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Author: Chantel Edwards

Training for GO GEORGE bus drivers on Thembalethu routes

In preparation for the roll-out of the GO GEORGE bus service to Thembalethu, bus drivers will do route training in the area on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 October, and again from Monday to Wednesday next week (23 to 25 October).
Prospective passengers must note that these are only training trips on some routes in preparation for the big day and that buses will not be boarding passengers.

Roll-out in stages
It was announced earlier that the Thembalethu service will be rolled out in three stages. Considering the current traffic congestion on the N2 bridge and Nelson Mandela Boulevard due to roadworks, a more staggered approach will be followed, with a gradual phase-in of more routes as part of a controlled roll-out plan.

The latest plan is to start with one route between Thembalethu and Blanco (R18A) during stage one. The exact roll-out date will be announced soon.

Thembalethu routes
Once the full service to Thembalethu has been rolled out, 10 main routes will transport passengers from Thembalethu to other areas in town and five community routes will crisscross inside Thembalethu, making it easy to travel within the area or to join one of the main routes.

For any enquiries, please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or follow the GO GEORGE Facebook page to stay updated with developments.

 

GO GEORGE bus drivers will start training on certain routes in Thembalethu this week, commencing with Route 18A (Thembalethu – Blanco).

UPDATE ON BULK WATER SUPPLY PIPELINE FAILURE, 9 October @ 09h45

Excavation on the 500mm Caledon bulk water supply pipeline has resumed this morning although the saturated soil continues to be problematic. No ETR can be given on the repairs at this time.

Another pipeline in Botanical Gardens also failed this morning resulting in loss of water in the Bo-Dorp and George Central. Work has begun on the pipe and ETR is 5 hours.

A water tanker will roam in the affected areas.

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY

PUBLIC NOTICE: Closure of Transfer Station and status of Gwaing Landfill Site

The public is advised that the Transfer Station remains closed until further notice following a fire last week.

The Gwaing Landfill Site will be open subject to the condition of the access road which goes up to the landfill area.

REFUSE COLLECTION
Black Bags will be collected, but there may be delays.
Blue Bags will be collected.
Green Bags (garden refuse) collection is suspended until Tuesday 10 October and will resume on Wednesday 11 October.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

UPDATE ON CALEDON BULK WATER SUPPLY PIPELINE FAILURE, 8 October

 

Excavation on the 500mm Caledon bulk water supply pipeline has proved extremely difficult due to saturated soil from 2 days of rain and overflow from nearby stream. Heavy machinery approaching site may damage pipe further due to the soft soil. Repairs will continue on Monday once water drains from soil.

We have no reports of areas without water, only a few with low water pressure. Any residents who have NO water must please report to our After Hours Number 044 801 6300 with your address.

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY
issued George Municipality

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE, Sunday , 08 October 2023

Owing to improved generation performance, loadshedding will remain suspended until 16:00 on Monday. Thereafter, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 on Tuesday. Loadshedding will then be suspended from 05:00 until 16:00 on Tuesday.

This pattern of suspending loadshedding from 05:00 until 16:00 and implementing Stage 2 loadshedding from 16:00 until 05:00, will be repeated daily until further notice. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:
Sunday 08/10/2023
None

Monday 09/10/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 10/10/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Wednesday 11/10/2023
02:00 – 04:30

Thursday 12/10/2023
02:00 – 04:30

Friday 13/10/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Sunday 08/10/2023
None

Monday 09/10/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 10/10/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Wednesday 11/10/2023
None

Thursday 12/10/2023
None

Friday 13/10/2023
19:00 – 21:30

 

UPDATE ON WATER OUTAGE – Denneoord Pipe Burst, 7 October @ 20h00

 

A burst on a 110mm distribution pipeline has caused damage to the 300 mm bulk pipeline. Municipal teams have been on site most of the day trying to isolate the 300mm before work proceeds on the 110mm. Wet weather conditions have hampered the excavations.

Affected streets include: Dennegeur Avenue, 6th Avenue, 7th Avenue, Steinbok Street, Dassie Street, 9th Avenue

Complications with the repair have extended repair time by a further 5-6 hours.

Water tanker will continue to roam in the affected area.
We apologize for the inconvenience.

