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Author: Chantel Edwards

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – 30 November 2022

According to the last notice issued by ESKOM, Stage 2 continues daily from 16h00 – 05h00 until further notice and here are the applicable times:

George
Wednesday 30 Nov 2022
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 01 Dec 2022
22:00 – 00:30

Friday 02 Dec 2022
22:00 – 00:30

Saturday 03 Dec 2022
None

Sunday 04 Dec 2022
None

Uniondale
Wednesday 30 Nov 2022
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 01 Dec 2022
17:00 – 19:30

Friday 02 Dec 2022
01:00 – 03:30

Saturday 03 Dec 2022
01:00 – 03:30

Sunday 04 Dec 2022
17:00 – 19:30

Issued George MUN

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – Thembalethu Zone 9 – 1 December 2022

 

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF THEMBALETHU: ZONE 9 – DICK, MNGOMA, QHAWA, TEYISE, SAMPISI, BOMVANA, SPOTOSE, GONGO, MAHE, GUSHA, KAZI, TAWULE, MAJOVA, HENDRICK STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 01 DECEMBER 2022 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 MONDAY 05 DECEMBER 2022 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30

 

George – How will the stricter water restrictions affect your household?

The George Council last week tabled stricter water restrictions for George to curb the excess use of potable water (treated drinking water). Residents have been requested to provide their inputs on the proposed Water Restrictions before 12 December 2022. These restrictions are specific to the George city area, and not Uniondale and Haarlem.

What are the new proposed restrictions and how will they affect your household? In short, the most important differences to the current restriction to take note of are:

  1. Every household is now limited to using 15 kilolitres of water per month. Emergency tariffs will be charged for any household which uses more than 15kl.
  2. Businesses dependent on municipal water, including commercial car washes must reduce their use of water by 15% of their past 6-month average.
  3. Large industry must reduce their use of municipal water by 10% of their past 6-month average.
  4. Gardens can be watered any time of the day but only with watering cans or buckets, no hosepipes are allowed.
  5. The Irrigation or watering of ALL sport fields using municipal water is prohibited.
  6. Washing of vehicles with a garden hose is prohibited. Only buckets are allowed.
  7. Cleaning of any outside surface areas using a water hose is prohibited.
  8. Filling up of swimming pools with municipal water is prohibited.
  9. Applications for exemption can be submitted to the Deputy Director Water for consideration.
  10. Those making use of their own water must display a visible sign stating “Own Water”.
    (Please see www.george.gov.za for the full list of proposed restrictions.)

Why Water Restrictions?
The Garden Route Dam level remains low due to poor rainfall and predictions for the next three months ahead are not positive. The ongoing loadshedding has also had a negative impact on the ability to treat raw water (despite the use of generators) reducing the reliability of daily treatment volumes. The Existing water treatment works cannot meet peak demands and is increasingly under pressure to meet daily potable water demand. The new 20Ml extension to the capacity of the works will only be completed in the next three years. If demand is not managed new growth and development and peak seasons cannot be accommodated.

Appeal to Residents to save Water
“Our appeal is that all households should immediately reduce their water usage to no more than 15KL per month to adhere to the new water restrictions. At present, we only have 4-5 months’ supply of water left in our Dam, and in addition there is limited water treatment capacity. Our usage has grown dramatically this past year and our residents now need to assist to conserve our water supplies. We also desperately need rain to increase the level of our Dam. Please share this message widely to help save Water,” said Ald Leon Van Wyk.

Public Participation Process
https://www.george.gov.za/notices/notice-nr-t-ing-029-2022-emergency-water-tariffs-2022-23/  Follow this link to find the proposed Water Restrictions and the applicable Emergency Tariffs.

Your comments can be emailed to Ms Sam Gcagcaso at sgcagcaso@george.gov.za, or delivered as a handwritten submission on weekdays (07h45- 16h30) to the Department: Civil Engineering Services, Old Town Hall, corner of Market and York Streets, and by no later than 16h30 on 12 December 2022. The information will also be placed in the form of notices at our  public libraries, area offices, Municipal offices and the Municipal Notice Boards.

