye, you are forcing the municipality to spend unnecessary funds on cleaning, when the funds should be used to maintain roads, water and sanitation services and so on, “ said Ald Van Wyk.

Municipal Manager, Trevor Botha thanked the Garden Route District Municipality for their collaborative approach  and funding assistance. “The ongoing inter-governmental approach to tackling the pandemic of Covid-19 means we are stronger and better at taking action with the unified goal of keeping our communities safe. In fact this pandemic has served to strengthen the cohesiveness of the three spheres of government in assisting and supporting  each other, sharing information and coordinating efforts against this invisible enemy,” said Trevor Botha.

George Municipality asks you to spread the news in your community that the dumping of waste is dangerous and a health hazard. Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on waste removal days. Builders rubble and waste not suitable for bags must be dropped at the municipal refuse site situated off the R102 (airport road). Please report illegal dumping to our law enforcement offices, if you can provide names, the vehicle registration details or addresses of the alleged perpetrators and are willing to make a statement in this regard it will assist the municipality in catching the culprits.

Please report those illegally dumping waste to 044 801 6350 or e-mail sprins@george.gov.za. If you notice dumped waste in your area, please report for collection to 044 802 2900.

Stock Photograph: Melanie Mare for George Municipality

Multi-journey top-ups on Smart Card much cheaper

Issued Wednesday 26 August 2020

Buying bulk is the smart choice when you top up your Smart Card with bus trips – it’s much cheaper and more convenient too. Top up before you have completely run out of trips, and do so when you’re not in a rush to get to work or school.

This is the core message conveyed by the GO GEORGE communication team during their current awareness campaign to discourage passengers from loading only one day’s trips on their cards at a time.

Cheaper the more you buy

Smart Card trips bought in bundles of 10 or more cost R10 per trip, single trips cost R12, and bundles of two to eight trips cost R11 per trip. A passenger who uses the bus six days per week, could save up to R104 per month by buying bundles of 10 trips and more, instead of loading one trip at a time.

Trips on the Smart Card never expire, so there is no risk of losing trips, even if you don’t travel regularly.

Top up in time

Passengers are advised not to wait until they have no trips left on their Smart Cards. Having to top up on your way to work or school could be frustrating when the queues are long, or when an unpredictable event such as loadshedding prevents the vendor or kiosk from selling trips at the time. It would be better to top up outside of peak times, and at a time when you’re in no rush to be somewhere on time.

Smart Card kiosks are open from 05:00 until 20:00 and are situated at the George Transport Hub in Cradock Street, in York Street next to the Civic Centre, at the Blanco Triangle and at the Garden Route Mall. The kiosks sell Smart Cards and do top-ups.

The network of top-up vendors all over town do trip top-ups only. Look out for the GO GEORGE vendor signage, or for a detailed list of all top-up vendors, visit the GO GEORGE Facebook page or phone the Call Centre on 0800 044 044. Agents are on duty from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week. Enquiries can also be e-mailed to info@gogeorge.org.za.

CAPTIONS:

Informing passengers 1

Teams of GO GEORGE communication champions are currently engaging with passengers to advise them on the benefits of buying multiple trips at a time. Passengers waiting for their bus in Cradock Street – maintaining safe social distance – are listening attentively to champion Nomsa Ginyigazi explaining the potential savings.

Multirit-aankope op Slimkaart heelwat goedkoper

Uitgereik Maandag 24 Augustus 2020

Om bundels met 10 of meer ritte te koop, is die slim keuse wanneer jy jou Slimkaart herlaai – dit is baie goedkoper én boonop geriefliker. Herlaai voordat jy geen ritte op jou kaart oor het nie, en doen dit wanneer jy nie haastig is om by die werk of skool te kom nie.

Dit is die kernboodskap van die GO GEORGE-kommunikasiespan tydens hul huidige bewusmakingsveldtog om passasiers te ontmoedig om slegs een dag se ritte op ’n slag op hul kaarte te laai.

Goedkoper hoe meer jy koop

Slimkaartritte wat in bondels van 10 of meer gekoop word, kos R10 per rit, enkelritte kos R12, en bondels van twee tot agt ritte kos R11 per rit. ‘n Passasier wat die bus ses dae per week gebruik, kan tot R104 per maand bespaar deur bondels van 10 ritte en meer te koop, pleks van een rit op ‘n slag op die kaart te laai.

Ritte op die Slimkaart verval nooit nie, dus is daar geen risiko om ritte te verloor nie, selfs al gebruik jy die bus nie gereeld nie.

