Author: Chantel Edwards

George Municipality has been inundated with comments regarding all the road upgrades taking place throughout the city in the past few days and this is understandable, considering the impact on all road users. George Municipality is aware of the inconvenience caused by these infrastructure upgrades but as stated a few months ago by George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, the municipality is committed to optimizing road upgrades across the city.

“George Municipality continually pursues other sources of funding to address as many issues as possible. The road upgrade projects will utilize funding from three sources over the next three financial years including George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) funding, own budget and Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding as well as in the case of the York Street Circles, private funding,” said Ald Van Wyk.

The most frequently asked question is why these road upgrades on major routes are all being implemented within a short time period and were not staggered to lessen the overall impact of road users. The main reason for this is the source of funding, and the timeframes in which expenditure must be incurred.  Grant funding has very specific conditions attached, one being the period during which the allocated funding must be spent – if the funding is not used it does not rollover to the next financial year and it is returned to the source.

With this in mind, it must also be noted that certain government departments work on the premise that if a Local Municipality achieves a certain expenditure percentage by November/December of the municipal financial year,  additional funding may be diverted from under-spending municipalities and additional grant funding can be allocated during the national adjustment budget process.

Funding received from Western Cape Provincial Government for the upgrading and maintenance of Proclaimed Roads must be fully spent by 31 December (CJ Langenhoven, York Street), while achieving expenditure targets i.e., percentage of spend achieved on the Public Transport Network Grant Funding projects (Airways, Golf, Market and Tabata Streets) places the George Municipality in a very good position to receive additional funds during the national adjustment budget process.

George has been blessed this year with large grant and external allocations, far more than in any other financial year, to upgrade infrastructure for residents. The upgrading of this infrastructure is very costly and for the Municipality to fund these upgrades would require many millions that could only be generated by drastically increasing rates and taxes as the cost would have to be funded by revenue from municipal sources. “The municipality is grateful for these additional income sources that have enabled us to upgrade overall infrastructure and pedestrian experience, which ultimately benefit business, promote investment and improves quality of life,” said Browen Johnson, Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services.

As far as is possible major construction work is scheduled annually for completion by December , or for commencement in January of the next year. George is a major tourist and holiday destination, and the annual December-January peak holiday season is also the peak economic season for many businesses in George, both big and small . Apart from its abundant natural attractions, George’s main attraction is also it’s excellent services and infrastructure. These road upgrades will significantly improve the main accesses to George, as well as other well-travelled routes.

For the duration of the construction period, Traffic officials and/or point duty officers will be utilized during peak hours where possible to try and assist with traffic flow.

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YORK STREET TRAFFIC CIRCLES
This project is funded by various private stakeholders.

Construction of the two new traffic circles in York Street next to the old tourist resort (Mount View Resort) between Hope Street Circle and the GO GEORGE Bus Depot commenced on Monday, 8 August 2022 and is expected to be completed during December 2022. These road upgrades are required to accommodate the additional traffic which is expected to be generated by the proposed Mediclinic, 1 on York and residential developments where the Crocodile Farm was previously situated.  The designs adhere to Municipal and Provincial requirements, but the project is funded by various private stakeholders.

The construction will take place in two phases, which entails the following:
Phase 1 has commenced in August 2022 and entails the construction of two “half circles” in the western carriageway. During this phase, the western dual lane carriageway (indicated in yellow) will be closed to traffic. Motorists will be diverted to the eastern dual lane carriageway (indicated in red) which will be used for two-way traffic.

Phase 2 is expected to commence in October 2022 and entails the construction of the remain “half circles” in the eastern carriageway. During this phase, the eastern dual lane carriageway (indicated in red) will be closed to traffic. Motorists will be diverted to the western dual lane carriageway (indicated in yellow) which will be used for two-way traffic.

MARKET STREET
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.
This project will see a significant positive upgrade in the Central Business District. The five phases are progressing well, noting that the project did experience ongoing challenges with intermittent and frequent rain that is always problematic with deeper excavations. The optic fibre service provider co-ordinated their installations with the works and impact on sidewalk space in certain areas, but this work has been concluded.

