Author: Chantel Edwards

Water Quality – 7 January 2022, 12h00
Issued George Municipality

Water samples for the Touw River have returned all clear – Acceptable Limits for full contact.
Swimming and Water Sports is permitted at all areas of the Touw River including River Mouth and Lagoon within designated swimming areas.

George Municipality reported a sewerage spill at the Ebb and Flow pumpstation on the 24th December 2021. The spill was treated and testing of the river water was undertaken in three areas (upstream, lagoon and river mouth) on a daily basis to monitor the water quality for the safety of residents and visitors, as well as any possible impact on the Blue Flag Beach at Wilderness.

Testing has continued throughout the festive season and erratic results received were cause for concern. George Municipality thoroughly reviewed our Ebb and Flow Sewerage pumpstation equipment and Incident Alert System and have ruled out further failure. A comprehensive investigation of all private and business conservancy tanks has been launched.

This investigation has to date revealed a number of private homeowners who are non-complaint i.e. either allowing their conservancy tanks to overflow and/or having illegal connections thereby contaminating groundwater and stormwater which discharges into the river. Responsible homeowners have been alerted to where there are issues for rectification and action will be taken against non-compliant homeowners.

We thank those residents who have willingly allowed our officials access to their property. Legal action can and will be taken against those property owners who with no valid reason, refuse George Municipality access to their property. Our officials are wearing identifying tags and will provide the homeowner with a letter indicating reason for their requiring access. The full investigation is expected to be concluded within the next 10 days.

Residents and visitors are reminded that the potable water in Wilderness area remains completely safe as the intake from the Touw river that feeds the Wilderness Waster Treatment Works is above the waterfall with a supplementary feed to Wilderness from George.

George Municipality together with SANparks has faced queries for alleged pollution this season and are working together to address and rectify the problem. The consistent water quality testing and subsequent investigation should result in a successful solution.

The Wilderness area holds great natural beauty, diverse and fragile eco-systems and is one of the Garden Route’s largest tourism drawcard. SANparks and George Municipality are committed to protecting and retaining this natural attraction and ensuring it is safe for all residents and visitors.

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6 January 2022, 13h45

Water samples for the Touw River have returned showing non-compliance for the River.

NO SWIMMING OR WATER SPORTS PERMITTED IN THE RIVER

Swimming and Water Sports ONLY PERMITTED at River Mouth and Lagoon area between Lifeguard Flags.

We ask the residents and visitors to adhere to safe swimming rules and follow instructions of the Lifeguards in the designated areas.

George Municipality continues to investigate the cause for non-compliance and water sampling will continue to monitor water quality with updates provided.

The public are reminded that lifeguards currently remain on duty at Gwaing Beach, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Wilderness Leentjiesklip, Steps. Lagoon and Wilderness Salina’s on a full-time daily basis until 31 January 2022. They are at beaches in the George municipal area from 7 am-7 pm every day, including weekends and public holidays.

We strongly advise the public not to swim before 7am or after 7pm when lifeguards are no longer on the beach.

Wilderness – No swimming under the bridges, in the Mouth of the river due to dangerous currents and deep slopes, left of the Main Beach, at Kleinkrantz due to no lifeguards present.
Public swimming pools in Conville and Uniondale remain closed as a Covid-19 precaution.

PLEASE SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS AT BEACHES AND OBEY LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTIONS.

NSRI 082 990 5955
Fire 044 801 6300
Disaster Centre 044 801 6316

Issued George Municipality, 5 January 2022

The public is reminded that following three large pipe failures last week (27 December 2021) the George bulk water distribution and storage system is still recovering.

The Annual Average Water Demand (AADD) during the year is 32 Megalitres per day. From the 15^th of December 2021, the AADD was 36 Megalitres per day, but over the past 5 days, it has reached an all-time high of 39.5 Megalitres per day.