Herlaai betyds

Passasiers word aangeraai om nie te wag totdat hulle geen ritte oor het op hul Slimkaarte nie. Om op jou pad werk of skool toe te herlaai, kan frustrerend wees wanneer die rye lank is, of wanneer iets onvoorspelbaars soos beurtkrag verhoed dat die verkoper of kiosk op daardie tydstip ritte kan verkoop. Dit sal beter wees om buite spitstye te herlaai op ‘n tyd wanneer jy nie jaag om betyds by jou bestemming te wees nie.

Slimkaartkioks is oop vanaf 05:00 tot 20:00 en is geleë by die George Vervoerkern (Hub) in Cradockstraat, langs die burgersentrum in Yorkstraat, by die Blanco-driehoek en by die Garden Route Mall. Die kiosks verkoop Slimkaarte én herlaai kaarte met ritte.

Die netwerk van herlaaipunte in besighede regoor die dorp herlaai slegs kaarte. Kyk uit vir die “GO GEORGE vendor”-borde, of vir ’n volledige lys van alle herlaaipunte, besoek die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad of skakel die inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044. Agente is van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week aan diens. Navrae kan ook per e-pos gestuur word aan info@gogeorge.org.za.

ONDERSKRIFTE:

Informing passengers 1

Spanne GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes beweeg tans tussen passasiers om hulle in te lig oor die voordele van die aankoop van groter bondels ritte op ‘n slag. Hier luister passasiers aandagtig na Nomsa Ginyigazi wat die potensiële besparings verduidelik terwyl hulle op ’n veilige afstand van mekaar wag vir hul bus in Cradockstraat.

The Motor Vehicle Registration offices will be open on Saturday 29 August 2020, for those residents whose motor vehicle licences expire end of August.
Please note the standard grace period of 21 days applies to any motor vehicle licence expiring on 31 August 2020.

Open from 08h00 – 13h00

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310 or 044 801 9311 or mvr@george.gov.za

Please be reminded that motor vehicle licences, temporary permits and roadworthy certificates that expired during initial lockdown (26 March-31 May) remain valid until 31 August 2020 and motor trade number licences until 30 November 2020.

Please consider online renewal of vehicle licences as per details below instead of in-person renewals – as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day. Offices are, however, fully staffed and bulk transactions are being handled after-hours.

Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.

Please note access to premises for Motor Vehicle Licence Centre and Vehicle Testing Station is regulated at the gate from the street.

You don’t have to go to the Vehicle Licence Centre to renew your licence – do it online!

ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/
Choose between registering as an individual or business.

The following information will be required:
1. Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving licence number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
2. Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving licence 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.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle licence RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. The amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. Pay this amount into the George Municipality ABSA bank account (details below) and use the relevant vehicle licence number as a reference, eg. CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP
8. ABSA Cheque Account number: George Municipality, Cheque Account 01022220981 (Branch Code 632005)9. Email the proof of payment to msbrits@george.gov.za or rharmse@george.gov.za AND mvr@george.gov.za AND mjulyan@george.gov.za
10. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your licence disk, but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime.
11. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle licence will be processed, and the new disk will be posted to your registered address OR YOU CAN ARRANGE TO collect from the MVR offices. This must be pre-arranged and you will be notified via SMS.

 MINISTER TERTUIS SIMMERS TO CONDUCT COVID AWARENESS IN GEORGE

26 August 2020

Tomorrow, 27 August 2020, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, in his capacity as the Provincial Government’s lead in the covid response for the Garden Route, will conduct a Covid-19 awareness campaign in George.

Minister Simmers, who will be accompanied by the Garden Route District Mayor, Memory Booysen and the George Municipal Mayor, Leon van Wyk, along with various MAYCO members, Councillors and the Premier’s Community Liaison Officers (CLO’s) will be distributing masks and information pamphlets.

Minister Simmers said: “I’m looking forward to engaging residents and reminding them of the importance of adhering to all the covid regulations. It is critical that we continue keeping the spotlight on this virus, as we have to push the infection rate down. This is truer now, particularly since the alert level has been relaxed and more people can move around.”

DETAILS:

Date: Thursday, 27 August 2020

Time: 08:00 – 09:00

Venue/Meeting Point: Hypersave, Pacaltsdorp, George

Green and blue refuse bags collection resumes in the George municipal area from 1 September 2020. The service was temporarily discontinued when the service provider Interwaste had notified the municipality that it would close its regional offices in George and end its contract with the municipality.