The full project extends from York Street to Hope Street (in 5 phases with two phases completed, one nearing completion (End of August 2022), and the latest two progressing very well (set to be completed February 2023) and includes a full rebuild and upgrade of the full road reserve and includes the asphalting of the pedestrian walkways that include the paving of the furniture zone. (The furniture zone is the area for all street furniture (benches), streetlights, waste bins etc. and acts as a buffer between the roadway and the pedestrian sidewalk.)

As far as possible direct property access is maintained with the necessary arrangements /provisions made in advance with any affected business owner via Mr Alewijn Dippenaar.  Business and property owners affected by the road construction are requested to contact Alewijn Dippenaar at dyndev@mweb.co.za or on 082 457 5675 if they have any queries or concerns, and must not communicate directly with, or request information from the Contractor’s personnel.

AIRWAY ROAD
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.
The introduction of the GO GEORGE public bus transport service and the increased traffic volumes in Airway Road has led to serious degradation of the road structure, requiring a rebuild to renew the life cycle of this important transport asset. The work consists of rehabilitation of the 600m of Airway Road, while including realignment of the traffic circles.  The project is set to be completed by mid-October 2022.

GOLF STREET
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.
The introduction of the GO GEORGE  public bus transport service and the increased traffic volumes in Golf Street has led to serious degradation of the road structure, requiring a rebuild to renew the life cycle of this important transport asset. The work consists of rebuilding the majority of Golf Street and is set to commence in the second portion of 2022, subject to the securing of sufficient funding.

TABATA STREET PHASE 2
This project is funded mainly from the Public Transport Network Grant.
The upgrading of the next portion of Tabata Street, Thembalethu, from Mfayana Street to Mbewo street (about 600m), commenced in July 2022 and the contractor is progressing with the works. This phase of construction is set to be completed end February 2023. The improvements to this main arterial through Zone 12, 13 and 15 will most certainly improve the experience of road users, pedestrians and the lives of residents.

The road, sidewalk (similar to other community routes) and stormwater system upgrades will improve vehicle and pedestrian movement and reduce flooding of the street and properties. The entire intended Tabata Street upgrade extends from the intersection with Nelson Mandela Boulevard (Fourways) to where the road re-joins Nelson Mandela Boulevard and will be implemented in phases, subject to the securing of sufficient funding.

THEMBALETHU / N2 BRIDGE WIDENING
Project funded jointly by SANRAL and the Public Transport Network Grant
This strategic upgrade is long overdue and involves the doubling of the original bridge, significant improvements to sidewalks and non-motorised transport facilities, upgraded N2 on-off ramps and the widening of Nelson Mandela Boulevard between Main/Ncamazana Streets in the north and Tabata/Ngcakani Streets in the south. It has taken more than 12 years to secure funding for this project that is now jointly funded by SANRAL and the Public Transport Network Grant. This project will see a marked improvement in traffic flow and safety of all road users, and especially residents of Thembalethu, this being the only access to Thembalethu. Construction work has commenced with an anticipated completion date in May 2024.

RESEALING OF ROADS (ASPHALT RESEALING)
Provincial Government Western Cape provides 80% of the funding for these projects
CJ Langenhoven Road and York Street are both Proclaimed Roads within the Municipal Road Network. As part of the Grant Funding for maintenance of these roads provided by Western Cape Government: Transport and Public Works (which are the Road Authority of both Roads), George Municipality was fortunate to get a significant portion of the Provincial Budget for such roads. The condition of the Grant Funding is that it be spent before the end of December 2022, which calls for an overlapping of the two projects to meet the condition. Consideration has been given to coordinate the two projects to ensure that traffic disruptions are limited to the absolute minimum. With the projects being rolled out in winter, it makes it difficult to programme night work, due to a drop in the temperature which makes it difficult to work with asphalt and the placement thereof.

Resealing of CJ Langenhoven Road (Phase 2) between Davidson Road (Provincial Hospital) and York Street has commenced and follows on Phase 1 that took place between Witfontein and Davidson Road. The remedial work will require the milling and removal of existing bituminous layers as well as milling and removal of existing gravel base layers. The milling operations will be followed by the placing of new bituminous base layers and surface layers. The above work will be carried out in half widths and CJ Langenhoven Street will be restricted to one-way traffic at times.

