Notices

The George Municipality would like to urge private landowners to act and clear Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as Pampas grass which is invading the George Area again.
George Municipality is currently clearing the Pampas grass on Municipal property in line with its Alien Vegetation Management Plan.

The Pampas grass has become prolific around the industrial areas, along the highways, local dams, and factory areas. For the past month, Pampas grass has been cleared along CJ Langenhoven Road, portions of the Garden Route Dam, Madiba Road, Municipal properties in the industrial area, Dellville Park along the N2 and municipal erfs along Beach Road, Pacaltsdorp.

George Municipality applauds residents who were given the notice to remove pampas on their private property and have cooperated well in their actions. The Municipality wants to thank these residents for the positive response.

Pampas grass seeds can be dispersed by wind and human activities. It can germinate quickly after flowering causing them to spread rapidly. George Municipality has requested the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment to give notices and directives to private properties that do not clear their pampas grass. It would be advisable to get rid of the grass in its early growth stage before it flowers and produces seeds that can be easily dispersed by wind. The methods that can be used to remove pampas grass include digging, burning, and using herbicides.

The process of eradicating pampas grass is not a one-size-fits-all, but it is important to note that the most effective way to remove pampas grass is to use both the physical and chemical methods simultaneously. Private landowners can contact the George Municipality Parks and Recreation Department for details on registered and approved herbicides for the control of Pampas grass.

Enquiries
Parks and Recreation, Directorate Community Services
82 Meade Street, George
044 802 2900
parks@george.gov.za (all complaints via this address)

A repair work of a pipe failure that occurred in Blanco on 17 April 2024 is ongoing.

The estimated time of repair is 4-6 hours since about 08:50 this morning. Meanwhile, the George municipality is supplying potable water to areas that are experiencing water outages. Water tankers are available in the following areas:

• For Farms it is stationed at Maitland Street
• Corner of George Road and Montagu Street
• Garage in Montagu Street
• Large tanker at Maitland Street

Residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands may experience low pressure. Should any resident not have water, please contact 044 801 6266.

Residents are urged to reduce water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry and maintain network pressure so water can reach all areas.

A power outage affecting Crystal Street, Golden Valley, Robyn Crescent, and Marara Crescent has been reported to George Municipality. Repair teams are currently on-site busy with the repair work.

Repair efforts have been delayed due to the involvement of a civil contractor required for road crossing assistance before the repair work can proceed. The fault lies within the road reserve, necessitating the installation of sleeves and rerouting of the cable away from stormwater infrastructure.

Given the complexity of the situation, which involves multiple utility crossings including Fibre, Stormwater, sewerage, and electricity, the repair process is expected to be lengthy.

The municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and assures residents that efforts are underway to resolve the issue promptly. Further updates will be provided as the situation progresses.

Following a 450mm pipe failure in Blanco on 17 April a permanent repair is underway. The estimated time of repair is 4-6 hours. George municipality is aware of areas that are experiencing water outages and tankers are stationed on Maitland Street robots and George Road. An additional tanker will roam as required.

Residents in Blanco, Heather Park and Heatherlands may experience low pressure. Should any resident not have water, please contact 044 801 6266.

Residents are urged to reduce water consumption as much as possible to avoid reservoirs running dry and maintain network pressure so water can reach all areas.

Households may put out SEVEN BLACK, FOUR GREEN and an UNLIMITED number of BLUE bags on their weekly collection day.
Additional tied bundles of branches are allowed if they are shorter than a metre in length and can be picked up by one person.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF HOUSEHOLD REFUSE REMOVAL SCHEDULE OVER THE UPCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1 May 2024 (Worker’s Day) – Collection as per normal schedule
29 May 2024 (General Elections) – Collection as per normal schedule

ALL BUSINESS REFUSE WILL BE COLLECTED ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS.

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REFUSE REMOVAL DAYS

MONDAY: Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Rondevlei area (George side)

TUESDAY: Levallia, Rosemoor, Conville, Protea Park, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borchards, Lawaaikamp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Constantia Kloof, Kleinkrantz

WEDNESDAY: Camphersdrift, Fernridge, Denneoord, Bo-Dorp, Blommekloof, Tweerivieren, Hoogekraal, Hoekwil, Touwsranten farm areas

THURSDAY: Wilderness Heights, Dormehlsdrift, George South, Le Grand, Bos en Dal, Groeneweidepark, Sinksabrug, Herold, Geelhoutboom, Eselsjacht, Hansmoeskraal, Jonkershoek, Rooirivierrif, Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten village

FRIDAY: Glenwood, Loerie Park, Eden George, Genevafontein, Denver Park, Bergsig, Eastern Extension

BUSINESSES: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

CONTACT
George Municipality Environmental Services
82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

George Municipality currently has less than 1000 municipal prepaid meters to update. The STS system uses a very high security algorithm which needs to be updated nationwide before November 2024 in order for the meters to correctly function.

If your meter is not updated before this deadline, you will not be able to recharge your prepaid meter with the new tokens and will not have power (once your units run out).

ESKOM PREPAID METERS
Customers with ESKOM provided prepaid meters must take note that their prepaid meters can only be updated by ESKOM’s vending system.

