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Media Statement: Child’s death saddens electrical department
Issued George Municipality, 14 April 2023

George Municipality extend our condolences to the family of the child electrocuted on Wednesday, 12 April 2023 in Zone 9, Thembalethu. The incident occurred late afternoon and was due to an illegally connected wire. An inquest docket has been opened by the state and the municipality has also opened a police case for infrastructure damage and theft. The Municipality has been unable to establish contact with the parents of the deceased child.

Portfolio Councillor (MMC) for Electrotechnical Services, Cllr Nosicelo Mbete noted that the department is saddened by this latest incident. “The loss of a young life is so unnecessary, we cannot overemphasize the dangers attached to illegal connections. Any kind of electricity ‘tapping’, no matter how small or innocent-looking, is illegal and dangerous,” she said. An operation to remove illegal connections took place in this specific area on 29 March this year. Such operations are undertaken on a regular basis to increase community safety.

To educate the communities and increase community safety, regular safety operations targeted at removing illegal connections.  George Municipality will continue to act decisively in such matters, as the practice of illegal connection puts the perpetrator in danger of electrocution, risking injury and death to themselves as well as the rest of the community. These connections lie across pathways and walkways where anyone passing can easily be electrocuted.

Furthermore, the George Municipality has allocated R10,5million of its own funds into the electrification of informal settlements, and these projects are well under way including a pilot project of electrification of informal settlements using renewable energy.

An electricity connection is considered illegal when it is connected to the George Municipal network without the organisation’s permission. Wires are connected to a mini-substation or overhead pole.  The forms of electricity theft include illegal connections, illegal electrification schemes and meter tampering and bypassing. These illegal electrical thefts are mostly in areas where illegal informal structures are built.

Where people have connected themselves illegally, George Municipality will continue to actively find the perpetrators and lay criminal charges against them. In terms of the Criminal Procedures Act, interference with and the damage to Municipal property could be regarded as sabotage and should someone be found guilty of such an offence, a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years can follow.

Illegal connections should be reported to 044 803 9222 or 044 801 9222 or after hours on 044 801 6300.

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

In terms of Section 2 of the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act (LUPA), a municipality is responsible for land use planning and must regulate the procedures in terms of how the municipality receive, consider and decide on land use applications.  Following the promulgation of LUPA, the George Municipality developed the Land Use Planning By-Law (LUP) for its municipal area, which was adopted by Council along with a set of delegations relevant to the by-law and was subsequently promulgated in the Provincial Gazette and came into operation in September 2015. During 2021 two minor amendments were made to the By-law, which was promulgated accordingly.

The Western Cape Provincial Government issued proposed amendments to the Model Land Use Planning By-Law, which was, inter alia, based on best practises observed from various municipalities in the Province. The George Municipality subsequently proceeded with the amendment of the George LUP By-Law in collaboration with the amendments recommended  by provincial government.

Public Participation
The public participation process commenced from 14 July 2022 and closed on 15 August 2022, where members of the public had the opportunity to provide their comments and input. Notices making the public aware of the public participation period were advertised on the George Municipality’s website and Facebook page as well as in the George Herald.  Comments received were  revied and the necessary amendments were made. The LUP By-Law was workshopped with Council to provide all Councillors an opportunity for inputs. The draft document was thereafter collated and adopted by Council on 30^th March 2023.

The intent of this by-law is to elaborate and provide clarity on the following aspects pertaining to land use planning:

1. Compilation, adoption and amendments of a Spatial Development Framework,
2. Deliniation of the respective land use applications,
3. Land Use Application Processes,
4. Public Participation Processes,
5. Criteria for Decision-making,
6. Municipal Planning Decision-making Structures,
7. Tribunals requirements and procedures,
8. Appeal requirements and procedures,
9. Provision of Engineering Services,
10. Development Charges,
11. Enforcements,
12. Naming and numbering of Streets.

