Author: Chantel Edwards

George Municipality maintains a monthly river sample programme year-round, downstream of our pumping stations near or next to any rivers within George and surrounds. This monitoring program is not a legislative requirement but was implemented by the George Municipality as a precautionary management measure to monitor the infrastructure, and protect our environment, where a risk of possible pollution may occur.

George Municipality has with the award of Blue Flag Status for Wilderness Main Beach, Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay (Pilot Status) implemented as of 7 November 2022, formal testing of the water at these beaches and where relevant, river mouth to ensure that the stringent requirements based on the most appropriate international and national standards and legislation are met. Blue Flag is an international eco-label and has one global standard for water quality. It is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services. In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA).

Each appointed Blue Flag beach as well as Pilot beaches,  must fully comply with the water quality sampling and frequency requirements. There must be at least one sampling point, which must be located where the highest number of swimmers are. In addition, where there are potential sources of pollution, e.g., near streams, rivers or other inlets, storm water outlets, etc. additional sampling points must be established at these sites to provide evidence that such inflows do not affect bathing water quality.

Samples should be taken 30 cm below the water surface with a minimum of five samples required, evenly distributed during the season. The first sample must be taken within 31 days before the official starting date of the Blue Flag season. George Municipality has an appointed accredited service provider who takes samples approximately every third day, subject to public holidays. An independent person, officially authorised and trained for the task, must collect the samples and only results from an independent nationally or internationally accredited laboratory will be accepted.  Our own laboratory tests as a control measure when there is a pollution incident on a specific beach.

Herold’s Bay Blue Flag Beach showed contamination following testing and the beach (not the tidal pools) was closed for swimming on the morning of Sunday 1 January 2023 as per the results received from the accredited laboratory on Saturday (31 December 2022). The Blue Flag requirements for Escherichia coli (Faecal Coli bacteria) are below 250 cfu/100m ; and for Intestinal Enterococci (Stretococci) below 100 cfu/100ml.  Escherichia coli (Faecal Coli bacteria) limits of over 500/540 in coastal waters are deemed unsafe for swimming.

Herolds’s Bay was reopened for swimming at 12pm on New Year’s Day based on the follow up test results which came out midday 1 January. Subsequent thorough investigation by our Civil Engineering Department has confirmed that the pollution was caused by a sewer pipe failure  in the network that led to contaminated water draining onto the beach from the minor river tributary following the high rainfall. Repairs have been completed on the network and the spillage addressed as per protocol.

Testing of the Gwaing River Mouth as well as those areas of the river located near the Proefplaas pumpstation form part of the regular maintenance programme for George Municipality. The beach and river mouth do not form a part of the Blue Flag programme. On Sunday  4 December 2022, a possible pollution incident (discolouring in the water at the mouth was reported) and subsequent testing for Escherichia coli (Faecal Coli bacteria) was done by the Municipal Laboratory as well as the accredited service provider. Gwaing River Beach and Mouth was closed for swimming and remained closed based on daily test results until Friday 9 December 2022 when reopened for swimming.  The area was again closed on 21 December; reopened briefly on the 30 December and has since 31 December remained closed.

The Civil Engineering Services department has continued to investigate the source of the pollution as no pumpstations have failed during this period. It would appear that there are two sources, one of historic sludge on the riverbed which was disturbed following rough seas and the other is sewer spillage emanating from identified manholes located near or along Gwaing River as well as several tributaries which join the Gwaing River. Civil Engineering teams have walked the rivers, and the sewer network wherever possible to locate the source. Testing of water quality has continued further upstream on a regular basis in order to pinpoint any additional sources of pollutant.

Gwaing River Beach and Mouth remains closed based on the current accredited and own laboratory results, due to the inherent dangers of swimming in contaminated water. Illnesses caused by Ecoli can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Most people get better within 5 to 7 days. Young children infected with Ecoli are at highest risk for developing severe symptoms and complications, such as kidney failure.

George Municipality acknowledges the frustrations of the public in this regard but In the interests of health and safety and to protect our residents, the municipality continues to urge the public not to swim until the levels are within acceptable norms. Notices will be issued as soon as test results clear the Gwaing Beach and River Mouth for swimming.

George Municipality holds a daily Festive Monitoring Committee meeting with all directorates which includes external stakeholders such as SAPS, SANparks and NSRI. The committee jumped in and added preparation for the Storm Alert issued last week to the regular agenda about festive safety and service delivery in George as result keeping the damages to a minimum. External stakeholders such as SANPARKS made immediate arrangements to breach the Touws River in advance of any possible flooding in Wilderness.

