Notices

Due to sustained generation capacity improvement and adequate emergency reserves, loadshedding will be reduced to Stage 2 at 07:00 today until 16:00. Thereafter, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented, as previously communicated from 16:00 today until 16:00 on Thursday. Eskom will continue monitoring the power system closely and will communicate should any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 12/12/2023
10:00 – 12:30

Wednesday 13/12/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 14/12/2023
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 12/12/2023
13:00 – 15:30

Wednesday 13/12/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 14/12/2023
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

ROTATIONAL SWITCH ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – reduce power to avoid network tripping

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly after power returns. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding.

Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

Please take note that both the Blanco Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) and the Hibernia MVR, the Drivers Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), and the Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) will be closing at 14:00 on Wednesday 13 December 2023 due to operational requirements.

All services will resume their operations as usual on Thursday 14 December 2023 @07H45

For further enquiries, please contact the Blanco Bulk Office and Drive-through Vehicle Licencing @ 044 801 9310/9311 or the Vehicle Licencing and Vehicle Testing Station@ 044 801 9310

As a result of improved available generation capacity, Stage 3 loadshedding will continue to be implemented daily until 16:00 on Thursday.

George will be affected as follows:

Monday 11/12/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 12/12/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30

Wednesday 13/12/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 14/12/2023
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Monday 11/12/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 12/12/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30

Wednesday 13/12/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 14/12/2023
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

ROTATIONAL SWITCH ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – reduce power to avoid network tripping

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly after power returns. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding.

Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

CAPTION: Workers who work later hours during December welcome the delayed trips at the end of their work day.

All GO GEORGE services will continue throughout the holidays, with special provisions for shoppers and employees at the Garden Route Mall and Eden Meander shopping centers where extended business hours will be implemented.
Later buses to accommodate longer business hours

On weekdays, the following changes will apply from 15 to 31 Dec 2023:
Departing from the Garden Route Mall:
Route 12 to Pacaltsdorp: 19:00 trip to depart 19:20; 19:30 trip to depart 19:40
Route 16 to Parkdene: 19:08 trip to depart 19:20; 19:33 trip to depart 19:40
Route 53 via Rosemoor to CBD: 19:00 trip to depart 19:20
Route 7 to CBD: 19:10 trip to depart 19:21; 19:40 trip to depart 19:51

Departing from the CBD:
Route 2 to Blanco: 19:30 trip to depart 19:40
Public holidays
Buses will be running according to the Saturday schedule on 15, 16 and 26 December and 1 January. The Sunday schedule will be followed on Christmas Day, 25 December.
Anyone needing assistance with trip planning can phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 – the agents take calls from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week, throughout the holiday season as well.

*****************************************************

GO GEORGE-ure en -skedules gedurende vakansieseisoen

Alle GO GEORGE-dienste sal regdeur die vakansie voortgaan, met spesiale voorsiening vir kliënte en werknemers by die Garden Route Mall en Eden Meander-winkelsentrums waar verlengde besigheidsure geïmplementeer sal word.

Later busse vir langer besigheidsure
Op weeksdae, van 15 tot 31 Desember 2023, sal die volgende veranderings geld:

Vertrekpunt by Garden Route Mall:
Roete 12 na Pacaltsdorp: 19:00 rit vertrek 19:20; 19:30 rit vertrek 19:40
Roete 16 na Parkdene: 19:08 rit vertrek 19:20; 19:33 rit vertrek 19:40
Roete 53 via Rosemoor na middedorp: 19:00 rit vertrek 19:20
Roete 7 na middedorp: 19:10 rit vertrek 19:21; 19:40 rit vertrek 19:51

Vertrek uit middedorp:
Roete 2 na Blanco: 19:30 rit vertrek 19:40

Openbare vakansiedae
Busse sal op 15, 16 en 26 Desember and 1 Januarie.die Saterdagskedule volg terwyl die Sondagskedule op Kersdag, 25 Desember sal geld.

Enigiemand wat hulp benodig met ritbeplanning is welkom om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel – die agente neem oproepe van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week, regdeur die vakansieseisoen.

ONDERSKRIF: Werkers wat later ure werk gedurende Desember verwelkom die later busritte aan die einde van hul werksdag.