The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:

1. Amendments to existing definitions.
2. New Definitions viz. Registered Planner, Schedule of Rights, Zoning Scheme.
3. Provision that only professionals registered at a professional Council may submit certain land use applications.
4. Deletion of “Occasional Use” as a ‘land use application’ (now granted as a temporary departure).
5. Provision for certain requirements when applying for a temporary departure for an occasional use.
6. Inclusion of additional exemptions of certain subdivision and consolidations.
7. Exclusions of certain minimum requirements for the submission of a land use application.
8. Inclusions to exclude the festive period to cause public notices.
9. General amendment to align with council’s resolution 27 May 2021 in terms of Development Charges.
10. General amendment to align with LUPA and SPLUMA .
11. General amendments in terms of grammar, improved wording and referencing.

Promulgated in the Western Cape Provincial Gazette
The Land Use Planning By Law will be promulgated in the Western Cape Provincial Gazette during the month of April 2023, and will come into operation on the date of promulgation. The promulgated by-law will thereafter be uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public.

DRAFT BUILDING CONTROL BY-LAW
Council approved a draft Building Control by-law for the George Municipality on 30 March 2023 and which included a public participation process to be followed.

Purpose and objective of the by-law
The main purpose of the by-law is to supplement the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act 103 of 1977) (NBR & BS) and the National Building Regulations issued in terms of the NBR & BS to ensure uniformity with regard to building standards, the erection of buildings and structure and the submission, consideration and approval of building plans in the jurisdictional area of George Municipality.

The relation of this By-Law with and between the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act No 103 of 1977, as amended and SANS Codes is aimed at ensuring that the functional regulations contained in the National Building Regulations are deemed to be satisfied insofar as it relates to the relevant SANS codes as stipulated in SANS 10400.

The purpose of this by-law is not only to be able to enforce compliance of The Nation Building Regulations and standards more efficiently but more importantly ensure the health and safety of the property owners and neighbouring properties owners or any interested parties as these standards and means to comply will be clearly set out.  It takes the transparency of regulatory requirements, standards and codes associated with construction practices a step further.

The objective of the by-law is to improve organizational efficiency and articulate the rules concerning the processes and practices in the construction industry that are otherwise not expressed in the Act, thereby providing additional clarity on the aspects addressed in the draft by-law. This intervention is regarded necessary as much of the department’s capacity is spent on corrections required to render a plan suitable for approval.

The proposed by-law elaborates and provides clarity on the following aspects pertaining to building control including: approval required for buildings to be erected; buildings that require approval of the municipality;certificate of occupancy; applications and requirements; offences and penalties; and appeals.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Building Control By-Law notice will be published on 13 April 2023 in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. The draft Building Control By-Law is available on our website, follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/planning-and-development/ . Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required by no later than 12 May 2023.

Once the input has been received from the public and addressed, the final by-law then goes back to Council for approval. Comments and inputs can be emailed to, Fickerie Toyer phoned in to 044 801 9111 or submitted in person at the George Municipality Ground Floor ,71 York Street, George ,6530. Enquiries to Fickerie Toyer ftoyer@george.gov.za

By-laws differ between municipalities.
The Constitution of South Africa gives municipalities the power to pass their own legislation, in the form of by-laws, for subject areas. These by-laws hold the same power and force as other national and provincial legislation but are laws managed by the individual municipality in order to regulate the affairs and the services it provides within its area of jurisdiction.

The details of by-laws can differ from one municipality to another, and the public is always advised to check their local municipal by-laws which can be found on the relevant municipal website. The most important by-laws being addressed in this round of review by George Municipality, are the Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places, Informal Street Trading, Water and Sanitation Services, Water Services and the Stormwater by-laws amongst others.

Promulgated in Western Cape Provincial Gazette
A municipal by-law may be enforced only after it has been published in the official gazette of the Western Cape Province on request of the local municipality. The promulgated by-law is then uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public. Transgression of a by -law is treated the same as a normal law, if you break a by-law, you can be fined or prosecuted. Most transgressions are handled in the George Municipal Court.

Join now!
The Garden Route is again proudly participating again in the 2023 City Nature Challenge, which will run from 28 April 2023 to 01 May 2023 for the observation period, and the upload and identification period ending 08 May 2023.

And take part in this family fun, global event.
We call this area home. Let us showcase its beauty and biodiversity to the world.

Plan a few special trips with family and friends …. and enjoy!!!

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2023-garden-route

George Local Municipality: https://www.inaturalist.org/places/local-government-george-municipality

The spectre of loadshedding has made preparation of the draft budget for the financial year commencing in July 2023 an extreme challenge given the poor state of the South African economy.