Residents should note that although the DAM LEVEL remains at 100%, this is RAW WATER storage and not POTABLE or DRINKING WATER supply. The raw water is treated at the George Old and New Water Treatment Facilities prior to the distribution to our potable water storage reservoirs and reticulation system.  The current water demand is higher than the production rate at these facilities.

RESIDENTS are requested to continue using water sparingly to allow our reservoirs to reach their full storage capacity.

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY DAM WATER UPDATE: 5 JANUARY 2022
Dam level: 100%(unchanged)
Estimated level at new dam wall height: 100%
Rainfall since 29 December 2021: 9mm
Demand/usage: 39,561 megalitres

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

31/12 @ 09h30
PUBLIC NOTICE: WATER OUTAGE – Update on Blanco and Malgas Pipebursts
Issued George Municipality

BLANCO Drinking(potable) water pipeline and Malgas Raw Water Pipeline
The Blanco drinking water pipeline (450mm) repair is completed and the line has been operational since last night. All residents should have water.

The bedding of the Malgas raw water supply pipeline continues and the gradual startup of the Malgas Pump Station is planned for late afternoon today. Refilling of the pipeline will take time before the pipeline can become fully operational.

RESIDENTS MUST PLEASE NOTE that the loss of stored drinking water in our main and Blanco reservoirs still need to be replenished. This will take a minimum of 3-5 days once the Malgas Pump Station is back online. Water pressure may remain poor in certain areas for the next 3 days.

RESIDENTS are requested to continue using water sparingly for at least the next THREE DAYS (3). We have noted that consumers ARE NOT REDUCING their use of water at all. The municipality will continue throttling our reservoir supply with water balancing. Residents throughout the city may note an effect on water pressure which will only be addressed once the entire network has stabilized.

30/12 @ 17h15
PUBLIC NOTICE: WATER OUTAGE – Update on Blanco and Malgas Pipebursts
Issued George Municipality

BLANCO Drinking(potable) water pipeline and Malgas Raw Water Pipeline
The Blanco drinking water pipeline (450mm) repair as well as the Malgas Raw Water Pipeline repair have been completed. Backfill of the Blanco 450 mm pipeline site has been completed and currently a 110mm pipe connection is being used to refill the 450mm with water. This is a slow process and will only be completed at approximately 20h00 this evening, after which the pipe can slowly be put under pressure.

A large portion of Blanco continues to be supplied with water from a smaller 200mm supplementary pipeline. Water trucks are not being utilized and will be withdrawn. Should anyone urgently require water they must please contact after hours number 044 8016300.

A reminder that the Blanco reservoir levels are very low and will also take time to replenish to an acceptable level.

Backfill is still in process at the Malgas Raw Water Pipeline site and the municipality with teams of WOF officials have used about 80 cubic meters of sand in the process. This process will continue till late tonight and the line is only expected to be opened tomorrow morning once the Blanco line is fully operational and deemed stable. The Malgas line provides 18Ml of raw water supply to the balancing dams and supplements the main 600mm raw water pipeline from the Garden Route Dam. The 600mm raw water pipeline is fully operational.

WHERE TO REPORT
044 801 6300

RESIDENTS MUST PLEASE NOTE that once the pipeline is fully operational the loss of stored drinking water in our main and Blanco reservoirs will still need to be replenished. This will take a minimum of 3-5 days. Water pressure may remain poor in certain areas for the next 3 days. RESIDENTS are requested to continue using water sparingly for at least the next TWO DAYS (2). The municipality will continue throttling our reservoir supply with water balancing. Residents throughout the city will note an effect on water pressure which will only be addressed when the entire network has stabilized.

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30/12 @ 10h00
GARDEN ROUTE DAM Raw water pipeline
The Garden Route Dam raw water GRP pipeline (600mm) repair has been completed. Both water pumps from the Garden Route Dam are operating at full capacity and the raw water supply to the Water Treatment Works is sufficient. RESIDENTS MUST PLEASE NOTE that once the pipeline is fully operational the loss of stored drinking water in our reservoirs will need to be replenished. This will take a minimum of 3-5 days and the water pressure will remain poor for the next 3 days.

