Author: Chantel Edwards

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.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT 40 MAJOR ROADS INTERSECTIONS ARE NOW POWERED DURING TIMES OF POWER OUTAGES

https://youtube.com/shorts/F5Bu39TIAs0?feature=share Portfolio Cllr for Electrotechnical Services, Nosicelo Mbete

Forty (40) major road intersections in George are free from Eskom’s load shedding, planned and unplanned power outages and the traffic flow continues seamlessly. Thanks to the installation of the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units that energising the traffic lights during outages.

The Electro-Technical Services team has successfully completed phase 1 of the UPS installation project. The installed UPS which amounted to R2.5 million, makes use of batteries that are charged via our electrical supply. The UPS which is eco-friendly and energy saving, automatically kicks in and operates the traffic lights should the electrical supply be interrupted for any reason with an average duration of 4 hours, before the battery needs recharging.

“This is certainly a game changer at the major traffic intersections in George during peak hour loadshedding. The UPS housing is IP65 rated which allows it to be water and dust proof,” said the Executive Mayor Ald Leon van Wyk. “The measure is one of several sustainable energy solutions the municipality is introducing to reduce the impacts associated with loadshedding, including traffic congestion and human resources such as traffic pointsmen.”

The Director for Electro-Technical Services, Mr Bongani Mandla commended the relatively small traffic lights team, who with a specialised skills set and commitment to service delivery address ongoing faults and maintenance at all traffic light intersections in the George area.

More UPS are to be installed in the remining traffic lights in the coming in the 2022-2023 financial year.

In the photograph the Mayor is seen with from left Gerrit Carolus, Superintendent Streetlights; and to his right is Thomas Scheepers, Specialised Electrician Streetlights and Edward Nqumse, Action Senior Manager Services.

At the construction site for the 20ML/d extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW) are, from left: Henry Hill (Portfolio Cllr Planning and Development), Jannie Koegelenberg (Engineer, Royal Haskoning DHV), Gerard de Swardt (Project Manager: George Civil Engineering Services), Jackie von Brandis (Portfolio Cllr Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects & BFI), Ald Leon Van Wyk and Jonathan Bernon (Construction Manager, Icon Construction).

https://youtu.be/FqbZHn9VO30
Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects and BFI, Jacqulique Von Brandis s, highlighted that water is crucial for drinking and sanitation as it sustains the health of residents, food production and healthy ecosystems.

George Municipality is the first non-metro municipality to ever receive the Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant to the value of R1.197 billion from National Treasury, effectively taking the Capital Budget over the next three years to the largest it has ever been in the history of George. The funding will be provided over the next forty (40) months for implementing the various components of the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works projects.

What is Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI)?
The BFI funding is allocated through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant, which is managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

It is well-known that there is widespread concern about the state of water and waste-water infrastructure in South Africa and that significant amounts of funding will be required to rehabilitate this infrastructure within municipalities.

George Municipality is no exception and provides water services to over 212 120 people from 62 722 households (STATSSA 2017) across 28 wards including the coastal areas of Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herolds Bay and Gwaing, as well as the rural areas of Herold, Waboomskraal, Uniondale and Haarlem.

Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering: Capital Projects and BFI, Jackie Von Brandis highlighted that water is crucial for drinking and sanitation as it sustains the health of residents, food production and a healthy ecosystems.

“With this in mind and with the continued emphasis on water security, George needs to become a water smart city. This is done through a visionary approach from Council and the administration to integrate sustainable urban planning and water management. The allocation of the BFI grant and proper budget management will make George, the city for a sustainable future,” said Cllr Von Brandis.

Skilled and innovative planning officials
The George management team recognised that the capital expenditure required to upgrade the George bulk water infrastructure to provide for the current and future developments, is significant, placing an enormous strain on the municipality’s financial resources. The initiative was taken to approach National Treasury to search for a solution.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk lauded the team of senior management and officials who put the funding application together, having only one month until the closing date for applications, and working around the clock to ensure a credible and compliant submission.

