George Municipality continues storm clean-up across municipal area
George Municipality continues with an extensive clean-up operation following severe storm winds and rainfall in May, that caused widespread damage across the municipal area. Since the disaster, municipal teams have focused on emergency response measures, including reopening roads, restoring access to communities, removing hazardous trees and protecting critical infrastructure. While substantial progress has been made, the scale of the damage means that clean-up operations will continue for the next two to three months, subject to weather conditions and the availability of specialised equipment.
The storms resulted in the loss of an estimated 1 000 trees across the greater George area, including George, Wilderness, Hoekwil, Kleinkrantz, Uniondale, Haarlem and surrounding communities. In addition, municipal infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, parks and public open spaces sustained damage worth millions of rands. To date our municipal teams have removed approximately 2 230 tonnes of storm debris, with an estimated 3 000 tonnes still to be cleared from public spaces. Parks and Recreation officials, supported by other municipal departments and contractors, have been working daily, including weekends, to restore affected areas and improve public safety.
Residents are reminded that the removal of large trees is a specialised and time-consuming process. Depending on the size, location and associated risks, a single tree can take up to two full working days to remove safely, particularly where cranes, chainsaw teams, traffic management or other specialised equipment are required. Work is therefore prioritised according to public safety risks and operational needs.
The Municipality requests residents not to repeatedly report the same fallen trees or storm debris for removal. All incidents reported to the Municipality are logged and allocated for action. Duplicate reports place unnecessary pressure on municipal systems and may slow down the overall response.
Public access to municipal woodchippers has largely concluded as these resources are now fully required for the municipal clean-up operation. Residents are also urged not to dump garden refuse or storm debris in areas that have already been cleared, as this creates additional challenges.
George Municipality is aware of natural debris that has accumulated on some beaches following the storms. Residents are reminded that coastal debris forms part of sensitive ecosystems and its removal is regulated by environmental legislation. Conditions will continue to be monitored and, where legally permissible and necessary, appropriate interventions will be undertaken, particularly ahead of the festive season.
George Municipality also encourages residents to follow approved tree-planting guidelines when planting on municipal property. Several trees planted in road reserves and sidewalks have over time caused damage to municipal infrastructure and, during the recent storms, some posed significant safety risks. Residents are encouraged to consult the Municipality before planting trees on municipal property and phone 044 8022900. A list of tree species recommended for the George, Uniondale and Haarlem: https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/gm-recommended-tree-list-for-george-uniondale-and-haarlem/
George Municipality thanks residents for their continued patience, understanding and cooperation during this recovery period. Municipal teams remain committed to restoring public spaces and infrastructure as quickly and safely as possible following one of the most significant storm events experienced in recent years.
Photos: Photographs of our cleaning crews from Community Services hard at work cleaning, chopping, clearing debris, trees and branches after the recent storms. Other departments in the George Municipality and contractors also assisted in the clearing work.