DRINKING WATER CAPACITY as at 10h00, 30 December
The current daily demand for drinking water remains at 36Ml and regrettably residents have made no attempt to use water sparingly. The current production of drinking water stands at 38Ml per day and our reservoirs require refilling to adequate storage capacity.   RESIDENTS are requested to continue using water sparingly for at least the next TWO DAYS (2). The municipality will continue throttling our reservoir supply with water balancing. Residents throughout the city will note an effect on water pressure which will only be addressed when the entire network has stabilized.

BLANCO Drinking(potable) water pipeline and Malgas Raw Water Pipeline
The Blanco drinking water pipeline (450mm) repair as well as the Malgas Raw Water Pipeline repair have been completed with the assistance of Bitou and Oudtshoorn Municipal teams. Today the contractor is on site together with 20 Working on Fire Officials assigned by Garden Route District Municipality and will continue the process of backfilling with sandbags (60 cubes of sand has been ordered).

Once there is assurance that there is no movement the pipeline can be slowly reopened to test the integrity. Blanco continues to be supplied with water from a smaller 200mm supplementary pipeline however we are aware of the areas who do not have water and as such the Water Trucks (drinking water) will remain in place.

The Malgas line provides 18Ml of raw water supply and and supplements the main 600mm raw water pipeline. This pipeline will only be reopened once the Blanco Drinking water pipeline is fully operational.

WATER TRUCKS
Millies Superette – 1 truck
Blanco Community Hall – 1 truck
NG Church parking lot – 1 truck
Vrugte Street – 2 trucks

WHERE TO REPORT
If you have NO water please call in to the George Civil Engineering Services Call Centre 044 801 9262/6 – please provide contact details, street address and time when water supply stopped. PLEASE DO NOT REPORT LOW WATER PRESSURE – this is to be expected and we are fully aware of the issue.

THANK YOU
George Municipality would like to extend a warm thank you to the Garden Route District Municipality, Oudtshoorn, Bitou and Mossel Bay Municipality for their quick response and assistance during the busy festive season. We appreciate the willingness and generosity of spirit.  

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29/12 @ 18h00

Progress is being made with the three major pipe bursts that have occurred in George over the past 24 hours. The residents and visitors to George are requested to CONTINUE USING WATER SPARINGLY for the next three days (3)  as the pipebursts will affect water supply and drinking water storage capacity for the city.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM Raw water pipeline
The Garden Route Dam raw water GRP pipeline (600mm) repair has progressed extremely well today. The testing of the repair is expected to start around 19h00 this evening with one pump from the Garden Route Dam to run from 20h00 and both to be running at full capacity by 08h00 tomorrow morning (30 December).  This pipeline is the main supply of raw water to our balancing dams which in turn provides raw water to the Water Treatment Works for purification. Once the pipeline is fully operational to the balancing dams the public is reminded that the loss of stored drinking water in our reservoirs will need to be replaced. This will take a minimum of 3-5 days and the water pressure will remain poor for a few days. 

BLANCO Drinking(potable) water pipeline
The Blanco drinking water pipeline (450mm) repair continues and is not expected to be completed until tomorrow.  Currently Blanco is being supplied with water from a smaller 200mm supplementary pipeline however not all areas are receiving water and as such the Water Trucks (drinking water) will remain in place.

WATER TRUCKS will remain in place at positions below until 19h30 tonight. They will be in place as of 07h00 tomorrow morning (30 December).
Millies Superette – 1 truck
Blanco Community Hall – 1 truck
NG Church parking lot – 1 truck
Vrugte Street – 2 trucks

MALGAS Raw water pipeline
The repair to the Malgas raw water (500mm) pipeline that pumps raw water from the Malgas River to the balancing dam continues and is expected to be finished by tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. The Malgas line provides 18Ml of raw water supply and and supplements the main 600mm raw water pipeline.