Stormwater Clearance
Stormwater infrastructure in the usual problematic areas were cleaned days in advance after receipt of the alert and where possible damaged infrastructure was repaired in anticipation of potential flooding. The storm water division has followed a stringent programme of cleaning throughout George and surrounds prior to the festive season starting.

A total of 19 storm water complaints were received and addressed. One stormwater pipeline collapsed in Dormehlsdrift.  It  must be noted that a number of areas have recently had their stormwater networks upgraded using municipal grant funding (MIG) and that these areas had no problems over the past weekend,  highlighting the value of the investment in our neighbourhoods.

George Fire and Disaster Services
The Disaster Centre filled and issued 84 sandbags in preparation of the poor weather with sand supplied by our Civil Engineering Services Directorate. Three additional personnel were added to the Disaster Call Centre to handle the influx of calls and two additional Emergency cellphone numbers were issued for public to make contact with the Disaster Centre. A number of senior officials were tasked with moving around the city during the periods of high rainfall to continuously monitor any potential flooding and report back to the Disaster Centre for action. One motor vehicle accident was reported in the Outeniqua Pass and one informal house fire was addressed on Saturday afternoon.

Traffic control and road closures
CJ Langehoven and Courtney Street were partially closed for a short period on Friday. Traffic officials or pointsmen were placed at the critical busy intersections impacted by flooding on Friday. Additional batteries were placed at critical intersections to accommodate the extended loadshedding periods over the weekend which affected the ability of the UPS’s to recharge. Where a battery could not be added, traffic officials or pointsmen were placed for short periods to resolve traffic flow.

Debris cleanup by Community Services
Community Services teams cleared the CBD of storm debris on Saturday and continue to clear the beaches each morning with some debris visible early this morning. Cleanup generally takes place before 8am of each day.

Formal Housing
A total of 51 requests were received for gunplast in various areas for persons residing in backyards and houses with roof leakages, however in terms our policy in this regard gunplast cannot be distributed to persons living on private property and in  formal housing. Priority was thus given to persons residing in the informal settlements.

Informal Settlements
A total of 113 requests for gunplast was received from the informal areas with 43 pieces issued to date. Human Settlement officials will continue with the distribution of gunplast in the informal areas for the remaining requests.

Power outages due to inclement weather
A power outage in the Herold’s Bay farming area was weather related. Other outages in Heather Park. Blanco, Herold’s Bay beachfront, Oubaai and Breakwater Bay were related to loadshedding.

George Municipality has completed the installation of a temporary package plant with a very short turnaround time to help the municipality cope with the high increase in daily water demand during the peak season. Although this package plant will add an extra 5 Ml/day of treated drinking water to the daily production, there remains a high risk of not being able to meet the full daily demand for drinking water which is why water restrictions will remain in place to curb the excessive and unnecessary use of drinking water by residents and holidaymakers alike.

The package plant is also intended to supplement the available treated drinking water in 2023 while various rehabilitation work is done at the Old and the New Water Treatments Works, and availability of supply will remain constrained until the new 20Ml WTW capacity extension has been completed in 2025

Executive Mayor for George, Leon van Wyk and Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects and BFI Cllr Jackie Von Brandis paid a visit to the new site of the package plant which was installed in record time. “We are extremely grateful for the work of Civil Engineering Services that managed to complete the installation of the package plant in such a short time to assist the town with portable water,” said Cllr Von Brandis.

Why are the stricter water restrictions necessary?
The problem is twofold with the Garden Route as a whole on alert that our raw water sources such as the Garden Route dam are being affected by low rainfall  – the Garden Route dam volume dropped to 45.8% last week and although rainfall of 123 mm was measured over the last 7 days (from Monday 12^th December) the dam  volume has only increased to 57.43% as measured Monday 19 December,  which gives us a grace period for which we are thankful but does not resolve the water scarcity entirely. At 57.43% the available volume is equal to approximately 165 days of raw water supply. It is expected that the volume may increase slightly with the post-rainfall runoff.

The Municipality is in the process of reviewing the Bulk Raw Water Resources Study that considers all potential resources. The public cannot assume that because we have been blessed with a short spell of decent rain that they can continue to use drinking water indiscriminately. We have no guarantee of what the rainfall patterns will bring over the next few months and we need to conserve what we have received.