Traffic will be managed by means of Stop and Go or rerouted. This will lead to traffic congestion and delays. Access to businesses will be maintained, however parking between Palm Road and York Street will be impacted. Reconstruction and repairs to kerbs will have no major traffic impact. The anticipated completed date is mid- October 2022.

Similar to CJ Langenhoven Road (Phase 2), York Street also requires the milling and removal of existing bituminous layers as well as milling and removal of existing gravel base layers that will be followed by the placing of new bituminous base layers and surface layers. The anticipated commencement date is mid-September 2022 with a completion date projected by end of December 2022.

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
The impact on traffic movement varies for each project depending on the nature of the work done, and the details are published in advertisements in local print media and on the George Municipality social media channels ahead of commencement of construction. If the GO GEORGE service will be affected this is communicated by GO GEORGE champions on location as well as via the usual social media and other communication platforms. Municipal services such as water, sewer and electricity may be temporarily disrupted, and planned disruptions will be communicated via social media when required.

George Municipality has as landowner, on 2 August 2022, addressed the illegal land invasion of Erf 125/1, a portion of land which is located outside the urban edge of Touwsranten. The illegal occupation of this portion of land took place in September 2020. An interdict was issued by the court and was served on the illegal occupants in November 2021, giving 90 calendar days to vacate the property.

ERF 125/1 is an environmentally sensitive area with falls within the SANParks buffer area. The illegal settlement encroaches on water courses, critical biodiversity areas and on ecological support areas and is not earmarked for future housing developments. The eviction order was executed by the Sheriff of the Court assisted by Public Order Police, Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement Officials.

The illegal structures, approximately 219 have been demolished and the “building” materials removed have been stored at a temporary site with security for a limited period, as per the court order. Measures have been taken to assist vulnerable individuals as defined by the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, 1998.

As per the court order, the unlawful occupiers have been given an opportunity to either check their registration on the housing database, or to register, should they qualify. Municipal officials from the Human Settlements division were on hand to assist with such registration.

George Tourism is thrilled to announce that George has been nominated as Best Dorpie by the Kfm 94.5 #bestofthecapeawards together with Best Hotel: Views Boutique Hotel and Spa and
Best Pet Friendly Eatery: The Marshmellow Garden Café and Best Tourism Attraction: Redberry Farm.

“George is becoming increasingly popular as a family holiday destination and holiday makers and residents are appreciating the quality of service and the value that they receive from our top-class tourism businesses.  We encourage every user of these properties to please vote for them, so that George can take its rightful place as an excellent, value for money destination on the Western Cape, and South African stage,” said Joan Shaw, George Tourism Manager.

The best Tourist Attraction – Redberry Farm  has been nominated https://kfm.co.za/bestofthecape/categories/best-tourist-attraction

The Cape’s Best Hotel – Views Boutique Hotel & Spa has been nominated https://kfm.co.za/bestofthecape/categories/best-hotel

Best Dorpie – the town of George is a nominated https://kfm.co.za/bestofthecape/categories/best-dorpie

Best Pet Friendly Eatery – The Marshmallow Garden Café https://kfm.co.za/bestofthecape/categories/best-pet-friendly-eatery

Portfolio Councillor for Finance and Strategic Services, Dirk Wessels was delighted with the nominations and warmly congratulated all for getting this far ! “I am seeing how consistent efforts by our tourism department are reaping rewards, with more people wanting to visit George to attend more events, conferences, and activities than ever before.  With the added benefit of the Kfm94.5 and other media exposure, we are looking forward to reaching pre-COVID numbers by this summer holiday season and then growing our destination from strength to strength into the years beyond,” he said.PLEASE vote for George and our fellow George nominees on the #KFM website:  https://kfm.co.za/bestofthecape/

Voting closes on 3 August AND everyone who votes will be entered into KFM’s lucky draw to win your share of R10 000!