The total revenue from the core services of the Municipality was budgeted at R1947m for 2022/23. Collectively the surpluses of revenue less expenditure from Electricity, Water, Sewerage and Refuse is budgeted to supplement revenue generated from Property Rates (collectively, “Total Rates”) to cover the expenditure from the range of services that do not generate revenue directly (the former contributing roughly 40% and Rates 60%). Electricity normally contributes over 20% of this total amount. For 2022/23, the Total Rates was projected at approximately R611m with Electricity contributing its R129m surplus.

The Total Rates covers fixed administrative overheads, streets, stormwater, traffic, law enforcement, fire services, planning, economic development, tourism, street cleaning, parks and social support services to the community.

During the adjustment budget approved in February 2023, it was projected that there would be a shortfall of R160m for the full year due to the impact of loadshedding reducing electricity sales, costs of diesel to power generators, increased overtime and maintenance. The budget for 2023/24 will need to address the future scenario of electricity no longer providing its previously secure revenue stream. In 2022, we already commenced with the introduction of fixed charges to ensure adequate maintenance and operation of the R2,5bn electricity network infrastructure. Consumers therefore need to contribute to the cost of using the network, electricity costs to provide water and waste-water treatment, streetlights and traffic lights, etc. A variable cost for each kilowatt-hour being used by a consumer is also being levied.

With loadshedding expected to continue, it is imperative that municipal revenues are restructured to ensure their sustainability. In future, the distribution network will transport energy to users coming from the municipality’s own generation projects, independent producers, as well as excess electricity generated by domestic and business consumers who have installed their own renewable energy.

Future budgets will be structured to eliminate the current shortfall by curtailing expenditure growth where possible while also seeking a higher contribution from Property Rates to cover the expenditure funded by Total Rates. We are fortunate that property valuations in George have risen in accord with property values elsewhere in the Western Cape. Recent statistics show that real residential property prices in Cape Town are indexed at 130 in comparison to indices of between 90 and 100 for the seven other metropolitan areas in South Africa.

The new municipal valuation roll being implemented is a reflection of the higher property values but will allow for a commensurate reduction in the rate in the Rand on the Property Rates payable by property owners.

The adopted Gwayang Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF), 2015 identified the area between the Gwaiing River and George, south of the R102 and north of the N2, as an area which has the potential to be developed as a mixed-use precinct with the focus on commercial and industrial land uses. This precinct forms part of a cluster of existing and proposed nodes along the western access to the urban area and is situated along the western gateway route into George, along the R102.

“The Municipality, assisted by a service provider, has initiated technical processes, including geotechnical studies, environmental sensitivity analysis, traffic Impact evaluation, engineering service investigations and precinct designs, to confirm the site’s suitability for the envisaged mixed-use development.  In addition, an urban design- and optimal layout concept form part of the deliverables of this process,” said Lauren Waring, director for Human Settlements, Planning & Development and Property Management in the George Municipality.

“In addition to commercial and industrial parks modern manufacturing and other commercial functions on various scales, the concept envisages mixed residential typologies with the associated community facilities.  The Municipal Utility area and planned Alternative Energy facilities are included in the precinct plan and sensitive environmental features will be protected through an integrated Open Space system which will also aid storm-water management and provide functional open spaces to the users in and around the precinct,” Waring added.

“The technical studies and concept plans inform the final layout plan which is anticipated to be completed by July 2023. Thereafter the Environmental Impact and Land Use Management application processes will commence and the phasing for the installation of infrastructure will be determined.  The planning process is anticipated to be concluded by the end of 2024, whereafter the potential release of land for development will be submitted to the Council.”

This project constitutes infill development and supports objectives to ensure the optimum and efficient use of existing infrastructure and resources. The introduction of opportunities for industrial and commercial expansion will catalyze economic growth and is anticipated to yield new opportunities for employment and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) development.

ENDS.

Issued by George Municipality 22 March 2023 for immediate release

The George Municipality was selected by the Western Cape Provincial Treasury to pilot the implementation of Agile Auditing in local municipalities.