DRINKING WATER CAPACITY as at 18h00, 29 December
The current daily demand for drinking water remains at 36Ml. With the Garden Route Dam raw water pipeline back online as of tomorrow (30 December) this will allow for the production of 38Ml per day.  RESIDENTS are requested to continue using water sparingly for at least the next THREE DAYS (3) as we remind you that our reservoir storage capacity has been affected by the water outage and no water purification being undertaken. The municipality will continue throttling our reservoir supply with water balancing. Residents throughout the city will note an effect on water pressure which will only be addressed when the entire network has stabilized.

WHERE TO REPORT
If you have NO water please call in to the George Municipal After Hours Number on 044 801 6300, or the Garden Route Disaster Management Call Centre (24/7) on 044 805 5071. Please provide contact details, street address and time when water supply stopped. PLEASE DO NOT REPORT LOW WATER PRESSURE – this is to be expected under the circumstances..

An update on the situation will be provided tomorrow morning by 08h30.

THANK YOU
George Municipality would like to extend a warm thank you to the Garden Route District Municipality for the provision of water trucks as well as for making the Working on Fire officials available to assist with labour on the GR Dam pipeburst. The WOF team has worked extremely hard today and we appreciate them. We would also like to thank Oudtshoorn and Bitou Municipality for providing us with two Water teams to assist our officials, and Mossel Bay Municipality for allowing us to fill our tanker with drinking water at the Great Brak River Fire Station.

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29/12 @ 14h00

George Municipality has three major pipe bursts that have occurred over the past 24 hours. The residents and visitors to George are urgently requested to USE WATER SPARINGLY over the next 48 hours as the pipebursts will affect water supply to a large portion of the city.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM Raw water pipeline
The Garden Route Dam raw water GRP pipeline (700mm) that feeds the balancing dams burst early this morning. This pipeline is the main supply of raw water to our balancing dams which in turn provides raw water to the Water Treatment Works for purification. This pipeline burst has a major impact on the water supply for the entire city.

Repairs at the Garden Route Dam are progressing well with a contractor on site, together with additional assistance from Working of Fire officials. The Garden Route pipeline requires specialist knowledge in terms of repair work.

BLANCO Drinking(potable) water pipeline
The Blanco drinking water pipeline (450mm) burst 24 hours ago and has subsequently been repaired twice, it has now burst again for a third time at 2am this morning (29 December) and the municipal team is on site. The estimated time of repair is late this afternoon. Currently Blanco is being supplied with water from a smaller 200mm supplementary pipeline. Water Trucks (drinking water) are in place. Details below.

MALGAS Raw water pipeline
The Malgas raw water (500mm) pipeline that pumps raw water from the Malgas River to the balancing dam was fully repaired and in the process of being reopened. A second burst has however halted the process and this setback means that the final repair will be delayed again by 24 hours.

DRINKING WATER CAPACITY as at 13h30, 29 December
The municipality calculated the available drinking water this morning at 08h00 at 61Ml, inclusive of the Malgas line 18 Ml. With the Malgas repair now delayed again there is only 43 Ml supply of DRINKING WATER in our reservoirs and the current daily demand is approximately 36 Ml. This has made the situation even more urgent and we again plead with residents to heed our call to use water sparingly – don’t wash your car today, delay doing your washing, do not water your garden.

PLEASE ONLY USE WATER FOR ABSOLUTE NECESSITIES
The municipality has with immediate effect started throttling our reservoir supply with water balancing and residents will note that water pressure is affected. As the full network slows down there is the possibility that the outer lying areas will experience no water at all.

WHERE TO REPORT
If you have NO water please call in to the Garden Route Disaster Management Call Centre (24/7) on 044 805 5071 or George Municipal Civil Engineering Services Call Centre 044 801 9262/6 – please provide contact details, street address and time when water supply stopped. PLEASE DO NOT REPORT LOW WATER PRESSURE – this is to be expected and we are fully aware of the issue.