George Municipality Director Community Service Walter Hendricks said the municipality would temporarily perform the service in-house. “We will be renting additional trucks (with drivers) and trailers for this purpose – Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers from other municipal departments will be reallocated to support the service.

“The tender process for the appointment of a new service provider to perform this role will commence shortly and, because of its scope, may take several months to finalise.

“The George Municipality thanks the public for their patience and understanding and reiterates its commitment to reduce waste. We will make every effort to remain true to this goal in the face of ongoing Covid-19 and other challenges,” said Mr Hendricks.

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 truck-and-trailers. Replacement blue and green bags (two of each per household for participating neighbourhoods) will be distributed as soon as the supply chain process for the buying of bags has been finalised – probably within the next two to three weeks.

The green and blue bag collection service will be applicable in all neighbourhoods that have previously been serviced as well as Uniondale and Haarlem.

The municipality will attempt to catch up on the backlog on the first cycle, but if there are still some blue and green bags out by 8pm on the day of your regular collection, please take in whatever is left and put it out with the next week’s bags.

As per Covid-19 regulations, bags will be sprayed with sanitiser before distribution and collection personnel will be wearing personal protective gear.

Enquiries during office hours: Black, green and blue bags 044 802 2900 /edraghoender@george.gov.za

The George Municipality thanks residents for their understanding and for their ongoing support of our recycling and composting projects by correctly putting their waste in blue and green bags.
BLUE bags: non-soiled recyclable materials like plastic, paper, glass etc.
GREEN bags: green waste like kitchen and garden waste. No soil allowed in bags.
BLACK bags are for ‘wet’ waste, things that cannot be recycled.

Refuse removal days
MONDAY: Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay
TUESDAY: Levallia, Rosemoor, Conville, Protea Park, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borchards, Lawaaikamp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Touwsranten, Constantia Kloof
WEDNESDAY: Camphersdrift, Fernridge, Denneoord, Bo-Dorp, Blommekloof, Tweerivieren, Hoogekraal, Hoekwil
THURSDAY: Dormehlsdrift, George South, Le Grand, Bos en Dal, Groeneweidepark, Sinksabrug, Herold, Geelhoutboom, Eselsjacht, Hansmoeskraal, Jonkershoek, Rooirivierrif, Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Waboomskraal, Wilderness Heights
FRIDAY: Glenwood, Loerie Park, Eden, Genevafontein, Denver Park, Bergsig, Eastern Extension
BUSINESSES: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Issued on 25 August 2020

Most George Municipality libraries have opened on Monday, 24 August and adopted new work strategies to ensure a smooth and safe reintegration of services for staff and library users.
According to Rachel Williams: Manager: George Municipal Libraries, as libraries are grappling to provide services in safe, harmonious environments, library users will have to adapt to new approaches and service delivery methods that will be implemented to better safeguard the health and safety of both the library patrons and staff members. The Library Service has already started with a phased-in process whereby book returns were encouraged and welcomed by George Library. Rural Libraries such as Waboomskraal and Haarlem are also accepting books.
As from the 24th of August 2020 George Library and other branches have started to issue books to patrons on an appointment basis. This ensures a controlled and focused library service. Books that are returned are quarantined for 72 hours and sanitised according to national and provincial agreed on standards and indications. Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu libraries remain closed until further notice.
Please take note any library can be closed in short notice, according to Covid-19 protocol.

To enhance a smooth, organised and safe working environment, library hours have been reduced and the following measures will apply:

Library Operating hours
Avontuur Library
Ou Bains Road, Avontuur, 6490
Tel: 044 752 3351
E-mail: avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com
Monday, 12:00 – 15:00 Wednesday&Thursday
10:00 – 13:00 Tuesday
11:00 – 14:00 Friday

Blanco Library
George Avenue, Blanco, 6529
Tel: 044 870 7047
E-mail: gmblancobib@gmail.com
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday

Conville Library
Cnr Pienaar Street & Nelson Mandela Boulevard, Conville, 6529
Tel: 044 801 9320
E-mail: Jrhode1@george.gov.za
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday

George Library
Cnr David Road & Caledon Street, Camphersdrift, George, 6530
Tel: 044 8019288
E-mail: rwilliams@george.gov.za
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday
09:00 – 12:00 Saturday

Haarlem Library
Hope Street, Haarlem, 6467
Tel: 044 763 1023
E-mail: shonisemichels@yahoo.com
12:00 – 17:00 Monday, Thursday & Friday (12h:00 – 14:00 is behind closed doors)
14:00 – 17:00 Tuesday & Wednesday (10:00 to 12:00 behind closed doors)