The project will entail appointing a service provider to conduct awareness and coaching workshops with the Internal Audit Activity, Executive Management, and the Audit Committee on the concepts of agile auditing and test its application at George Municipality. This will ensure that the stakeholders are provided with adequate tools, techniques, and support to fully implement Agile Auditing methodologies that can be utilised in the strategic planning, engagement planning, fieldwork, and reporting phases of internal audit.

The internal audit profession is evolving, accelerating the pace to provide real-time assurance. The George Municipality in partnership with the Provincial Treasury supports the continuous improvement of municipal internal audit activities and is therefore exploring the practicalities of applying agile auditing in small internal audit activities, as in the municipal environment.  With the roll out of the Agile Auditing project the municipality envisages an improved efficiency of the internal audit functions, real time assurance provided to all stakeholders, team effectiveness and an overall close interaction between internal audit functions and management.

Mr JP Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive) indicated that he is very excited about the pilot project, if implemented successfully, George will be one of the first local municipalities to implement an Agile Auditing approach. This is an innovative and forward-thinking auditing process, to ensure that the Internal Audit Department adds value and meet the expectations of its stakeholders.

Caption: JP Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive at George Municipality.

The George Municipality in partnership with National Treasury initiated the Thembalethu Node 1 Development Project to create a vibrant sustainable community node in Thembalethu, which can attract new investment into the area and stimulate downstream economic activity.

The ward councillor of Thembalethu and Ward Committee for Ward 13 branded the precinct as “Ilisolethu”, meaning “Our eye” and supported a possible brand logo for the area.  The nodal area lies along Nelson Mandela Boulevard and includes the area referred to as the Thembalethu Central Business District (CBD).  Several workshops with councillors, the ward committee, municipal departments, and key stakeholders were held to identify potential projects and receive feedback.

“The node will be an asset of which the entire community can be proud,” says the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk. “This will transform the neighbourhood and be a catalyst for future growth.”

The planning for “Ilisolethu” has reached a stage where detailed plans for project implementation are being prepared. These include:

• An investment plan which includes a selection of possible project- and investment partners;
• A development plan which will place the identified projects on-site in an integrated manner and includes an analysis of the required engineering and road infrastructure to support a pedestrian-friendly Nelson Mandela Boulevard and an integrated node; and
• An area management strategy which will set the scene to mobilize the positive participation of all the role-players and ensure that the node will be managed sustainably.

Mayor van Wyk says the George Municipality has secured funding from the National Treasury through the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme to initiate the technical investigation stage of the project. The objective is to facilitate inclusionary economic opportunities, create high-quality public spaces and link funders to catalytic projects which will benefit the lives of the residents of Thembalethu.

A service provider was appointed in September 2022 following a tender process. Since then, consultation, surveys and technical work have been conducted, which will result in plans and strategies for “Ilisolethu” to be presented to Council.

“We are greatly encouraged by the positive feedback we have received from community structures, and for the leadership of the Ward Councillor Simphiwe Toto and his Ward Committee,” says Ms Lauren Waring, Director for Human Settlements, Planning and Development in the George Municipality. “There is significant interest in the project and the feedback and further engagements will help us to refine the proposals for ‘Ilisolethu’.”

The first draft plans will be finalized by the end of March 2023, upon which further input will be invited.  This will take us closer to confirmation of the processes we must follow toward project implementation. The draft proposals, timeframes and cost will be presented to Council once the project elements have been defined. This project will enable the George Council to forge partnerships with state and private benefactors and activate an area management structure that will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the project plan.

“This is a ground-breaking initiative which will be a valuable community asset and benefit to the entire region,” says Ms Waring.

Iliso Lethu Before

Iliso Lethu After

ENDS.

The National Treasury, accompanied by the representatives from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme and Provincial Treasury visited the George Municipality on a two-day programme as part of the Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment for Municipalities.

The George Municipality in these engagements was represented by the Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, Portfolio Councillor for Financial and Strategic Services Dirk Wessels, Municipal Manager for George Dr Michele Gratz, the Chief Financial Officer Riaan du Plessis, the directors of the George Municipality, some senior managers, and managers.