Basic Checks
Simple basic checks can be done to ensure that your indoor and outdoor taps as well as your toilet/s are not leaking. Close all taps on your property and don’t flush any toilets. Take a water meter reading and wait 15 minutes before taking a second reading. If the units on the water meter have increased with the taps closed and no toilets flushed it means that there is a leak. Note that  one leaking toilet can waste between 2600 – 13 000 litres of water per month, and one leaking tap can waste between 400 – 2600 litres of water per month.

 

Report contraventions of the current Water Restrictions on 0800 424477 – fines apply.
Report all water leaks on 044 801 
9262/66  or A/ h 044 801 6300

Water Leaks can also be reported at your nearest Area Office or Thusong Centre, emailed to gmun@george.gov.za , via the Municipal App or phoned in to 044 801 9311.

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – Syferfontein, 1 December 2022

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF PACALTSDORP – SYFERFONTEIN

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 01 DECEMBER 2022 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 02 DECEMBER 2022 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30

**********************
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN PACALTSDORP – SYFERFONTEIN

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 01 DESEMBER 2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op VRYDAG 02 DESEMBER 2022 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30

Issued George Mun

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – 25/11 @ 14H00

Loadshedding will be maintained at Stage 2 continuously until further notice. There will be no Stage 3 loadshedding during the evenings, as had been previously communicated.

VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE
ONLY USE ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES WHEN POWER IS RESTORED
Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly especially when power returns after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network. Consumers are requested, where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding.

George

Friday 25 Nov 2022
None

Saturday 26 Nov 2022
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Sunday 27 Nov 2022
18:00 – 20:30

Monday 28 Nov 2022
02:00 – 04:30

Uniondale

Friday 25 Nov 2022
13:00 – 15:30

Saturday 26 Nov 2022
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Sunday 27 Nov 2022
21:00 – 23:30

Monday 28 Nov 2022
05:00 – 07:30

Issued George Municipality

Stricter Water Restrictions announced – Adherence critical to manage treated drinking water capacity

Stricter Water Restrictions will be implemented for George following a decision taken at Council today, 24 November 2022. The restrictions in place since 25 January 2022 will be replaced with intensified Water Restrictions to better manage the use of potable (treated drinking water).

Low rainfall over past three months
The catchment area of George received a much lower than predicated rainfall with a total of only 117.2mm recorded from 1 July  – 14 November 2022. Predictions by the Cape Town Forecasting Office(South African Weather Service)  for the Garden Route for the next three months (December – February 2023) currently remain uncertain, but not positive.

Temporary Water Treatment Package Plant
The Municipality has noted a marked increase in daily water usage since the first week of November this year marking the start of what is expected to be an unusually busy festive season. With the additional 20Ml/day Water Treatment Works (treats raw water to drinking water standard) under construction for the next three years (Completion 2025) and various improvements at the Old WTW (circa 1950) still in process, the water treatment capacity remains limited, and a temporary water treatment package plant will be installed to supplement the potable (drinking water)  with an extra 5 Ml/day. This temporary plant will be operational from mid-December and provide much needed additional capacity to meet the peak season demand, however there remains a high risk of not being able to meet the full demand.

Current Dam Level at 51%
The Garden Route Dam level this week (21 November 2022) was recorded at 51.88% current storage for the new raised dam wall height. The dam was at 100% this time last year after the flood events, and the level has steadily declined since then due to poor rainfall. The official calibration of the dam will be concluded in the coming months, however the current volumes are deemed to be acceptably indicative.

At the moment George falls within the category of Medium Risk in terms of Water Storage Risk Classification ( 3 to 6 months raw water supply) as we are dependent on river abstraction for water supply.