Noll Library
c/o Dieprivier Primary School, Noll’s Ha Halt , George,6462
Tel: 044 745 1014
Email: dieprivierprim@gmail.com
12:00 – 15:00 Monday & Wednesday
09:00 – 12:00 Saturday

Pacaltsdorp Library
Mission Street (near Post office),Pacaltsdorp, 6534
Tel: 044 803 9340
E-mail: Pacsbib@george.org.za
Closed until further notice

Thembalethu Library
Bacela Street, Thembalethu, 6530
Tel: 044 803 9260
E-mail: Xakortman@george.gov.za
Closed until further notice

Touwsranten Library
Besterstraat, Touwsranten, 6538
Tel: 044 803 9285
E-mail: Touwsbib@george.org.za
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday

Uniondale Library
39 Voortrekker Street, Uniondale, 6460
Tel: 044 752 1024
E-mail: fortuinelton@yahoo.com
09:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday

Waboomskraal Library
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre, Waboomskraal , 6529
E-mail: angiefigeland@gmail.com
10:00 – 14:00 Monday – Friday

These services will be limited and will include the following
Issue and return of books;
Telephonic and e-mailed correspondence to assist with Research and Reference Services (bulk preparation of library
material)
Internet Services (2 people at any given time) – booking of Computer Stations is highly recommended and patrons
making use of this method will be given preference
No Children Services; Children Section closed at all Libraries. Adults
are allowed to take out books for children but no children under the age of 12 years old will be allowed in the libraries at this point.
Current awareness and educational displays
All staff and visitors must adhere to Covid-19 health and safety protocols (including wearing masks and cough
etiquette). Visitors who do not adhere to these will not be allowed to enter the library.

Visitor Information:
1. Library services are limited to borrowing and returning of library materials.
2. Please note amended opening hours
3. Wearing of masks is compulsory when entering any Library;
4. Sanitising of hands is compulsory when entering Library premises;
5. Access to the computer area will be restricted in compliance with the National regulations
6. Where possible, small children should not accompany their parents to the library.
7. Children services remain closed in compliance with regulations.
8. The study area in the library will be limited in compliance with regulations.
9. Note signage explaining access conditions and behaviour protocols (such as maintaining social distancing) at the
entrance and throughout the facility;
10. All library patrons should have their temperature read prior to entering the library; Visitors with a temperature of
37.5 º C, or above or any of the known Covid-19 symptoms, will be denied entry into the library.
11. Some libraries will allow patrons to borrow up to ten books for a period of one month.
12. Please feel free to approach any staff member if uncertain about any of our services.

Issued George Municipality, 24th August 2020

The announcement that beaches have reopened under Covid Level 2 was met with great enthusiasm by the public. During the lockdown period, the Community Services Directorate has continued to work on improvements at the various facilities owned by the municipality. All of the beach ablution facilities which fall under George Municipality will have security gates installed in the new financial year, to prevent ongoing vandalism.

Beach goers are reminded that none of the beaches will have lifeguard services until 1 December when they will be on duty daily from 9 till 5. From the 15th of December they will be available from 7H00- 19h00 until the schools reopen in January 2021, there after they will be back to weekends only. All of these arrangements are COVID and Alert Level dependant and subject to change.

The Herold’s Bay tidal pool has received new stainless steel balustrades. Disabled toilets have been installed at Wilderness Beach which will allow for the application for full Blue Flag status to proceed prior to the December 2020 season.

Coastal plants have also been planted near the parking area to stop dune erosion and improve the aesthetics. Neat wooden huts have been installed at Victoria Bay and Gwaing Beach for municipal officials. A lean to with two picnic beaches has been erected to provide shade for beachgoers at Leentjiesklip, after the large milkwood tree there unfortunately fell over. The braai facilities at Gwaing Beach have also been upgraded.

Projects for the new financial year include upgrades to the caravan park at Gwaing that include the extension of the caravan site (which is subject to the Section 24 G application), the installation of wheelchair friendly ablutions, the upgrading of the wash-up and ironing facilities, the upgrading of the ablutions at the beach and the installation of access control boom gates for the caravan park. At Leentjiesklip the empty showers that are not operational will be converted into additional toilet facilities. The caravan park at Herolds Bay will have access control boom gates installed as well as palisade fencing around the caretakes cottage.

The next phase of municipal road upgrades in George impacting the GO GEORGE bus service will commence on Monday 24 August 2020. This resurfacing of Knysna Road between Fourth Street and Mandela Road as well as the intersection at Pine Lodge comprises an asphalt wearing course placed over all four lanes and is expected to be done by the first week of October.