Areas that will most likely have ESKOM Prepaid Meters include Geelhoutboom, Outenikwa Stasie, Hoekwil, Bergplaas, Blanco, Touwsranten, Haarlem and other rural areas around George.

ESKOM has indicated that they will start with updating in the George Area in early May 2024. Please keep a lookout on Eskom social media channels and/or for SMS.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR MUNICIPAL PREPAID METER HAS BEEN UPDATED
1. If you have been visited by one of our teams, a pink sticker will be displayed on your meter.

2. If you followed the KEYCHANGE Token process you are aware your meter has been updated.

3. If you remain unsure, please contact Ontec for verification that your meter has been updated on 044 873 5474.

Verification or Queries for Municipal Prepaid Meters Only

Customers may phone the George Municipality on 044 801 9222 or Ontec on 044 873 5474 for verification, for response to queries OR to request that their software be addressed.

Please note that all municipal and/or Ontec officials carry identification cards with a photograph and their ID number as well as a copy of a verification letter explaining the purpose of their visit

George Municipality has been made aware of a housing subsidy scam in which a member of the public is contacted by WhatsAPP, alledgedly by the George Municipality with a notice which confirms that they have been approved for a housing opportunity. When making contact with the individuals listed on the fraudulent notice they are requested to pay a sum of money / deposit before collecting keys to the house at the George Municipality.

George Municipality will firstly not communicate via WhatsAPP for confirmation of a housing opportunity and will NOT request payment from any person on the Housing Database in order for the process to conclude. The notice is fraudulent and any person receiving such a notice is requested to inform the municipal Housing Department on 044 802 2033. A criminal charge can be laid at your nearest SAPS office.

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DRINGENDE PUBLIEKE KENNISGEWING: Pasop Behuisingsubsidie-bedrogspul

George-munisipaliteit is bewus gemaak van ‘n bedrogspul met behuisingsubsidie waarin ‘n lid van die publiek deur WhatsAPP gekontak word, na bewering deur die George-munisipaliteit met ‘n kennisgewing wat bevestig dat hulle goedgekeur is vir ‘n behuisingsgeleentheid. Wanneer kontak gemaak word met die individue wat op die bedrieglike kennisgewing gelys word, word hulle versoek om ‘n bedrag geld/deposito te betaal voordat die sleutels van die huis by die George Munisipaliteit afgehaal kan word.

George Munisipaliteit sal eerstens nie via WhatsAPP kommunikeer vir bevestiging van ‘n behuisingsgeleentheid nie en sal NIE betaling van enige persoon op die Behuisingsdatabasis versoek om die proses af te handel nie. Die kennisgewing is bedrieglik en enige persoon wat so ‘n kennisgewing ontvang, word versoek om die munisipale Behuisingsdepartement in kennis te stel by 044 802 2033. ‘n Kriminele klag kan by jou naaste SAPD-kantoor gelê word.

School learners and young adults are invited to a Career Expo at George Library that is being held tomorrow, Tuesday 23 April 2024 and runs from 11:00 to 14H00.

According to Malibongwe Luyenge, Senior Librarian at George Municipality, this event aims to provide valuable information and insights to students about various career paths and opportunities available to them.

The programme for the day is as follows:

10:30 – 11:00 Set up stalls and preparation

11:30 – 11:37 Presentation by Forensic Pathology Services

Presenters: Mzoxolo Panduva and Kenwyn Barnardo

11:37 – 11:44 Presentation by George Police Service (SAPD)

11:44 – 11:53 Presentation by ER 24

11:53 – 12:00 Presentation by Africa Skills

12:00 – 12:07 Presentation by Francois Ferreira Academy

12:07 – 12:14 Presentation by South Cape College

12:14 – 12:21 Presentation by Nelson Mandela University

12:21 – 12:28 Presentation by Fire Department

12:28 – 12:35 Presentation by Shirlock Dixon (Jewellery Maker / Mechanic / Panel beater and Spraypainter)

12:35 – 12:42 Presentation by Fabian Campher (Barber / Tattoo Artist / Body Builder)

12:42 – 12:49 Presentation by Nip and Cut (Hair Dresser and Nail Technician)

12:56 – 13:03 Presentation by Toyota (Peter)

13:03 – 13:10 Students visit stalls of their choice

13:10-13:17 Sonja Smith Elite Funeral Group

Students will have the opportunity to visit the stalls after the presentations to learn more about each organisation and career path. Some of the schools that confirmed attendance are Parkdene High School, House Outeniqua, Country House, George High School and Heatherlands High School. Luyenge said they are excited to have such a diverse range of participants and schools at the event, and we hope it will be a valuable and enriching experience for all involved. He thanked all stakeholders for supporting the career development of students.

Any schools that are still interested in attending the event can phone Luyenge on 044 801 9199/9288 or email mluyenge@george.gov.za or rwilliams@george.gov.za

The public is advised that the Traffic Department, Pacaltsdorp, the Motor Vehicle Licencing (MVR) and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) at Hibernia Street, as well as the Drive Through facility in Blanco, are currently offline due to a national ENATIS problem.

No transactions can be processed at this time. The Department of Transport is working on the problem.

Repairs have been completed on the valve failure. Blanco reservoirs are busy filling up and thereafter the water network will take time to refill.

Please note Blanco will continue to experience low water pressure until the system rebalances.

Water tankers will remain in place until 20:00 tonight.