#BestOfTheCape #KfmBestoftheCape#George#TourismGeorge #ViewsHotel #Wilderness #GardenRoute #Winter #ViewsWelllnessEmporium #WellnessWednesday #WinterWellness
#fullbody #massage#LovingWhatsLocal #LocalIsLekker#WePromoteGluttony#redberryfarm#strawberry #thegiantstrawberry #fun #smile #happy #adventure #pictures #big #huge
#strawberries #berry #berries #holiday #landmark #new #george #gardenroute #tourism #southafrica #adventure #explore #blessed #explorer

George, Garden Route (July 2022) – Father, spouse, actuarial analyst, professional para-athlete, motivational speaker – meet Pieter du Preez, and find out how your business can be part of the fun!

Electric anticipation reigns in the inner sanctums of Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) participants and organisers, many months into the planning of this year’s event – the largest wheelchair affair of its kind in Africa.

As usual, Carpe Diem School serves as start and finish hub for a 5km fun event and races over various distances on Saturday October 15. Routes include a 42.2km marathon and 21.1km half-marathon, as well as 10km and 5km races. Carpe Diem also facilitates pre-registration and an official opening function on Friday the 14th.

After two years during which Covid 19 prevented hosting of the OCC, excitement about its 19th edition is palpable. Not only does this George institution attract participants from all over SA, but also athletes from neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Namibia, and even Ghana.

Pieter du Preez is an OCC mainstay, having attended every event since 2005 – except when he had to participate in the UCI Para-cycling world championships at the same time in 2019.

And a world champ is Pieter indeed: he was the only South African Paralympic athlete who won a medal for his country in the wheelchair division. And he’s particularly pumped up for his 16th experience of OCC camaraderie.

People inspire
Pieter says his family, his faith, fellow disabled folk, and many a sports hero have motivated him over the years. “Of course there’s also my will to win. But people in general remain my biggest incentive.

“I might inspire strangers who cross my path. They often mention this fact and usually offer some form of assistance. In turn, their feedback and helpfulness motivate me to live fully, because of the positive impact it has on others.”

Pieter believes that you don’t need to be a superhero to inspire – just be a normal person with a smile. “Even a simple thing like a smile can make someone’s day and motivate others.”

George rocks!
Pieter says that apart from George being a beautiful town to visit, he greatly admires its residents and local leadership for their willingness to host this unique event annually, to the benefit of hundreds of differently-abled participants.

“Us professional athletes constitute but a minor part of the OCC machine. The enjoyment experienced by participants in all other categories is immeasurable. Few will be able to fully understand what this opportunity – being part of something so immense – means to every participant.

“It’s always a joy to see George locals presenting a united front, and jumping in to assist. Some help to push participants who can’t get along on their own steam, and many others encourage us along the way. The patience of motorists as we take over the streets on

OCC Saturday speaks volumes about this special George community.
“We as participants are eternally grateful for this privilege we only get in George, but unfortunately nowhere else in our country. For many disabled athletes, the OCC paves the way to a Para-Olympic podium… from the horse’s mouth! Thank you, George.”

Covid-19 impact
In the run-up to the last OCC, held in 2019, Pieter was looking forward to a possible English Channel swim, and to complete a sub-12 hour Ironman. Do those goals still apply, now that C19 has given us a little bit of leeway?

“It’s wonderful that our post-C19 world has started to move a little once again. I will continue to pursue those two challenges – if life allows. The reality is that I’m going blind, so C19 has robbed me of valuable sight time.”

Pieter says he is focusing on Paris 2024, depending on his eyesight and general health: he broke his shoulder and tore ligaments in August 2020, when he went to collect his son from school and suffered a terrible fall from his chair.

“Life happens, and I’ll have to see how my shoulders and body will brave the road ahead. There will always be dreams to realise and, God willing, a sub-12 IM and English Channel swim remain long-term goals.

“But the most important thing is that we spread positive vibes en route to our destination. If we have to adapt along the way, then we’ll do just that.”

Boost your business
OCC organisers have added a special category that enables businesses to get involved: for only R3000 you can enter someone from your company in the fun run. Just provide the wheelchair and a team to push it along the 5km route.

Use this excellent opportunity to market your business with banners and brochures at the Carpe Diem School race centre, while at the same time supporting people in wheelchairs.