Due to improved generation capacity availability and adequate emergency reserves, loadshedding will continue to be suspended until 05:00 on Monday. From Monday to Thursday, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 and Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00. This is due to the normal expected increase in demand of electricity during the week and an increase in planned maintenance. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:

Sunday 10/12/2023
none

Monday 11/12/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 12/12/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Wednesday 13/12/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 14/12/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Sunday 10/12/2023
None

Monday 11/12/2023
05:00 – 07:30
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 12/12/2023
05:00 – 07:30
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Wednesday 13/12/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 14/12/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

ROTATIONAL SWITCH ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – reduce power to avoid network tripping

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly after power returns. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding.

Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

George Municipality and NSRI were put on high alert last night, Thursday 7 December when a marine parachute flare was set off in Wilderness around 20h25. Resources were mobilized at great cost to check entry points for boats and kayaks, local skiboat clubs were contacted and volunteers were activated. Viewing photographs taken it was established that the flare was illegally set off from land and then floated over the sea.

Fire Chief for George, Neels Barnard stressed today how dangerous and irresponsible it is to set off marine rocket flares for fun. The NSRI is compelled to log and investigate each and every incident in case it is a real emergency which of course takes up their time and valuable resources and, most seriously, could detract from genuine flare sightings. It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, which, as they are quite costly, we suspect are also probably out of date. Marine guidance notes explain that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly. Rocket flares degrade with time and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute and you are left with an uncontrolled flare which then comes back down and hits the person who has fired it off.

This incident is viewed in a serious light and is regarded as a prosecutable offence in terms of Chapter 10 of the Bylaw relating to Community Fire Safety. The public is requested to notify our Disaster Services Centre on 044 801 6300 they have any information around the incident of last night.

George Municipality will continue to firmly enforce the applicable by-laws and our Law Enforcement officials are deployed at various areas and beaches throughout the season to attend to similar complaints.

Please report the illegal setting off of fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.
Please report the illegal trade in fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.

FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311
TOLL FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999

👏Third in Western Cape and top for local, own-managed municipality!
👌Congratulations to GEORGE MUNICIPAL Water and Sanitation division, Civil Engineering Services for a 12% increase in their Blue Drop Score!

Announced at National Waste & Wastewater Awards Ceremony held in Gauteng this week  – awards were handed out for 2023 Blue Drop, Green Drop Progress and No Drop

💧2023 Blue Drop Score 95.1% awarded to George Water Works (2014 82.8%)
💧2023 Blue Drop Score AVERAGE 94.95% awarded to George, Wilderness, Uniondale and Haarlem Water Treatment Works
💧Outstanding No Drop Performance (1 of 8 local municipalities)
💧Score of 84% for Total System Analysis (TSA) for George New Water Treatment Works
💧 All 4 systems (100%) in low risk positions (George  – Old and New Water Treatment Works, Wilderness Ebb and Flow Water Treatment Works, Uniondale Water Treatment
Works and Haarlem Water Treatment Works)

Congratulations to Overstrand Local Municipality and City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality!

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 FESTIVE SEASON

15 December 2023 – Collection as per normal schedule

25 December 2023 –  NO HOUSEHOLD REFUSE WILL BE COLLECTED. The refuse will only be collected on Wednesday, 27 December 2023.

26 December 2023 – Collection as per normal schedule

27 December 2023 – Collection as per normal schedule as well as collection of refuse for 25 December 2023.

28 December 2023 – Collection as per normal schedule

29 December 2023 – Collection as per normal schedule

1 January 2024 – NO HOUSEHOLD REFUSE WILL BE COLLECTED. The refuse will only be collected on Wednesday, 3 January 2024.

ALL BUSINESS REFUSE WILL BE COLLECTED ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS, INCLUDING CHRISTMAS (25/12) AND NEW YEAR’S DAY1/01).

BLUE bags are for non-soiled recyclable materials, including plastic, paper, cardboard, glass etc.

GREEN bags are for green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves etc. No soil is allowed in green bags.

BLACK bags are for ‘wet’ waste, things that cannot be recycled.

All refuse bags must be put out by 7am on removal day.

Please don’t put bags out the day or night before removal.

Please wrap broken glass in newspaper before placing in bags to prevent injuries to workers.

A pack of 26 black bags are distributed to households quarterly.