WATER TRUCKS are stationed at:
Millies Superette
Blanco Community Hall
Redberry Farm turnoff for surrounding residents
Fancourt
Cnr of Vrugte and Violet Street
A further update will be provided at 18h00.

Civil Engineering Services continues to appeal to the public who are aware of or see any visible water from what appears to be a burst pipe, to urgently report to 044 8019262/6 so that we can inspect and assess as quickly as possible.

Three major water pipe bursts over 24 hour period
Issued George Municipality

George Municipality has identified further infrastructure damage clearly resulting from the flash flooding that took place on 22 November 2021. Three major pipe bursts have taken place over the past 24 hours. The residents and visitors to George are urgently requested to USE WATER SPARINGLY over the next 48 hours as the pipebursts will affect water supply to a large portion of the city. The municipality is managing this crisis. Please note further details below.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM Raw water pipeline
The Garden Route Dam raw water GRP pipeline (700mm) that feeds the balancing dams burst early this morning. This pipeline is the main supply of raw water to our balancing dams which in turn provide raw water to the Water Treatment Works for purification. This pipeline burst has a major impact on the water supply for the entire city.

BLANCO Drinking(potable) water pipeline
The Blanco drinking water pipeline burst 24 hours ago and has subsequently been repaired twice, it has now burst again for a third time at 2am this morning (29 December). A team will be on site shortly to reopen and start working on repairs.

MALGAS Raw water pipeline
The Malgas raw water (500mm) pipeline that pumps raw water from the Malgas River to the balancing dam has been fully repaired. The George Civil Engineering teams will start this morning to systematically reopen the pipeline to ensure that the repair has held. This process will take several hours until certain that the repair is holding and the pipeline can be used to pump at full capacity into the balancing dam.

DURATION OF REPAIRS – GR Dam / Blanco
The repair timeline, subject to there being no additional problems is a minimum of 36 hours. Our teams have been working non-stop for 24 hours already and additional resources are being called in to assist. It must be noted that the Garden Route pipeline requires specialist knowledge in terms of repair work.

DRINKING WATER CAPACITY as at 08h00, 29 December
The municipality has 61 mega litres supply of DRINKING WATER in our reservoirs and the current daily demand is approximately 36 Ml. We ask that residents PLEASE heed our call to use water sparingly – don’t wash your car today, delay doing your washing, do not water your garden. PLEASE ONLY USE WATER FOR ABSOLUTE NECESSITIES
PLEASE USE WATER SPARINGLY
The municipality has with immediate effect started throttling our reservoir supply with water balancing and residents will note that water pressure is affected. As the full network slows down there is the possibility that the outer lying areas will experience no water at all.

WHERE TO REPORT
If you have NO water please call in to the Garden Route Disaster Management Call Centre (24/7) on 044 805 5071 or George Municipal Civil Engineering Services Call Centre 044 801 9262/6 – please provide contact details, street address and time when water supply stopped. PLEASE DO NOT REPORT LOW WATER PRESSURE – this is to be expected and we are fully aware of the issue.

The municipality is ensuring a supply of water trucks is available should they be required, but we hope that with your assistance and a reduction in the daily use of water, this will not be required. A further update will be provided at 13h00 and again at 18h00.

Civil Engineering Services continues to appeal to the public who are aware of or see any visible water from what appears to be a burst pipe, to urgently report to 044 8019262/6 so that we can inspect and assess as quickly as possible.

We remind the public that you have three days only to take up our offer of a FREE 10 Point Check for your vehicle on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5th January 2022 (08h30 -15h30). Bring your vehicle to our VTS on the corner of Hibernia Street on the dates listed above and please note the policy will be first come first served.

The 10 Point inspection includes:

• Identification of vehicle
• Lights
• Equipment and Body structure
• Braking Systems 
• Wheels and Tyres
• Suspension and undercarriage 
• Steering 
• Oil leaks
• Exhaust System
• Transmission 

The full inspection will take approximately 10 minutes and you will be free to go with a clear bill of health – or know that something needs to be repaired before you leave for that long drive.