Stricter Water Restrictions Announced
The limited water treatment capacity, and ongoing non-compliance with the water restrictions by certain consumers, necessitates the implementation of increased water restrictions together with the introduction of more punitive measures to encourage reduced water consumption. The ongoing loadshedding also has a negative impact on the ability to treat raw water (despite the use of generators) reducing the reliability of daily treatment volumes.

The enhanced water restrictions will have financial implications for residents, businesses and industry who do not manage their water use conservatively. The implementation of punitive rates is seen as a last resort as an incentive to adhere to restrictions and reduce consumption.

These restrictions are specific to the George city area, and not Uniondale and Haarlem.

Public Participation Process
The intended Water Restrictions and applicable Emergency Tariffs will be made available for public comment for a period of 14 days with notices published in the local media.  The notice can be viewed on the website. Notices  will be placed at public libraries, area offices, Municipal offices and the Municipal Notice Boards.

Comments can be emailed to Ms Sam Gcagcaso at sgcagcaso@george.gov.za, or delivered as a handwritten submission on weekdays (07h45- 16h30) to the Department: Civil Engineering Services, Old Town Hall, corner of Market and York Streets, and by no later than 16h30 on 12 December 2022.

Report contraventions of the current Water Restrictions on 0800 424477 – fines apply.
Report all water leaks on 044 801 
9262/66  or A/ h 044 801 6300

Water Leaks can also be reported at your nearest Area Office or Thusong Centre, emailed to gmun@george.gov.za , via the Municipal App or phoned in to 044 801 9311.

 

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

Percentage storage at old unraised dam wall height: 67.14%
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height : 53.72%
Rainfall for the month of October 2022 (George Witfontein Weather Station): 56.8mm
Rainfall for the month of October 2022 (George Tierkop Weather Station): 60.6mm
Current Demand/usage per day: 37.3 megalitres

(Please note the dam level indication is based on the spillway and dam wall height before it was raised, the latter is the new unofficial estimation based on preliminary calculations ahead of re-calibration of the dam. Re-calibration has commenced and is dependent on several factors. Adjusted official readings will be implemented and reported once new capacity has been confirmed, the time period of this is unknown).

Section 2B water restrictions for Uniondale and George remain in place as per Council decision.
Uniondale and George water restrictions details on https://www.george.gov.za/civil-engineering/water/

The immediate measures to be adhered to are as follows:

  • Mechanical or automatic irrigation/watering devices or sprinkler systems for gardens are prohibited. Gardens may only be watered with a handheld hose from 19h00 – 21h00 (September – April) and 17h00 – 19h00 (May – August)
  • Mondays/Thursdays: Even-numbered households ONLY
  • Tuesdays/Fridays: Uneven numbered households ONLY
  • The irrigation or watering of all sports fields is prohibited.  Exemption applies only for golf course greens, bowling greens, and cricket pitches daily between 19h00 – 21h00.
  • The washing of vehicles using a handheld/garden hose, except by a commercial enterprise, is prohibited.
  • Cleaning of any outside surface area using a hosepipe/mechanical means is prohibited. The use of a bucket is permitted.
  • Filling of swimming pools is prohibited.
  • Where own water from a borehole or reservoir is used, “OWN WATER” signage must be displayed.
  • Exemption can be applied for and considered, please contact 044 801 9354.

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.

OPENBARE KENNISGEWING: Weiering van toegang en/of weiering om kapasiteit vir voorafbetaalde meters af te gradeer

George Munisipaliteit bevestig hiermee dat ons besig is met die implementering van die nuwe elektriese tariefstruktuur soos deur die Raad goedgekeur. Ons het bewus geword van sekere verbruikers wie munisipale amptenare en subkontrakteur’s  toegang tot hul huise weier weens óf veiligheidskwessies óf omdat hulle nie bewus is van die proses wat aan die gang is nie.