The other problem lies with the production of treated drinking water – the old water treatment works (Circa 1950) is not producing drinking water at it’s original design capacity, and the Denneoord Water Treatment Works can currently produce 20Ml/day provided this is not affected by the extended ESKOM loadshedding we are currently experiencing. Remedial works is planned at both the old water treatment works and the Denneoord water treatment works to optimise the capacity of these two existing plant.

However, if residents, holidaymakers, business and industry do not reduce their daily use of drinking water there is a possibility of us running into difficulties as the demand may exceed the capacity to supply sufficient drinking water. As previously reported the construction of an additional 20Ml/day Water Treatment Works (treats raw water to drinking water standard) is underway but completion only expected for 2025.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477. Fines will apply and/or six months imprisonment.

Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

The Auditor-General advised late last week that a clean audit for 2021/22 has been achieved by George Municipality. Chief Financial Officer, Riaan Du Plessis expressed his gratitude for the results and confirmed that this is 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.

“There remain further improvements to be made to continue our drive to modernise the municipality’s administration, but we are confident that the leadership and guidance of the Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager will direct us in the way forward, just as it did during the past financial year. The commitment and exceptional effort by our staff is inspirational and sets a sure foundation for us from which to grow George Municipality to be the best intermediate city in the South Africa,” he said.

Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz noted that the management team is working hard to create a performance-driven municipality and improve service delivery. “This Auditor-General report acknowledged the great strides which the municipality has made over the past two years and specifically commended the implementation of consequence management to ensure officials do their work diligently and efficiently. Thank you to the management team and all officials involved for the commitment and hard work to achieve a clean audit, an outcome which very few municipalities achieve. We are committed to clean governance and will strive to continue to improve on systems and processes.”

Ald Leon Van Wyk offered his congratulations and expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Municipal Manager, CFO, Finance team, Directors and officials who have all contributed to this team effort. “During the past year we have worked towards the modernisation of systems while also tackling some major improvements in infrastructure and services as part of the turnaround. The achievement of a clean audit is therefore something special. The Clean Audit also cements access to additional Grant opportunities that we are applying for, that will benefit the broader George community and especially those areas requiring improvements.”

Portfolio Councillor for Finance, Dirk Wessels said that he was enormously proud to be a part of this team. “As MMC I am delighted with the audit outcome, it shows the municipality is on the right trajectory in the quest to be the best municipality in the country. I would like to thank the administration for the amazing work undertaken in difficult circumstances.”

Definitions:
Qualified Opinion – The financial statements contain material misstatements in specific amounts, or there is insufficient evidence for us to conclude that specific amounts included in the financial statements are not materially misstated.

Unqualified Opinion- The financial statements contain no material misstatements. Unless the Auditor-General expresses a “clean audit outcome”, findings have been raised on either reporting on predetermined objectives or non-compliance with legislation, or both these aspects.

Clean Audit – The financial statements are free from material misstatements (in other words, a financially unqualified audit opinion) and there are no material findings on reporting on performance objectives or non-compliance with legislation.

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department
Office of the Municipal Manager

Preparations for the GO GEORGE bus service to roll out to Thembalethu are well under way but activation of services to this area unfortunately did not make the November goal as planned.

According to George Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) submitted an item at the last Council meeting. The item stated that the announcement of the November date had allowed critical progress to be made but that more time is needed to ensure a smooth roll-out.

“As stated in my earlier announcement, discussions about existing agreements would continue with stakeholders,” said Van Wyk. “However, in the weeks following the announcement, new and unrealistic demands have been put on the table by these parties, some of which have created potential safety risks that are being addressed. Government remains committed to the previous undertakings made to both parties, but the team is now re-aligning all resources towards roll-out.

“The expansion of service to Thembalethu is happening. We are literally in the process of roll-out. The majority of taxi operators have come forward to honour their original agreements to turn in their licences for compensation, but a little more time is also required to conclude this process. Eleven additional buses have been delivered; construction of infrastructure in Thembalethu is almost complete; top-up vendors are being recruited. Thembalethu communication champions have been appointed and are engaging with prospective passengers, and residents will soon see buses driving through the area testing schedules and routes,” Van Wyk said.

The Council resolution states that service should roll out as soon as possible with a further announcement to be made at least one week before the activation of the routes.