Visit www.onlines.co.za for pre-registration and contact Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 or dyndev@mweb.co.za with enquiries. The OCC once again enjoys generous support from George Municipality

Mandela Day activities for the George Municipality, were led by the Executive Mayor, Ald Leon Van Wyk, and members of the Mayoral Committee when they donated several items to the Phambili Women’s Refuse. The items were officially handed over to a thrilled Acting Manager Ms. Colleen Stoffels and on-site Social Worker Ms. Karen Arendse. Ms Stoffels noted that the contribution and will go a long way in providing meals and other needs for the women and children who currently occupy the shelter. Located in Rosemoor, Phambili Women’s Refuge provides shelter for women and children who have been subjected to gender-based violence.

Mayor Van Wyk implores all residents to do their part in commemorating Mandela Day and stated that communities need to support establishments such as Phambili Women’s Refuge so that we can ensure that those who are vulnerable are able to access help and can do so in a dignified way.

Office of the Municipal Manager
Dr Michele Gratz, Municipal Manager was heartened by the efforts of the various directorates noting that every little bit helps in some way. “There are so many needy organisations out there and to me it is important that our officials are actively involved within the communities they live and work in. No contribution is ever too small, as every little thing makes a difference in a person or animal’s life. Our officials will continue to build on their 67 minutes for Monday, Mandela Day with their committed and diligent service to the residents of George.”

Officials from the Office of the MM donated items to the SPCA charity shop. This charity shop located in the CBD and functions as not only an important fund-raiser for the SPCA, but also enables the community to buy quality second hand clothing, kitchen items, toys and books at reasonable prices.

Worker’s Collection Point
36 men waiting for a job at the Workers’ Collection Point situated on Industrial Avenue in George, were surprised with a cup of soup and bread thanks to two officials of the George Municipality’s Economic Development, Rosina Munroe and Amy Kearns. The Workers’ Collection Point is a central point for private individuals and businesses who wish to collect workers who have registered with the facility.

Disaster and Emergency Services
George Municipality Disaster and Emergency Services hoisted a banner in remembrance of the late President Nelson Mandela in front of the George Fire Station on Monday, 18 July 2022.

Building control and Planning
Officials in the Building Control section of the Development and Planning Directorate opened their hearts and donated soup packets to four soup kitchens in the areas of Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Parkdene and Rosemoore. The soup ingredients that the officials donated to the soup kitchens are 2x 3kg carrots, 2x 3kg potatoes, 2x 2.5kg Butternut, 2x 3kg onions, 1x 2kg Rice, 2x box soya mince, 2x soup mix, 3x spaghetti, 6x soup powder and 2x beef/chicken stock.

Internal audit and Risk
George Municipality’s Internal Audit and Risk Management offices visited the SPCA in Pacaltsdorp for their 67 minutes of goodwill. The group took with them four big bags of dog food, one small bag and some toys and accessories for the dogs. They also spoiled the workers at SPCA with some biscuits. After handing over the gifts, the officials walked around the dog area and played with the dogs in their cages. According to Barbara Madolo, one of the officials at Internal Audit, they have enjoyed the visit very much and loved spoiling the dogs.

Civil Engineering Services
The Civil Engineering Services Directorate chose to support the Rosemoor House for Battered Women and Children. They have collected clothes, toiletries, toys and food for delivery on Friday.

Community Services
Officials donated blankets and dog food to the SPCA on Mandela Day and other officials got their hands dirty and helped the cleansing teams in Blanco to clean up the litter in the area.

Finance
Finance officials donated blankets and dog food to the People’s dispensary for sick animals in Rosemoor as well as food and toys to Kingdom Kids Creche located in Blanco.

Corporate Services – Human Resources, Social Services and Uniondale
The Corporate services and HR management team all contributed towards food parcels and blankets that were delivered to Parkdene Creche and  Golden Valley creche in Blanco.  The Social Services division cleaned the house and garden of a senior citizen in Thembalethu and later held a soup drive for the People living on the Streets.  Officials in Uniondale representing all of the directorates in George, jointly organized a soup drive for children and adults in the community as well as a paint drive to update refuse bins and a clean-up in the community.