“The approval and feedback from the Department of Water and Sanitation following the application meeting, is a testament to the skilled and innovative Civil Engineering Services planning staff we have in George. The Council of George can rightly be proud of the team of senior management and officials who put together this funding application at short notice “said Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk.

Impact on citizens of George
Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz said that the impact of this funding will be immense for George and the 212 120 residents we service. Investing in water services will increase the revenue of the municipality and allow further development that increases the rates base of the municipality, allowing for investment and increasing job creation.

“This is a major milestone project for the sustainability of our city that will stimulate housing and economic development that had to be halted in recent years as bulk water and sanitation infrastructure had reached maximum capacity. The project will also eradicate the current discharge of sludge from the Water Treatment Works into the sewer system, and that has had a negative impact on downstream sewer pumpstations. Water security is required to improve the quality and amount of investment to support growth and job creation, “said Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk.

The objectives of the project are to ensure the ability to provide adequate potable water for the current population and for future developments, to provide water security of water supply, to support social and economic development and to reduce water pollution.

What are the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works components funded by BFI?The project consists of 12 components, some of which will be executed in more than one construction phase.

Component 1 and 3
The refurbishment of the existing Sludge Discharge System, Phases 1 and 2, will take place at the Eden, Meul and Schaapkop sewer pumpstations and will include a new sludge treatment facility at the Water Treatment Works, a 300m 315mm diameter sludge pipeline, an upgrade to the new Water Treatment Works pumpstation and a new 12.4km 1000mm diameter pump line.

Status:  Work is almost completed on the Schaapkop Donga Stabilisation. Construction took place to stabilise and rehabilitate the slope on the riverbank to protect the pump station from an encroaching donga that was exacerbated by the November 2021 floods, and create a safe working space for the pump station contractor. The first phase of the upgrading and refurbishment of the Meul sewer pumpstation has commenced. This contract includes a new Motor Control Centre at the Eden sewer pump station.

Component 2
The 20 Ml/d extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW).

Status: The first contract, the civil engineering component has commenced.  The tender for the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation (MEI) works has closed and is in the evaluation phase. This is the largest single component of the BFI project and is valued at approximately R500 million.

 Earthworks are almost completed, with the major excavation for the WTW extension consisting of some 20 000 metric cubes of earth material to be stockpiled on site for re-use elsewhere on other components of the BFI project as well as other possible municipal projects. Placing of concrete will commence shortly and for this purpose two tower cranes of 23m height will be installed on site.

Component 4
The Upgrading of Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply includes the replacement of the existing 600 mm diameter raw water pipeline from the intake tower at the Garden Route Dam to the raw water pumpstation, with a new 800 mm diameter stainless steel pipeline to accommodate a higher  flowrate.

Status: The preliminary design has been completed, to be followed shortly by the final design, and thereafter the procurement process to appoint a contractor.

Component 5
2 x 1100 kVA generators will be installed at the Garden Route Dam raw water pumpstation. This will mean that during loadshedding or any other power outage, raw water can continue to be pumped to the Water Treatment Works for processing for drinking water supply.

Status: The tender has closed and is in the process of being evaluated.

Component 6
A new additional 30 mega litre raw water storage balancing dam will be constructed, together with a 3.4km long 600mm diameter raw water pipeline will be installed to secure sufficient raw water storage for supply to the New Water treatment plant (11^th Avenue, Denneoord). The new raw water dam will supplement the existing storage dams for provision of raw water to the two treatment plants.

Status: The design process is progressing well with consideration of two alternative positions in order to select the most cost-effective solution.  Thereafter final designs and procurement of a Contractor will commence.

Component 7
The rehabilitation of the Old Water Treatment Works, located at 9^th Avenue in Denneoord will allow for the refurbishment of the works, with a design capacity of 25 Ml/day but currently only operating at 18Ml/day, to approximately 24Ml/day.