Die Munisipaliteit benodig toegang om die vereiste aanpassings aan die geïnstalleerde kapasiteit op voorafbetaalde meters te implementeer, soos vereis word deur die nuwe tariefstruktuur. Die doel van die aanpassings is om ‘n funksie op die voorafbetaalde meter te verander, om óf die geïnstalleerde kapasiteit aan te pas soos deur die munisipaliteit gekies óf om die kapasiteit aan te pas soos deur die verbruiker gekies.

Hierdie brief gee die mandaat aan die Munisipale amptenare/ONTEC en hul kontrakteurs en subkontrakteurs om die nodige stappe te doen. Die mandaat van die George Munisipaliteit om die kapasiteit van jou voorafbetaalde meter vas te stel, berus by die volgende wetgewing, beleid en goedkeurings.

  1. Die toepassing van koste-reflektiewe tariewe word in die Wet op Munisipale Stelsels Artikel 74 bepaal soos hieronder getoon.

(d) tariewe moet die koste weerspieël wat redelikerwys geassosieer word met die lewering van die diens, insluitend kapitaal-, bedryfs-, instandhouding-, administrasie- en vervangingskoste en rentekoste:

  1. Die Nasionale Elektrisiteitsprysbeleid van Suid-Afrika (EPP) stipuleer die toepassing van kapasiteitsbeperkings op voorrade soos hieronder getoon.

Beleidsposisie: 36
Huishoudelike tariewe om meer koste-reflektief te word, wat ‘n reeks aanbodopsies bied met progressiewe kapasiteit-gedifferensieerde tariewe en aansluitingsfooie:

  • Aan die eenkant ‘n enkeleenergietarief sonder basieseheffing, beperk tot 20 Ampère ennominaleverbindingsheffing;
  • Op die volgende vlak ‘n tarief wat tariefheffings kan bevat om ‘n basiese heffing, kliëntediensheffing, kapasiteitsheffing en energieheffing te weerspieël met kostereflektiewe verbindingsheffings; en
  • Op die finale vlak moet TVG-tariewe (Tyd Van Gebruik) op dieselfde basis as hierbo ingestel word, maar met die TVG-energietariewe.
  1. George Raad het die elektrisiteitstariewe soos voorgestel in die begroting in Junie 2022 goedgekeur en wat deel was van die openbare deelname proses soos hieronder getoon.

Huishoudelike Verbruikers: 1 of 3 fase. Kapasiteit van meer as 20 Amp enkelfase
Basiese heffing                 :               R74,63 per maand
Kapasiteitsheffing           :               R4,50 per Amp per fase per maand
Energieheffing                  :               208,49 sent per KWh

  1. Die Nasionale Energiereguleerder van Suid-Afrika (NERSA) het die elektrisiteitstariewe vir George Munisipaliteit goedgekeur, wat die kapasiteitsbeperkings insluit soos toegepas soos hieronder getoon.
  • Huishoudelikeenkelfase – 1 deelvoorafbetaald (20 ampère)
    Energie heffing: 239,62c/kWh
  • HuishoudelikeVerbruikers: 1 of 3 fase. Kapasiteit van meer as 20 Amp enkelfase
    Basiese heffing:       R74,63 per maand
    Kapasiteitsheffing:  R4,50 per Amp per fase per maand
    Energieheffing:        208,49 sent per KWh

Die implementeringsplan is ook breedvoerig met NERSA bespreek, en hulle het die plan onderskryf wat behels dat verbruikers hul kapasiteit kan kies of die keuse van ‘n toepaslike kapasiteit deur die munisipaliteit in geval van verbruikers wat versuim om dit te doen. Verbruikers is ingelig oor die nuwe elektriese tariewe en die besluite wat hulle moet neem, asook die implikasies van kapasiteitsbeperkings.

Om toegang tot munisipale mandaatbeamptes te weier om die gekose kapasiteit te stel, sal gevolge hê. Neem asseblief kennis dat alle munisipale en/of Ontec-amptenare identifikasiekaarte met ‘n foto en hul ID-nommer sowel as ‘n afskrif van hierdie brief dra. Skakel hierdie nommer 044 873 5474 gedurende werksure om te verifieer dat die amptenare by jou huis deel vorm van hierdie projek.