TOURISM UPDATE: WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GREATER GEORGE THIS DECEMBER

 Find all the tourism information you need in the greater George area:

• Tourism Website: visitgeorge.co.za
• Tourism Digital Brochure: ly/3YgGEt1
• Visitor Safety: ly/3AIArf7
• Municipal Contacts: https://bit.ly/3F2trfN

Boat cruises along the rivers and lakes in Wilderness with Wilderness River Safaris

56 activities to dip into George, Wilderness and Uniondale! 

1. 4×4
2. Abseiling
3. Animal Parks and Rehabilitation Centres
4. Art Galleries and Routes
5. Beaches
6. Big Tree
7. Bike Park
8. Birdwatching
9. Boat Rides
10. Botanical Gardens and Guided Tours
11. Bubble Ball (children)
12. Bumper Boats (children)
13. Canoeing
14. Canyoning / Kloofing
15. Coffee and Chocolate Pairings

Explore the vast and open Outeniqua Mountains and many other scenic trails in the area. Find routes at georgetrails.org.za

16. Craft Your Own Gin Class and Pairings
17. Culinary Cooking Classes
18. Dine with a Local
19. E-Bike Rides
20. Farm Stalls
21. Fishing
22. Game Drives (only for accommodation guests)
23. Go Cart Track
24. Golf Courses
25. Guided Cultural and Historical Tours
26. Helicopter Flips and Charters
27. Horseback Rides
28. Indoor Play Centres (children)
29. Kayaking
30. Kloofing

The George area has several spectacular beaches to enjoy – Victoria Bay, Herolds Bay, the Wilderness beaches and Gwaing.

31. Learn to Surf
32. Local Guided Day Trips
33. Markets
34. Microlight Flights
35. Miniature Train Rides
36. Museums
37. Oyster Shucking, Show and Tell Experience
38. Paragliding
39. Pedal Go Carts
40. Picnic Spots
41. Pony Rides (children)
42. Power Van Railway Experience
43. Quad Biking
44. Rock Climbing
45. Scenic Drives and Lookout Points

Art, culture and history abound, if you know where to look.  Contact George Tourism for a list of site guides and experiences.

46. Segway
47. Spa and Wellness Emporiums
48. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
49. Strawberry Picking
50. Township Bicycle and Cultural Tours
51. Trails for hiking, MTB and running
52. Trampoline Park (children)
53. Treetop Aerial Obstacle Courses
54. Tuk-tuk Tour
55. Wine Farms and Tasting Rooms
56. Pottery and Ceramic Classes/ Experiences

Canoeing and kayaking is one of the most sought-after experiences in the destination.

Contact the tourism office for a list of suppliers or go to our website.

EVENTS
There are so many fabulous and festive events and markets to look forward to!  See more at visitgeorge.co.za.

05 – 21 December: Uncle George Christmas Party
Step Aside Farm, George | unclegeorge.wixsite.com/mysite | 071 433 6961

This is a fun and festive evening for families!  Come together in a picnic setting and enjoy a Christmas-themed evening where children meet Santa.  There’s also a magical castle, a marching band and Noddy and friends, as well as carols under the stars.  From 17h30 to 21h30.

10 December: Pacaltsdorp Lights Festival
Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre, Pacaltsdorp | Jonathan Fortuin: 044 802 2000 or 061 624 7431

The annual George Lights Festival has moved to the Kaptein Dikkop amphitheatre in Pacaltsdorp, and heralds the start of the festive season with the switching on of festive Christmas lights..  This year, there will be live performances by local artists, food stalls, arts and crafts, as well as a kiddie’s corner. The programme is from 14:00 and 20:00. Seats are limited, so be sure to get there early for this festive community event!

The Garden Route Botanical Gardens in George is home to the Garden Route Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre and the Marshmallow Cafe.

Garden Route Botanical Garden, George
044 874 1558 | www.botanicalgarden.org.za | bookings@botanicalgarden.org.za

• 10 December – The Story of Fire
• 14 December – Golden Oldies Picnic in the Park
• 15 December – Turn to Nature for Health
• 19-20 December – Carols by Candlelight
• 22 December – The Story of Fire

Explore the largest permanent hedge maze in the Southern Hemisphere at Redberry Farm in George.