“Twice a year we have engagements with the National Treasury that assess and review our finances. We are one of the privileged intermediate cities in the country that are a non-delegated Municipality, in other words, we report directly to the national Treasury,” said Mayor van Wyk. “Our engagements with them are always valuable as we can discuss our infrastructure needs, various financing needs and the biggest challenges we face, the load shedding and electricity. We, therefore, value these engagements enormously and it is then we have that opportunity to engage directly with them and bring the major challenges that we face as Municipalities to their attention.”

On Thursday, 16 March 2023, which was day one of the two days, the George Municipality presented the following to the delegation:

• Current Institutional Arrangements
• Municipal standard chart of accounts (mSCOA) implementation
• Financial performance for 2021/2022, 2022/2023 Mid-Year and the 2022/2023 Adjustments budget proposals
• Financial Governance and
• Performance as per the 2021/2022 annual report and the 2022/2023 Mid-Year performance assessment report.

On day 2, Friday, 17 March 2023, the delegation visited Infrastructure projects from the Municipality’s Electrotechnical Services Departments and Civil Engineering. One of the sites they visited, is the new 66/11 kV 40 MVA electrical substation which is currently under construction in Thembalethu. This substation is set to be amongst the largest of its kind in the Southern Cape, and a major bulk infrastructure milestone for the city of George. It will improve reliability and provide an adequate capacity of electrical supply to the area, alleviate the load on the substations that are currently supplying Thembalethu and will serve as an important catalyst for investment funding from both the state and business.

Another site the delegation visited was the 20 Ml/d extensions to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW). George Municipality received a Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant to the value of R1.107 billion from the National Treasury in the 2021/22 financial year. The BFI project with its various components has shown significant progress and expenditure to date in the 2022/23 financial year. George Municipality is actively working to keep our economy on the go – by ensuring adequate long-term planning and investment in our resources – that is water, sewerage, and electricity.

The National Treasury expressed its overall impression of their visit to George Municipality.  “We are here to conduct the Mid-Year visit with the Municipality. We are very impressed with the municipality’s handling of its finances. One of the good things that other Municipalities are struggling with is paying creditors, but George Municipality has consistently shown its ability to pay its creditors. The Municipality is on a sustainable path; one of the other things that the municipality is doing well is the appropriateness to cushion their communities and businesses through load shedding by fast-tracking the implementation of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) projects,” said Mandla Gilimani, director in the National Treasury who is responsible for George Municipality.

Gilimani also praised the Municipality for its well-maintained infrastructure. “Service delivery is clearly visible with well looked after roads network and cleanliness of the town. This will go a long way in attracting investments into the city.” The Auditor-General advised late last year that George Municipality achieved a clean audit for 2021/22, this, according to the Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz is “a testament to the hard work being put in by the administration to continuously improve service delivery whilst also maintaining the highest quality in our administrative processes”.

Ends.

CAPTION:

Sitting in front from left: Riaan du Plessis (Chief Financial Officer of George Municipality), Dr Michele Gratz (George Municipal Manager), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Councillor Dirk Wessels (Portfolio Councillor for Financial & Strategic Services from the George Municipality) and Mandla Gilimani (Director from National Treasury responsible for George Municipality)

At the back: Senior officials from Georg e Municipality, National Treasury, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme and Provincial Treasury.

Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk welcomes the National Treasury visit delegation

Day 1 of the 2-day National Treasury programme of Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment for George Municipality.

The delegation visited was the 20 Mld extensions to the New Water Treatment Works

The delegation visited the new 6611 kV 40 MVA electrical substation which is currently under construction in Thembalethu

It’s story time at George Libraries
George libraries are looking forward to celebrating library week from the 20th until the 26th of March 2023. The theme for this year is Libraries – telling powerful stories.

The art of storytelling is as old as humankind itself. Irrespective of the type of story, whether it is fiction, biographical, dramatic, poetic, oral or in writing, each one of us has a story to tell. These stories transfer knowledge and traditions, put the spotlight on unsung heroes, and uplift, educate and inspire people. Since the days gone by, libraries have been central in collecting, preserving, storing, promoting, and encouraging millions of people to become aware of and enjoy these stories with the aim to understand how other people think, operate and live.