Black bags are removed by George Municipality trucks and green and blue bags are removed by service provider Henque Waste trucks, all on the same day.

Participating households will receive a maximum of two blue and two green replacement bags per week.

Households or businesses that are actively recycling and require additional blue bags, can collect from the municipality Environmental Services department or Henque Waste at the addresses listed below.

Households that regularly generate more than four green bags per week are advised to make use of a private garden or waste removal service.

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

Black bag-related enquiries: 044 802 2900

Blue/Clear and green bag enquiries:
PLEASE NOTE THE SERVICE PROVIDER MIGHT SOMETIMES HAND OUT CLEAR BAGS IF THEY DON’T HAVE BLUE BAGS IN STOCK. THE CLEAR BAG ARE ONLY FOR RECYCLYING PURPOSES.
Contact Person Name: Douw Bezuidenhout
Contact Number Office: 064 905 8180 (also WhatsApp)
Complaints Number: 072 592 6212
General Contact Email Address: admin@henquewaste.co.za
Complaints Contact Email Address: douw@henquewaste.co.za
Factory Address: 27 Rand St, George Industria, George, 6536
Website Address: www.henquewaste.co.za

MUNICIPAL REFUSE SITE
Building rubble, garden waste and other stuff not suitable for bags, can be dropped off at the George Municipality refuse site on the R102 (airport road).
Open Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm
Saturday 7am-5pm
All public holidays, except 25 December, from 7am-2pm.

Residents must please take note that the George Municipal offices will close early at 12h00 on Friday the 22 December and Friday 29 December 2023.
The George Municipality will close for the full day on the Public Holidays – 15, 25, 26 December 2023 and 1 January 2024.

All Emergency personnel and other essential services will be on standby during the half and public holidays and the Municipality will be operational during the festive season on all other working days.

Municipal Switchboard 044 801 9111
Toll-Free George Disaster Centre Number: 087 152 9999
Fire Emergencies: 044 801 6311

All after-hours George Municipality (including Uniondale and Haarlem) are as follows:
After-Hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300

General public email for all matters: gmun@george.gov.za
Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours).

Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments:
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT )
Bank Details for electronic payment
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 (please enter your account number without the GRG in front and without any spaces in between)
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

Unipay
View and pay accounts by clicking on the Unipay link www.unipay.co.za or by scanning the QR code on their account.

Pay Your Account via Website
George Municipality has installed a Pay Your Account button on the municipal website – pay your account with one click! https://tinyurl.com/2p8t83ax
Go to our website on www.george.gov.za

My Smart City App
Ratepayers can register, view and pay their accounts on the MY SMART CITY George Municipal App. Download the NEW My Smart City – George APP via the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store or via the My Smart City website www.mysmart.city or Scan the QR Code which can also be found on your current municipal statement! Should you have any issues with registering please contact support@mysmart.city

Pay at the following retail outlets.
• Pick and Pay, Woolworths, BOXER, GAME, SPAR and PEP.
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.
If you do not have a printed account, ensure that you have the 20-digit number written down to provide the teller with.
• Ratepayers in Uniondale can get hard copies of their accounts and pay at the Uniondale Post Office, Pep Stores and Uniondale Municipal Office, 39 Voortrekker Steet. To register you can email accounts@george.gov.za
or phone 044 752 1024 for more information.
• Haarlem ratepayers can get hard copies and pay their accounts at the Haarlem Municipal Office, 99 Berg Street, to register you can email accounts@george.gov.za or phone 044 763 1013.

Meter readings
Residents who have not had a SMART Water Meter installed yet will have their meter read every month, or can submit a reading via email or via the My Smart City – George App.
Submit your meter reading by email to meterreadings@george.gov.za
Include the accountholder’s name, contact details and George Municipal account number, date of reading and attach photo of meter. 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.
Enquiries: accounts@george.gov.za

Prepaid electricity purchases
Purchase via your online banking
or via George Municipal Website https://george.ontec.co.za/index.html
Or accredited service providers www.prepaid24.co.za or https://home.ontec.co.za or www.ipay.co.za
Pre-paid electricity queries to Ontec: 044 873 5474

If your pre-paid meter is broken, please report to 044 801 9222 or 044 803 9222 during office hours.
Emergency credit control queries: (063 699 5998)