Redberry Farm
044 8707123 | www.redberryfarm.co.za | info@redberryfarm.co.za

• 17 December – Jakkalberry Extreme MTB Race | From R225 to R950 | 071 678 7147 | www.jakkalberry.com | juan@chaingangevents.co.za
• 21 December – Carols by Candlelight | R15 – R25
• 15 – 31 December (Closed Sundays) – Boerevintage Gift Market

Dotsure Insurance George Arts Theatre, George
044 873 3938 | www.georgeartstheatre.co.za | enquiries@georgeartstheatre.co.za

• 07-17 December – Jack and the Beanstalk | R70-120

George Tens 15 – 18 December
071 457 2696 | www.georgetens.co.za

• 15 December – Golf at Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa, Herolds Bay
• 16 December – Touchies at Wilderness Beach
• 16-17 December – Netball at Outeniqua Park Stadium, George
• 16-18 December – Rugby at Outeniqua Park Stadium, George
• 17 December – Mountain Biking from Outeniqua Park, George
• 17 December – Volleyball at Wilderness Beach
• 18 December – Trail Running from Outeniqua Park, George

Bush Lapa Musiekfees 16-31 December
044 851 0113 | www.facebook.com/BushLapaMusiekfees | 044 851 0133 | www.heroldsbayresort.co.za | admin@heroldsbayresort.co.za

• 18 December – Spoegwolf | R180 – R280
• 20 December – Bok van Blek | R120 -R250
• 21 December – Bernice West | R120 – R250
• 23 December – Juan Boucher | R120 – R250
• 26 December – Fatman Live | R120 – R250
• 27 December – Elandre Live | R120 – R250
• 28 December – Steve Hofmeyer | R120 – R250
• 30 December – Jo Black | R120 – R250
• 31 December – Jakkie Louw | R175 – R395

MARKETS

Outeniqua Family Market – Every Saturday 08:00-14:00
N2, George | 082 465 2952 | outeniquafamilymarket.co.za | info@outeniquafamilymarket.co.za

Showcasing the best mouth-watering local produce, as well as a large variety of craft stalls, this market is popular with locals as a weekend hang out. Live music, acres of parking, a huge kiddies play area and plentiful shaded seating make this a weekend winner.

Sunday Funday Market – Every Sunday 10:00-15:00
Milkwood Village, Wilderness | 061 547 0625 | milkwoodvillage.co.za milkwoodmanagement@gmail.com

The Milkwood Village is situated in the heart of Wilderness, with a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a craft market in the centre of the village. Every Sunday morning the market has live music and a craft market. There is a dedicated kids zone with a big lawn to play ball and relax.

Hinenni Community Market – Every Wednesday 08:30-15:00
63Bo-Langvlei Road, Rondevlei, Wilderness | 082 788 8500 | facebook.com/ HinenniFS

This vibrant hub supports local farmers and entrepreneurs.  Find arts and crafts, farm fresh produce and eggs, homemade meals, baked goods such as breads, cakes and bakes, homemade pickles and preserves, Kimchi, Kombucha, yoghurt and so much more.

The Moederkerk is a heritage landmark in the George city centre.

Outeniqua Kersmark  – 10-22 December
Moederkerk, George | 083 772 8252 | stolsgerda2016@gmail.com

This event is a staple on the December calendar, offering a range of crafts and gifting at the iconic Moederkerk in George.

Boerevintage Gift Market – 15-31 December (Closed Sundays)
Redberry Farm, George | 083 398 0205 | www.boerevintage.co.za | info@boerevintage.co.za

Bespoke, beautiful and carefully selected items line the tables of the Boerevintage market.  This is a market not to be missed and a great place to shop for unique Christmas gifts for others… or yourself!

Hilltop Herolds Bay Garden Market – 17 December
c\r Rooidraai \ Rooiktansie Street Herolds Bay Heights | 082 490 6200 | acrawley@iafrica.com

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Share your holiday with hashtags #visitgeorge #exploregeorge #visitwilderness #explorewilderness #visituniondale #exploreuniondale

VISIT YOUR LOCAL TOURISM OFFICE
Want to know more about what you can see, do, eat and where you can stay?

044 801 9295
info@visitgeorge.co.za
124 York Street, George Central, George, 6529
facebook/tourismgeorge
instagram/georgetourism_official

+27 44 877 0045
info@visitwilderness.co.za 198 George Road, Wilderness, 6560
facebook/wildernesstourism
instagram/wildernesstourism

+27 44 518 0030 info@visituniondale.co.za Virtual assistance
facebook/uniondaleinfo
instagram/uniondaletourism