The 4IR has shifted the landscape and how we tell these stories which have contributed to global knowledge, memory, and communication. Despite the challenges that libraries are facing, libraries have persevered and continue to add to the good stories that they tell. George Libraries are opening its doors for a week of fun and laughter, drama and entertainment, as we invite all our communities to enjoy Library Week with us. Our library staff understand the power and effect stories have and plays in the lives of people.

George Library has already made plans to visit and share powerful stories at the following venues:
Below is the itinerary for George Public Library:
• Carpe Diem school on the 22nd of March at 11:00 am- 12:00 pm
• On the 23rd of March, at George preparatory at 11:00
• and Friday the 24th of March at Olympia

Come join us for a poetry workshop on 21 March 2023 on World Poetry Day (time: 18h00 until 20h00)

More Library Week Activities – 20-26 March 2023
Blanco Library

20 March 2023
• Activity Children from Kretzenshoop primary read out of a selection of children’s storybooks.
• Golden oldies and the community are welcome for tea and refreshments

22 March 2023
Board games face painting by 6 – 10-year primary children

23 March 2023
• Golden oldies and the public will be invited to listen to an informative session on social issues in the community by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
• Story hour at Born to Win for Library Week.
24 March 2023
• Worldbuilding and Spelling competition by grade 5 students.

Conville Library
Visits Primary Schools to promote telling your own story competition.

Pacaltsdorp – Library week program
Mystery book competition during library week
• Covered Book paper a short review will be subtracted from the book and the patron will be asked to read the book and return it on 22/03/2023 to win library related prize.
• Math Olympiad recruiting of 9 students – 3 of each School in Pacaltsdorp
• All learners in grade 7- The programme will run over a 4-week period (orientation of program will be in library week.

Thembalethu Library
Library week from 20 – 23 March 2023

20 March 2023
• Launch
• Registration – Write your own story
• Save water Presentation – 11H00 – 13H00
22 March 2023
• Take the High schools to Robben Island (They will be visiting the library with their outreach program. /History of Thembalethu by Mr Castro Leholo

23 March 2023
• Services rendered by Library – for Crèche Teachers in Thembalethu

24 March 23
• Story hour -11H00 – 12H00
• Story reading competition 14H00 – 16H00
• Official opening of the Library of the Blind at Thembalethu Library

Ends.

Over the past week, I have been impressed by the important roles that many of our citizens play in their attempts to improve the lives of others.

I was invited to the closing ceremony of an inter-provincial bowls tournament that had been held in George with 200 competitors from across the country. I immediately noticed the buzz of excitement on my arrival which indicated a successful event had come to its conclusion. Elsewhere, motorbike riders and 100 Harley Davidsons were gathering at their venue for the weekend. In recent weeks we have welcomed golfers, old cars, swimmers and shortly there will be school sporting teams spending time in George.

The organisers of these events deserve praise for the planning and holding of these events. Much enterprise and effort goes into ensuring that these events take place as they showcase what George is all about. Each of these events attract “tourism rands” into economic activities across the local economy. Our tourists spend money on accommodation, transport, food, beverages, discretionary goods and services, that then results in employment and resultant benefits for our citizens. Let us hope that our municipal services and friendly hospitality also leaves a good impression on our visitors who will spread the word when they return home. We want to encourage all events and activities that will keep attracting tourists to George.

We thank our NSRI team, lifesavers and safety teams who constantly keep our visitors safe while swimming at our beaches. All accommodation establishments and hosts of tourists should gently remind our visitors to avoid rip currents along our beaches and to only swim within designated safe swimming areas. Follow this link for easily accessible information that can be printed for display https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/local-economic-development/tourism/safety-for-visitors/

We should also remember our municipal staff who play their role in making George attractive and liveable. A week ago we received adverse warnings for heavy rain. In anticipation, municipal teams went out to clear stormwater drains and areas where flooding could occur. Fortunately, the expected flooding did not materialise.

We often experience blocked sewer drains and lines that result in spillages, also into streams. Other than roots and vegetation that infiltrate these lines, blockages often occur because of citizens dumping towels, cloths, carpets and other objects into sewerage systems. We need our citizens to discourage others who cause this damage and to report incidents.

In many areas, we receive complaints about cable theft and vandalism that occurs during loadshedding under cover of darkness, with streetlights and infrastructure having been vandalised. Thank you to those citizens, including the neighbourhood watch teams who patrol our areas to help prevent crime, and who report these incidents. We thank the many citizens who assist and contribute to soup kitchens and homeless shelters thereby helping others who are less fortunate.