Status: Construction has commenced on the Upgrade of the Old Water Treatment Works to increase the treatment capacity, and further contracts have been awarded for the supply of filter sand, installing of new fencing to improve security, and a Chlorine off-gas handling facility to improve health and safety.

Component 8
Refurbishment of the Kaaimans River Pumpstation equipment will include the replacement of 2 x 100l/s pump sets, 2 x 50 to 100 l/s VSD pump sets, and 2 x 0 to 25 l/s VSD pump sets, with appropriate new pump sets, and includes the replacement of electrical control equipment. The Kaaimans Pumpstation discharges into the Garden Route Dam and can supply approximately 25% of the raw water requirement during periods of good rainfall.

Status: The preliminary design report has been completed and an alternative is being considered with more appropriate and durable pumps e that are more resistant to the abrasion caused by suspended material in the raw river water.

Component 9 and 10
The new 14,5 Ml Pacaltsdorp West Reservoir; New 3 Ml Pacaltsdorp East Reservoir, 300 kl Tower and pumpstation will address the inadequate emergency and balancing storage in this suburb.

Status: The conceptual design and proposed site layout design is nearing completion, to be followed by the detailed design. This will be done in parallel with the process to ensure compliance with all environmental requirements and the land re-zoning processes.

Component 11 and 12
A new pumpstation and control valves will be provided at the existing Thembalethu West reservoir and tower; a new 8 Ml Thembalethu East Reservoir, 900 kl tower and pumpstation will provide adequate potable water storage, and increase security of potable water supply to Thembalethu as well as provide capacity  to meet future development.

Status: The conceptual planning, system functionality and component sizing have been completed and designs can now commence.

Earthworks are almost completed, with the major excavation for the Water Treatment Works extension consisting of some 20 000 metric cubes of earth material to be stockpiled on site for re-use elsewhere on other components of the BFI project, as well as other possible municipal projects.

At the Schaapkop Pump Station, the slope on the river bank is being stabilised and rehabilitated. 

https://youtu.be/7WFwHiKwIW8

Portfolio Councillor for Community Services: Parks, Recreation and Environment Jean Safers provides an update on the construction of the Composting facility.

George Municipality started with the establishment of a compost facility in the 2019/2020 financial year. In June 2021, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries promulgated Norms and Standards for the Treatment of Organic Waste. In terms of these norms, compost facilities must meet certain standards, and one of them is that the final platform layer works must contain a concrete platform or include a clay layer within its layer structure.

Portfolio Councillor for Community Services: Parks, Refuse and Environment, Jean Safers confirmed that this construction is in line with the norms and standards for the Treatment of Organic Waste. Builder’s rubble is used to fill the ground to the desired level whereafter a layer of clay is laid on top, and the working surface will consist of a wearing course material classified as G5, according to Committee of Land Transport Officials (COLTO) specifications. The idea is that the green bags that are collected from residents every week will go into a source which will make up compost. Eventually garden refuse, kitchen waste and sludge from the sewerage works will be added to create the compost. This is all to reduce the amount of refuse going into landfill sites in the municipal area.

Work is already underway to expand the size of the platform for future use. Phase 1 of platform A of the composting will be completed in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years. Phase 2 of platform A is also underway, and the public is requested to divert and dispose of builders’ rubble at the Gwaing waste disposal facility to assist the municipality in finalising phase 2 of platform A. An attenuation pond will be constructed in the 2022/2023 financial year to treat and store stormwater runoff. Platform A will only be able to accommodate 76% of the George Municipality’s green waste. However, once platform B is built, all green waste will be accommodated. The maximum number of windrows that platform A can accommodate is 13. This equals a maximum volume of 2 486 m3. The average volume of compost produced for 6 weeks is 243 m3.

The municipality urges the public to dispose of all builders’ rubble at the Gwaing landfill site instead of dumping illegally, as the material is required to complete the construction of the compost facility. We also urge the community to use the three-bag system (black, blue and green) to the benefit of reducing the landfill footprint. All three bags must be placed out on the same day on the designated refuse collection day. The municipality intends to operate the compost facility from 01 July 2023.