Die volgende opsies is beskikbaar vir die kliënte:

  • Veranderhulbesluiten verleen toegangsodat die kapasiteit op hulvoorafbetaalde meter gestelkan
  • Kies die kapasiteit wat benodig word in die goedgekeurdevormen verleen toegang vir die personeel om die kapasiteittestel.
  • Teken ‘n vorm wat aanduidathulle ‘n verandering in kapasiteitwilhêendus die gepaardgaandebasieseheffingenkapasiteitsheffingsalbetaal. (60 Ampere).
  • Weiering vantoegang of ondertekening van keuringsvorm, in welkegeval die toevoerontkoppelsal

Rig asseblief enige navrae aan 044 801 9243 of e-pos jou navraag na elec.applications@george.gov.za

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

PUBLIC NOTICE: Refusing Access and/or refusing to downgrade capacity for pre-paid meter

George Municipality hereby confirms that it is in process of implementing the new electrical tariff structure as approved by Council. We have become aware that certain consumers are refusing municipal officials and our sub-contractor’s access to their homes due to either safety concerns or not being aware of the process underway.

The Municipality requires access in order to implement the required adjustments to the installed capacity on pre-paid meters, as required by the new tariff structure. The adjustments take the form of a setting being changed on the Prepayment meter itself, to either adjust the installed capacity to the default capacity as selected by the municipality or to adjust to the capacity as selected by the consumer.

This letter gives mandate to the Municipal officials/ONTEC and their contractors and sub-contractors to take the required action. The mandate of the George Municipality to set the capacity of your pre-paid meter is vested in the following legislation, policy and approvals.

  1. The application of cost reflective tariffs is mandated in the Municipal Systems Act Section 74 as shown below.

(d) tariffs must reflect the costs reasonably associated with rendering the service, including capital, operating, maintenance, administration and replacement costs and interest charges:

2.  The National Electricity Pricing Policy of South Africa (EPP) stipulates the application of capacity                limits on supplies as shown below.

Policy Position: 36
Domestic tariffs to become more cost-reflective, offering a suit of supply options with progressive capacity-differentiated tariffs and connection fees:

  • At the one end a single energy rate tariff with no basic charge, limited to 20 Amps and nominal connection charge;
  • At the next level a tariff which could contain tariff charges to reflect a basic charge, customer service charge, capacity charge and energy charge with cost-reflective connection charges; and
  • At the final level TOU tariffs must be instituted on the same basis as above, but with the TOU energy rates.

    3. George Council approved the electricity tariffs as proposed in the budget in June 2022 and which were a part of the public participation process as shown below.

Domestic Consumers: 1 or 3 phase. Capacity exceeding 20 Amps single phase
Basic Charge                      :                               R74,63 per month
Capacity Charge               :                               R4,50 per Amp per phase per month
Energy Charge                   :                               208,49 cents per KWh

        4. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved the electricity tariffs for                          George Municipality, involving the capacity limits as being applied as shown below.

  • Domestic Single Phase – 1 Part Prepaid (20 Amps)
    Energy Charge:  239.62c/kWh
  • Domestic Consumers: 1 or 3 phase. Capacity exceeding 20 Amps single phase
    Basic Charge                     :                               R74,63 per month
    Capacity Charge               :                               R4,50 per Amp per phase per month
    Energy Charge                  :                               208,49 cents per KWh

The implementation plan was also discussed with NERSA in detail, and they endorsed such plan which involved allowing consumers to select their capacity or the selection of an appropriate capacity by the municipality in case of consumers failing to do so. Consumers have been informed of the new electrical tariffs and the decisions that they need to take, as well as the implications of capacity limits.