Celebrating the first 2000 Smart Ultrasonic Water Meters to be installed are from left Dhasi Naidoo, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer Ontec Systems; Charles Jackson, Senior Manager Operations Ontec Systems; Deon De Jager, Deputy Director Water and Sanitation, Civil Engineering Services;  Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk; Jacobus Lane, Assistant Supervisor Water Networks, Civil Engineering Services; Browen Johnson, Portfolio Councillor Civil Engineering Services; Pieter  Erasmus, Associate Specialist, Zutari,; Petrus van Heerden, Regional Manager Africa Kamstrup; Ithriam Leukes, Business Development Manager Ontec Systems; Sumeshin Naidoo, CEO Sigfox South Africa; Mark Wearing, Operations Coordinator Ontec Systems; Niel Van Der Westhuizen, Civil Technologist, Zutari and Riaan van Jaarsveld, Business Development Manager Ontec Systems.

Striving towards the goal of becoming a Smart City the George Municipality has embarked on an initiative to drastically improve customer service delivery and revenue collection while reducing the overall revenue and non-revenue associated with water losses. New smart ultrasonic water meters will be installed throughout George over a period of three to four years.

The first 2000 meters are expected to be installed by early April this year and the initial areas include Blanco, Heather park, Dormehlsdrift and George South. Approximately 10 000 meters will be installed initially with an engineering consultant firm (Zutari) appointed to assist with the process and certify each smart water meter following installation.

Council agreed on a strategy to address ageing infrastructure and this included addressing water leaks and meter readings. The tender for the project was awarded to Ontec Systems  and will allow for the new, Kamstrup ultrasonic SMART water meters to be installed by replacing the existing meter, and at the same time provides an opportunity for various issues to be addressed by  plumbing teams as they do the installations. Homeowners will be contacted by the installation teams should there be any issues regarding access to the existing meter in terms of its location.

The SMART meters are not pre-paid water meters and will not disconnect consumer’s water supply. Actual live consumption data is sent via a radio signal to the service provider Sigfox South Africa and the municipality can access the Ontec Pyxis Platform webpage with the live data per meter. Chief Strategy Officer for Ontec, Dhasi Naidoo says “these SMART water meters enable a multitude of benefits for both George Municipality and it’s citizens by automating its meter reading and billing cycle, providing daily consumption monitoring, trend analysis, leak and burst alarm notifications for consumers to better control and manage their water consumption. It will also enable George Municipality with additional operational capabilities for faster reaction to water losses and holistic water usage management.” The technology enables the municipality to construct a complete overview of water production, distributed and consumed to accurately identify and remedy leakages to limit water losses.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk applauded the use of new technology to simplify municipal processes at a meet and greet yesterday, 14 March 2023, with the full team of service providers linked to this ambitious project. “We are banking on this new meter to simplify the process of meter reading and to increase accuracy. Considering water is our most precious and scarce resource, these Smart Water meters can add immense value in terms of water theft and abuse management through early IT notifications and alerts, and with no moving parts have an expected 15-year constant accuracy lifespan. George continues to lead by example with this project and it is one more step towards achieving the goal of George being a Smart City.”

Challenges experienced by the George Municipality in the past with the original meters include unreliable billing data, infrequent and inconsistent account invoices and delivery, extended collection cycles and debit accumulation, inaccurate reporting of household’s consumption, vandalism, no access, excessive leaking and wastages, and the reporting process for faulty water meters and account queries will become a thing of the past.

As a resident you benefit from this technology as well – you can receive daily water meter readings of your actual household water consumption directly on your cellphone giving you the ability to monitor and control your households water consumption. The early leak alarm warning saves on water waste and the accompanying financial penalties as you can set your usage threshold on a daily and monthly basis to prevent any billing surprises. The near real-time consumption allows you to understand exactly where and when you are using water.

As the resident you will receive high usage warnings via SMS and Email enabling you to act immediately. Residents will have access to the My George Home Page http://george.ontec.co.za track their own daily water consumption, respond to leakage alerts and manage multiple meters in one space.