Issued George Municipality

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE, Friday, 06 October 2023, 15h15

In order to allow further replenishment of the pumped storage dams, Stage 2 loadshedding will continue until 05:00 on Saturday morning. Thereafter, Stage 1 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 05:00 on Sunday. On Sunday, loadshedding will be suspended from 05:00 until 16:00. Stage 1 loadshedding will then resume from 16:00 until 05:00 on Monday. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur. An update on the week ahead will be shared on Sunday.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 06/10/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
04:00 – 06:30

Sunday 08/10/2023
None

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 06/10/2023
23:00 – 01:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
07:00 – 09:30

Sunday 08/10/2023
16:00 – 17:30

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

 

As a result of the loss of four generation units and the need to replenish reserves in preparation for the week ahead, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Friday until further notice. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 06/10/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
04:00 – 06:30

Sunday 08/10/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 06/10/2023
23:00 – 01:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
07:00 – 09:30

Sunday 08/10/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30

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/

 

URGENT PUBLIC NOTICE: Closure of Gwaing Landfill Site and Transfer Station

The public is advised that the Gwaing Landfill Site and Transfer Station are closed until further notice following a fire late yesterday afternoon.

Black Bag Collection will be DELAYED for today, Friday 6 October.
Blue Bags will be collected.
Green Bags will NOT be collected until further notice.

Updates will be provided. We apologize for the inconvenience.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Emergency Municipal Loadshedding Relief Grant September 2023 Update

The Western Cape Provincial government has authorized a sum total of R88.185 million rand from the Provincial Unforeseen and Unavoidable Reserve Fund to assist municipalities with the unforeseen and immediate impact of prolonged load-shedding on water and wastewater services.

In terms of this allocated Funding, George Municipality has received the sum of R14 220 000 (VAT included) as a contribution toward the purchase and installation of back-up energy supply. This back-up supply can include generators, renewable power sources, batteries and all ancillary costs associated with the installation thereof for example,  switch gear, safe keeping, caging etc. for water and wastewater infrastructure.

This grant funding will assist the George Municipality in ensuring a healthy environment and to continue with the provision of basic services to our citizens and businesses during the current load-shedding.

The municipality is in process of purchasing emergency diesel generators that will be placed strategically as follows:

Water Treatment Works
Haarlem WTW  (+_ 150kVA diesel generator)
Uniondale WTW (+- 200kVA diesel generator)

Waste Water Treatment Works
Uniondale WWTW (+_ 200 kVA diesel generator)
Kleinkrantz WWTW (+_ 300 kVA diesel generator)
Outeniqua WWTW (+_ 1000 kVA diesel generator)

Progress to Date:
The generator for the Haarlem Water Treatment facility was successfully delivered, installed, tested and commissioned at the end of September 2023.  The generators for Uniondale Water and Wastewater treatment facilities and Kleinkrantz Wastewater Treatment facility were delivered successfully at the end of September 2023.  The installations, testing and commissioning are scheduled for October/November 2023. Due to the size of the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment facility`s backup generator a separate procurement process had to be followed and is near completion.  In summary, the overall project progress is as follow:

Procurement Phase:  
Appointment of Consultant ( Complete ) – 100%
Appointment of Contractor: Haarlem WTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Uniondale WTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Uniondale WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%
Kleinkrantz WWTW ( Complete ) – 100%Outeniqua WWTW ( In Progress ) – 90%

Construction Phase:  
Haarlem WTW ( ± 150 kVA diesel generator ) – 100%
Uniondale WTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 70%
Uniondale WWTW ( ± 200 kVA diesel generator ) – 70%
Kleinkrantz WWTW ( ± 300 kVA diesel generator ) – 70%
Outeniqua WWTW ( ± 1 000 kVA + 650 kVA diesel generator ) – 0%

The total project expenditure to date (as at end of September 2023) is approximately 37.6% of the current funding allocation.