As work will be done one lane at a time, no rerouting is expected. However, due to slower one-lane traffic in this area, delays should be expected all over the system and especially routes servicing the eastern parts of town. Passengers are advised to allow more time for their bus trips during this time, especially during peak hours.

Bus stops temporarily closed
Affected bus stops on the lane under construction will be closed for short periods at a time and temporary stops will be erected in close proximity for passengers’ convenience. The two bus stops in Knysna Road which will be affected intermittently are 709 Fourth B in front of PnP, in the direction towards the Garden Route Mall from the CBD, and 706 Saasveld, in the direction towards the CBD from the Garden Route Mall. Posters informing passengers about the situation are being erected at these stops.

GO GEORGE apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution near roadworks and bus stops.

GO GEORGE PAS AAN VIR OPGRADERINGS IN KNYSNAWEG

Die volgende fase van munisipale padopgraderings in George wat ‘n uitwerking op die GO GEORGE-busdiens sal hê, begin op Maandag 24 Augustus 2020. Hierdie werk aan die padoppervlak tussen Vierdestraat en Mandelaweg asook die kruising by Pine Lodge in Knysnaweg behels ’n asfalt-sluitlaag bo-oor al vier bane en sal na verwagting teen die eerste week in Oktober voltooi wees.
Aangesien die werk in een laan op ’n keer gedoen sal word, word geen herleiding van roetes verwag nie. Weens stadiger enkelbaan-verkeer moet vertragings egter te wagte wees oor die hele stelsel en veral op roetes wat die oostelike dele van die dorp bedien. Passasiers word aangeraai om meer tyd toe te laat vir hul busritte, veral gedurende spitstyd.

Bushaltes tydelik gesluit
Bushaltes wat hierdeur geraak word, sal vir kort periodes op ’n keer gesluit word en tydelike bushaltes vir passasiers se gerief sal in die nabye omgewing opgerig word. Bushaltes in Knysnaweg wat met tussenposes geraak sal word is 709 Fourth B voor PnP, in die rigting van die Garden Route Mall uit die middedorp, en 706 Saasveld, in die rigting van die middedorp vanaf die Garden Route Mall. Plakkate wat passasiers bedag maak op die situasie word by hierdie bushaltes aangebring.

GO GEORGE maak verskoning vir die ongerief en doen ’n beroep op padgebruikers om geduldig en versigtig te wees naby die konstruksiegebied en bushaltes.

Knysna Road Phase 2 roadworks: Road resurfacing project in Knysna Road, George  Phase 2
Issued by George Municipality
For immediate release: 21 August 2020

George Municipality would like to advise the residents of George that road resurfacing will be done in Knysna Road between 24 August to 2 October 2020.

Physical construction for the complete section between 4^th Street and Madiba Drive(Pine Lodge), the repair of base layerworks and resurfacing of Knysna Road will be done.

Sections of Knysna Road will be closed to traffic from 07:30 to 17h00 daily. The road will be open to two-way traffic for the construction period but will be limited to one lane per direction.

Site access will be managed and communicated with residents and businesses to ensure that minimum disruption is caused. Extra care is to be taken by road users throughout the duration of the entire construction period. Adherence to temporary road signs and markings will be required. Herewith the current planning  and  execution programme of the contractor:

All work will be done on the slow lane  from 4^th street to Pine Lodge (Madiba Drive) – milling and other works from 24 – 28 August 2020 and again from 31 August to 4 September. The overlay process will start from 14 to 17 September 2020.

There will be height differences occurring in the road where repairs are being constructed. Caution will be required when driving or walking in the area, especially under wet and dark conditions. Low profile vehicles and motorcycles to take extra care.
There might be more delays and inconveniences, but we will keep the public up to date regarding unforeseen changes that can happen on site.

George Municipality 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 roadworks personnel.

Please note that access to site will be strictly controlled. Any member of the public who enters the site will have to comply with the relevant requirements in terms of the National State of Disaster: COVID-19 Regulations.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: iX Engineers Representative – 082 944 3654

Municipal Manager, Trevor Botha expressed his shock following the death of a  municipal official, who tragically lost her life in a road accident yesterday in George.
Mr Botha on behalf of the municipality and its officials, offered his deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Elizabeth Mathenjwa. Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk expressed his sorrow at the tragic loss of life, on behalf of the George Council.

Ms Mathenjwa worked at the Corporate Services Directorate in the position of HR MANAGER: RECRUITMENT AND ADMIN.

Hamba Kahle Leah