Refusing access to municipal mandated officials to set the selected capacity will have consequences. 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 this letter. Phone this number 044 873 5474 during work hours to verify that the officials at your home form part of this project.

The following options are available to the customers:

    • Change their decision and allow access for the capacity to be set on their pre-paid meter.
    • Select the capacity needed in the approved form and allow access to the personnel to set the capacity.
    • Sign a form indicating they want a change in capacity and thus will pay the associated basic charge and capacity charge. (60 Amps).
    • Refuse to allow access or signing of selection form in which case the supply will be disconnected.

Please direct any queries to 044 801 9243 or email your query to elec.applications@george.gov.za

 

 

 

Mayor pays NSRI Station 23 a visit

NSRI Station 23 in Wilderness received a pre-festive season visit from Ald Leon Van Wyk last week. The station manned entirely by volunteers has been a fixture in Wilderness since 1984. Ald Van Wyk (centre)is photographed with the team of Sea Rescue volunteers at Station 23, Wilderness.

“As we approach our traditional holiday season, we have begun with preparations to benefit and assist the tourism sector and our visitors. The George daily Festive Monitoring Committee meetings kick off on 1 December and NSRI forms a valuable part of the stakeholders who attend. The successful season hosted for 2021 in terms of beach safety and little to no serious incidents taking place can be attributed to the excellent working relationships between municipal departments and civil society organisations. I want to thank our citizens for all their efforts either through employment, as volunteers or as part of civil society who work so hard to make George a better place,” said Ald Van Wyk.

The NSRI need to be commended for constantly training and practicing their skills, conducting maintenance to their life-saving equipment and always being available 24/7. As a volunteer service they are a critical asset to George and we encourage all citizens and visitors to acquaint themselves with the publicity about safe swimming areas and practices when visiting our beaches.

Follow this link for information on visitor safety https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/local-economic-development/tourism/safety-for-visitors/

Public Notice: Control Burn for Denneoord

George Fire Rescue and Disaster Management services are planning a Control Burn for the area North-East of Denneoord. This has been scheduled for either Tuesday 15th November or Wednesday 16th November and is subject to the prevailing weather conditions as well as the availability of Garden Route Fire Services to assist with the monitoring of the control burn.

Residents should be unaffected as the wind direction will move smoke away from the residential area.

Control burns serve to reduce the fuel loading (dead leaves, tree limbs, and other debris), in areas and are implemented to prevent wildfires spreading.

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE 13 November 2022

Load shedding schedule for Sunday 13 November until Wednesday 16 November.
The schedule is subject to changes announced by Eskom.
*GEORGE*
Sunday 13 November:
08:00 – 10:30 | 16:00 – 18:30
Monday 14 November:
16:00 – 18:30
Tuesday 15 November:
00:00 – 02:30
Wednesday 16 November:
00:00 – 02:30 | 08:00 – 10:30
*UNIONDALE*
Sunday 13 November:
11:00 – 13:30 | 19:00 – 21:30
Monday 14 November:
19:00 – 21:30
Tuesday 15 November:
03:00 – 05:30
Wednesday 16 November:
03:00 – 05:30 | 11:00 – 13:30
Issued George Mun

PUBLIC NOTICE: Refusing Access and/or refusing to downgrade capacity for pre-paid meters

George Municipality hereby confirms that it is in process of implementing the new electrical tariff structure as approved by Council. We have become aware that certain consumers are refusing municipal officials and our sub-contractor’s access to their homes due to either safety concerns or not being aware of the process underway.

The Municipality requires access in order to implement the required adjustments to the installed capacity on pre-paid meters, as required by the new tariff structure. The adjustments take the form of a setting being changed on the Prepayment meter itself, to either adjust the installed capacity to the default capacity as selected by the municipality or to adjust to the capacity as selected by the consumer.

This letter gives mandate to the Municipal officials/ONTEC and their contractors and sub-contractors to take the required action. The mandate of the George Municipality to set the capacity of your pre-paid meter is vested in the following legislation, policy and approvals.