In the photo from left are Wouter van Niekerk (WJ Civils), Wessel Robertson (Head: Cleansing Services), Sivuyile Mtila (Senior Manager: Environmental Services), Ald. Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Portfolio Councillor Jean Safers (Community Services: Parks Refuse & Environmental), Charles Lubbe (Project Manager: Solid Waste), and Portfolio Councillor Henry Hill (Planning & Development)

R148 million rand will be spent on major road upgrades in 2022/23 financial year with another R350 million over next 3 financial years

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said the municipality was committed to optimising road upgrades across the city. “Due to budget constraints, the George Municipality is forced to prioritise roads in poor to very poor condition. We continually pursue other sources of funding to address as many issues as possible. These 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,” said Ald Van Wyk.

“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 improve quality of life,” said Browen Johnson, Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services.

Universally Accessible
Acting Director for Civil Engineering Services Lionel Daniels confirmed that the municipality will not just upgrade the road during such projects. Underground services such as stormwater and sewerage lines will also be upgraded  as well as the rehabilitation of roads used by buses and other heavy vehicles.  The existing road pavement structure is reviewed and the surface of the pavements, the kerbs and obstructions on the sidewalks are addressed to allow for universal accessibility, a cornerstone of the GO GEORGE bus services.

How are roads selected for upgrade
The George Municipality’s Pavement Management System (PMS) is a planning tool for the maintenance and repair of the entire George municipal road network to optimise road conditions, and is used to prioritise roads for upgrading, repairs and rehabilitation in the George municipal area.

As part of the compilation of the PMS, each road is investigated by specialised pavement engineers and its condition classified from very poor (high priority) to very good (low priority). Factors considered during the classification process are the structural, aesthetic, surface and formation condition as well as traffic volumes and functional class of the road. Integrated Development Plan (IDP) requests and the number of complaints registered per road also plays a role.

From the investigation, treatment options are specified for each road which could vary from a diluted emulsion, minor patching and crack seal to asphalt, rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement with brick paving and more. Further to the above, although a road may be regarded as high priority, it may be postponed depending on the municipality’s ability to afford the proposed remedial work.

Alternatively, a road that was regarded as ‘good’ may deteriorate very quickly to poor, for instance after flooding and/ or sudden increase in heavy vehicular traffic. Constant monitoring and evaluation are therefore required and may result in the reprioritisation of roads.

Below is a breakdown of projects planned in the 2022/23 financial year and outer years:

Roads (GIPTN) (Budget allowed)

• Golf street (Phase 1 & 2)- Rehabilitation of 1,5 km of Golf Street between Circular and Main Street, design in process with construction planned for end of September 2022 (Value – R15 921 000)
• Tabata street Phase 2 – Rehabilitation of 600m Tabata street (Phase 2) (Value – R15 437 100), Construction to commence beginning of June 2022
• Market street (Phase 4 & 5) – Rehabilitation of 450m of Market Street (Phase 4 &5) (Value  -R20 192 500), Construction to commence 24 May 2022
• Airways Road and associated circles – Rehabilitation of 650m of Airways Road and amendment of three circles to commence 28 May 2022 (Value – R2 500 000)
• Mission Street -Rehabilitation of800 m of Mission Street Road surface between kerbs (Value – R4 500 000) and work to commence beginning of June 2022
• Memorium Street – Rehabilitation of100 m of Memorium Street Road surface between kerbs (Value – R1 500 000) and work to commence end of June 2022
• Triumph/Park Street intersection rehabilitation (Value – R1 250 000)
• PW Botha Rand Street extension, upgrading of the intersection to accommodate the Metro housing development. (Value – R5 500 000)

Roads (GIPTN) designs, awaiting budget allocation:

• Rose Street                                         R20 000 000
• Beukes Street                                    R15 000 000
• Fiskaal Road extension                  R12 000 000
• PW Botha Street                              R64 000 000
• Ngcakani Street (Phase2 – 4)        R59 000 000
• Tabata Street (phase 3 -5)            R40 000 000

Road upgrades funded by Private Developments

• York Street Circles – Construction to commence end of June 2022 (Value – R35 000 000)
• Sweetpea Intersection upgrade. Value to be determined following the design approval.
• Kingswood / R102 Road link – Value to be determines following the design approval.
• Kraaibosch Road Network upgrade – Construction of Road 2 & 3 in terms of the Kraaibosch Road Model.  Value to be determined following the design approval.