Link to further information on how George Municipality is trying to mitigate the impact of load-shedding for George. https://www.george.gov.za/what-is-george-municipality-doing-to-alleviate-eskom-loadshedding-and-other-renewable-energy-projects/

URGENT PUBLIC NOTICE: DISCOLOURED WATER, 3 October @ 20h15

The George Municipality is currently experiencing multiple water network failures. Network adjustments had to be made due to the pipe failures. The higher pressure put on the alternate route has resulted in changes to the water colour.
The Municipality is in the process of flushing the system to get rid of the discoloured water.
The discoloured water is safe for bathing and showering, however before drinking we advise that it should be boiled.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

UPDATE ON ESKOM LOADSHEDDING, Wednesday, 04 October 2023

Owing to the stable electricity demand and generation performance, the current pattern where loadshedding is implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 the following day and suspended from 05:00 until 16:00, will continue daily until further notice. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:
Wednesday 04/10/2023
None

Thursday 05/10/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Friday 06/10/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
04:00 – 05:00

Sunday 08/10/2023
04:00 – 05:00

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Wednesday 04/10/2023
17:00 – 19:30

Thursday 05/10/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Friday 06/10/2023
23:00 – 01:30

Saturday 07/10/2023
None

Sunday 08/10/2023
None

UPDATE 2: WATER OUTAGE IN THEMBALETHU, 4 October @ 19:15

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY DURING REPAIRS

A major bulk pipeline burst is affecting most of Thembalethu areas which are fed from the Thembalethu Tower. Municipal teams are on site and working on the fault.

The estimated time of repair is 2 hours.

Tankers are located as follows:
1 x Thusong Centre
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7PsUskrnWpnuNVPG7

1x Roaming in Zone 1
1x Roaming in Zone 9

George Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience.

 

UPDATE 1: WATER OUTAGE IN THEMBALETHU, 4 October @ 15H30

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY DURING REPAIRS

A major bulk pipeline burst is affecting most of Thembalethu areas which are fed from the Thembalethu Tower. Municipal teams are on site and working on the fault.

The estimated time of repair is 4 – 5 hours.

Tankers are located as follows:
1 x Thusong Centre
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7PsUskrnWpnuNVPG7

1x Roaming in Zone 1

1x Roaming in Zone 9

****************************************************************************
13h40
A major bulk pipeline to Thembalethu has failed. The pipe burst will affect most of Thembalethu fed by the Thembalethu Tower. Municipal teams are on site and working on the fault.

Time of repair will be updated as more information is available.
Water tankers are en-route
Residents are urged to use available water sparingly while repairs are underway.

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – HEROLD’S BAY, Breakwater Bay

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

 THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF HEROLDS BAY  – BREAK WATER BAY

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  FRIDAY 06 OCTOBER  2023  FROM  09H00 TO 18H00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains.  Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on

MONDAY 09 OCTOBER  2023 FROM  09H00 TO 18H00

PUBLIC NOTICE: PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – Pinedew Line

NOTICE  OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF PINEDEW – LANGVLEI DUNES

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  THURSDAY 05 OCTOBER  2023  FROM  09H00 TO 16H30 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains.  Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on
FRIDAY 06 OCTOBER  2023 FROM  09H00 TO 16H30

WARD 17 MEETING TONIGHT POSTPONED DUE TO LOADSHEDDING

WARD COMMITTEES: FILLING OF VACANCIES
27/09/2023 Issued George Municipality
Please note that the meeting of ward 17, scheduled for tonight, is postponed until further notice. A new date will be issued. For further enquiries please contact Siphokazi Maku on 044-801 9439.

WATER OUTAGE – Update on Skuinsbank Street Water Challenge, Herold’s Bay

Issued George Municipality, 26 September @ 16h45

George Municipal teams have exhausted all possible options in providing sufficient pressure to Skuinsbank Street. The cause appears to be a pipe that has collapsed or an undetected valve collapse.

Upgrade 1: The George Municipal team is in the process of connecting high pressure lines from Vaalkom to Skuinsbank Street.

Upgrade 2: The contractor is installing a new water supply line from the upper area of Rooidraai to Skuinsbank Street.

Both the George Municipal and Contracting teams will work through the night to provide Skuinsbank Street with sufficient pressure. Please note the water may be shut off intermittently during the repairs.

Herold’s Bay residents outside of Skuinsbank Street who may experience no water or low pressure are urged to contact the following numbers 044 801 9260/ 62/ 66 during work hours and 044 8016300 After hours to report.

George Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience caused to residents.

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE 26 September 2023 @16:30

Eskom will resume loadshedding at 16H00  on Wednesday 27 September for George and Wilderness.

George and Wilderness will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 26/09/2023
NONE

Wednesday 27/09/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Thursday 28/09/2023
02:00 – 04:30
18:00 – 20:30

Friday 30/09/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 26/09/2023
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Wednesday 27/09/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Thursday 28/09/2023
05:00 – 07:30
21:00 – 23:30

Friday 29/09/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30

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/