1. The application of cost reflective tariffs is mandated in the Municipal Systems Act Section 74 as shown below.

(d) tariffs must reflect the costs reasonably associated with rendering the service, including capital, operating, maintenance, administration and replacement costs and interest charges:

2. The National Electricity Pricing Policy of South Africa (EPP) stipulates the application of capacity limits on supplies as shown below.

Policy Position: 36
Domestic tariffs to become more cost-reflective, offering a suit of supply options with progressive capacity-differentiated tariffs and connection fees:

  • At the one end a single energy rate tariff with no basic charge, limited to 20 Amps and nominal connection charge (details under section on cross-subsidies);
  • At the next level a tariff which could contain tariff charges to reflect a basic charge, customer service charge, capacity charge and energy charge with cost-reflective connection charges; and
  • At the final level TOU tariffs must be instituted on the same basis as above, but with the TOU energy rates.

3. George Council approved the electricity tariffs as proposed in the budget in June 2022 and which were a part of the public participation process as shown below.

Domestic Consumers: 1 or 3 phase. Capacity exceeding 20 Amps single phase
Basic Charge : R74,63 per month
Capacity Charge : R4,50 per Amp per phase per month
Energy Charge : 208,49 cents per KWh

4. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved the electricity tariffs for George Municipality, involving the capacity limits as being applied as shown below.

• Domestic Single Phase – 1 Part Prepaid (20 Amps)
Energy Charge: 239.62c/kWh

• Domestic Consumers: 1 or 3 phase. Capacity exceeding 20 Amps single phase
Basic Charge : R74,63 per month
Capacity Charge : R4,50 per Amp per phase per month
Energy Charge : 208,49 cents per KWh

The implementation plan was also discussed with NERSA in detail, and they endorsed such plan which involved allowing consumers to select their capacity or the selection of an appropriate capacity by the municipality in case of consumers failing to do so. Consumers have been informed of the new electrical tariffs and the decisions that they need to take, as well as the implications of capacity limits.

Refusing access to municipal mandated officials to set the selected capacity will have consequences. 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 this letter. Phone this number 044 873 5474 during work hours to verify that the officials at your home form part of this project.

The following options are available to the customers:

• Change their decision and allow access for the capacity to be set on their pre-paid meter.
• Select the capacity needed in the approved form and allow access to the personnel to set the capacity.
• Sign a form indicating they want a change in capacity and thus will pay the associated basic charge and capacity charge. (60 Amps).
• Refuse to allow access or signing of selection form in which case the supply will be disconnected.

Please direct any queries to 044 801 9243 or email your query to elec.applications@george.gov.za

 

Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works upgrade to service nearly 19 000 households when completed  

Link to Ald Van Wyk discussing progress of the upgrades at the OWWTW https://youtu.be/w6sM_vsY_vE


Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects and BFI, Jackie Von Brandis and Ald Leon Van Wyk inspect the aeration basin at the works with Gerard De Swardt, George Civils Project Manager: BFI.

The upgrading and capacity extension of the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works (OWWTW) will allow for an increased capacity from 15Ml/dl to 25Ml/dl. The total additional number of households benefiting from the proposed wastewater treatment works upgrade is calculated at 19 049. The number of people per household was calculated at an average family size of 4.25 persons estimating the total then at 80 958 persons.

The recent development and future growth requirements necessitate the need to increase the capacity of the Outeniqua WWTW. The area to be served by the proposed upgrades to the treatment plant include newly developed and proposed low-cost housing units for the Pacaltsdorp West zone.

 

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – WILDERNESS HEIGHTS – 15/11

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF WILDERNESS HEIGHTS – SILVER RIVER STR, SEVEN PASSES RD, ERICA STR

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2022 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 WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2022 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30

 

PUBLIC NOTICE:  LAND USE APPLICATION SUBMISSION_ ONLINE PORTAL LIVE

The Directorate of Human Settlements, Planning and Development is tasked with creating, facilitating and promoting an environment for economic growth in George. It is critically important to create and enable opportunities for progress and development for all residents and businesses in our town. As part of the change in the management process, George Municipality is undertaking a principle to ensure the ease of doing business. Key to this is Red Tape Reduction.