Roads (MIG funded)

• Ngcakani street (Phase 1) – R25 000 000 (subject to MIG appraisal approval)
• Rebuild of Streets in Greater George– R7 000 000
• Reseal of Streets – R10 000 000
• Upgrading of existing roads in Delville Park – R10 000 000
• Rooidraai Road: Repairs to Slip Failure – R18 000 000
• Peters Road: Repairs to Slip Failure – R1 500 000
• Remedial Works to Whites Road – R2 500 000
• Upgrading of Saagmeul Street – R8 500 000
• Paving of Roads in Haarlem – R3 000 000

https://youtube.com/shorts/MEYT1QJregE?feature=share
Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services, Browen Johnson discusses the R500 million upgrades to take place on our roads over the next three years.

Friday 24 June saw a total of 75 mm rainfall measured before 8am and a further 30mm for the rest of the day.

George Joint Operational Centre
The George Municipal Joint Operational Centre was activated at 08h30 and received numerous complaints relating to storm damage . Fire fighters assisted with 27 callouts where sandbags were provided as well as two minor accidents on the Outeniqua Pass and a pedestrian knocked down.

Houses reported flooded – formal and informal
Flooding was extensive in Wilderness with a number of formal houses reported on Southside Street and Anchorage Street.

Businesses and homes were affected in Hope St, Merriman St, Market St, Courtenay St and the Industrial area. Two formal houses in Herold’s Bay had walls collapse. A high number of informal houses were reported as flooded. A total of 35 complaints were received by our Human Settlements division who supplied 180 pieces of gunplas to homeowners.

Stormwater, Water and Roads Complaints
Our Civil Engineering Services division was kept extremely busy with 42 sewer related, 43 water related and 70 road and stormwater related complaints received from Thursday evening to Friday 16h30.

Electrical outages
Various areas experienced power outages due to the weather conditions including the Airport line, Herold’s bay, Tamsui, Groeneweide Park, Airport Road, Proefplaas, Hansmoeskraal, Oubaai, Pacaltsdorp, Bos En Dal, George South, Portion George Industrial, portions of  Thembalethu and Erf 325. These outages were further exacerbated by ESKOM announcing Stage 4 Loadshedding at 11h00 on Friday 24^th. A total of 212 complaints from Thursday evening until Friday evening relating to electrical issues were received.

Roads Temporarily closed
A number of roads were either temporarily closed due to the flooding or warnings were issued to drive with caution. Those briefly closed including Southside Street and Anchorage Street in Wilderness, Hope Street, Union Street and one lane of Courtenay Road was also temporarily closed. Warnings were issued for Victoria Street, Merriman Street, CJ Langenhoven Street, Market Street and St Leger Street.

Refuse Collection delayed
Refuse Collection was delayed due to the heavy rainfall and only started after 11h00. Collections that could not be finished on Friday 24 June were addressed on Saturday 25 June in Loerie Park, CBD businesses, shopping centres and businesses in Wilderness. The Landfill Site was also closed for access on Friday due to localised flooding preventing access to the area that is open for building rubble and garden waste.

The entrances into George were cleaned on Saturday and Sunday and all sidewalks and parking areas were cleared of debris caused by the heavy rain by a team of 59 EPWP worker and their co-ordinators.

Damage to municipal infrastructure
Certain municipal offices had to be closed due to flooding creating a danger of electrical fire. These included the New Housing offices and Social Services Offices.