George Municipality already utilises several automated processes for the work required. One such automation was the process developed for building plan applications several years ago. This initiative was supported by DEDAT to great success. The implementation, roll out and use of this process made a big impact on the effectiveness of service delivery.

In mid-2021 the decision was taken to automate all processes within the built environment sections to expedite processes. These processes included the processing of Land Use Applications and an off-site portal for clients to submit and track their land use applications.

The public is herewith advised that as of this week (7 November 2022),  all new Land Use Applications must be submitted online and no further email applications will be accepted. The Portal will enable the Public to interact electronically with the George Municipality and perform a selection of services. 

  • Individuals or companies can create a collaborator account whereafter they need to register as a partner on the portal and activate their required ‘services’.  For the submission and processing of land use applications, “Land Use Services” will need to be activated.
  • All new Land Use Applications will be directly uploaded and submitted to the collaborator portal. Applicants will be able to delete, amend or upload additional documents to an existing land use application via the portal. Applicants will also be able to track and monitor the progress and status of their application at any time. The portal notifies the applicant of the status whenever an action has been completed.
  • Applicants may have peace of mind that the documents uploaded are immediately committed to the Municipality’s registry system, meaning there is minimal chance of a document being misfiled or lost.
  • All uploaded applications will have two reference numbers, one for the applicant to track the application on his account and one internal reference number  which the Municipality will use to track the application internally.  Applicants will receive both reference numbers.
  • Should your application comply, you will receive your Section 38 and Invoice simultaneously. At this point your application has not yet been circulated and  pending at finance.
  • Proof of payment needs to be  send to finance , Cheryl Langeveldt – Cplangeveldt@george.gov.za or Werner Joubert WCJOUBERT@george.gov.za, (see instruction in Section 38).
  • Finance will clear the payment and the application will be automatically send to the administrative officer and internal departments for comments.
  • You should now receive either a SMS or email, confirming proof of payment and that the application is now formally being processed. The notification will also state that you may now continue with PPP (if required).
  • Objections will still be sent to the applicant via email from the administrative officer and the reply thereon will also be send back via email to the admin.
  • Applicants will be able to track and view the progress and status of the  application at any time.
  • All other documents/additional documents must be uploaded by the applicant.

Please ensure that you register on the portal (create your profile) and familiarize yourself with the contents of the documents.  See the links below for the guidelines and portal for registration.

Click for link to Online Portal Land Use Applicationshttps://westerncape.collaboratoronline.com
Click for How to Register on Online Portal Land Use Applications https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/How-to-Register.mp4


Enquiries and complaints with regard to the online portal for Land Use application Submissions, please contact cebester@george.gov.za
The programme will be improved constantly and we welcome suggestions from users.

 

Planned Power Outage – 15/11 – Levallia

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

 THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF LEVALLIA – SAUER, STUURMAN, CHRIS APRIL STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 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 WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2022 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – 14/11 – Wilderness Heights

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF WILDERNESS HEIGHTS – SEVEN PASSES, TIEN MYL LAAN STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2022 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
TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2022 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30

Issued George Mun

EMERGENCY INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – Levallia

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF LEVALLIA – FAIRWAY, MAREE, GROWERS, VOLKWYN, WOLHUTER STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER  2022  FROM  09H00 TO 12H00 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 14 NOVEMBER  2022 FROM  09H00 TO 12H00

 

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – 15/11

 

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF HOEKWIL RD -ISLAND LAKE RESORT, ANCHOR PARK, SERPENTINE MANOR

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2022 FROM 09H00 TO 17H00 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
TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2022 FROM 09H00 TO 17H00

Issued George Mun