Safety is our first priority – make use of the opportunity to ensure you and your family travel safely this festive season.

SAFETY TIPS

Check that vehicle is roadworthy before you start your journey 

Carry the necessary equipment and tools to assist you on the road in case of breakdown 

Have enough rest before you start your journey and take a rest every 2 hours 

Adhere to all road signs and rules of the road

Maintain a safe following distance

Adhere to and stay within the speed limits

Follow instructions that are given by Law enforcement or Traffic Officials

No overloading of passengers because it affects the braking system of the vehicle

Have the necessary contact numbers in case of emergency

Be patient towards other road users 

Issued George Municipality, 29th December 2021

In memorium of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu who was a champion for truth and justice in our nation the Condolence Book placed at the George Library last week, will be available for today before being removed and returned. Please use today to pay your respects by signing and leaving a message. He will always be remembered for his humanity, faith, conviction and passion for his country.

George Library 044 801 9288
Monday to Thursday 09h00 – 19h00
Friday 10h00 – 17h00
Saturday 09h00 – 12h00

Issued by George Municipality 30 December, 11H00

George Municipality wants all residents and visitors to enjoy a safe and peaceful festive season. To that end our Law Enforcement Officials aided by 30 beach monitors continue to enforce and implement the ZERO TOLERANCE OF ALCOHOL ON OUR BEACHES.

Beachgoers should take note that NO DRINKING is allowed at beaches, any open space, car parks, in or outside vehicles at these places. Law Enforcement will adopt a policy of ZERO TOLERANCE for any person who wants to enter the beach areas under the influence of alcohol, who tries to enter the beach area with alcohol and/or use alcohol while on beaches.

To date alcohol to the value of R1450 has been confiscated, alcohol to the value of approximately R15 890 has been returned to persons who left the beach and/or returned it to their vehicle. The official confiscation notice is completed in terms of Section 8(1) to (5) of Street Trading By-laws and is handed to the person offending.  George Municipality then officially hands the confiscated alcohol over to SAPS who logs receipt thereof and stores it for a period of 30 days. The person issued with the notice is entitled to collect the alcohol within that 30 days from SAPS. Once the 30 days has expired, SAPS issues a Disposal Notice and the alcohol is destroyed. No alcohol confiscated remains in possession of the George Municipality.

We encourage all beachgoers to assist our officials in ensuring that their day at the beach is a safe and pleasant experience. Neighbourhood Watches, Community Police Forums, George Traffic Services, Provincial Traffic Services as well as SAPS also work closely with the Municipality with regards to Community Safety.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited on all beach areas under the control of the George Municipality which include Herold’s Bay, Gwaiing River Mouth, Victoria Bay, Wilderness, and Leentjiesklip areas.

Issued George Mun, 30 December 2021

George Municipality Law Enforcement in collaboration with George Fire Brigade, SAPS and George SPCA has visited a total of 100 shops in the greater George as from the 17 December. Fines to the value of R 44 000 (18 fines) have been issued to date (as at 30 December) and illegal fireworks confiscated with an approximate retail value of R19 056.

We remind the public that due to the high fire risk, the setting off, and possession of fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area is not allowed. The fireworks confiscated by our Law Enforcement Officials will be handed over to the SAPS Mossel Bay Explosives unit for disposal. Confiscation notices are issued to the offending shops.

George has strict firework legislation and according to the Bylaw on Community Safety, Section 58 (13) No person may discharge fireworks outside of a designated Fire Works Area. No Fire Works area has been made available in George and should someone be caught discharging a firework, a flare or lighting a Chinese lantern an immediate fine of R1000 is applicable as well as a potential charge of arson.

Setting off marine rocket flares for fun is hugely dangerous and irresponsible. NSRI is compelled to log and investigate each and every incident in case it is a real emergency which of course takes up their time and valuable resources and, more seriously, could detract from genuine flare sightings. It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, which, as they are quite costly, we suspect are also probably out of date.

Marine guidance notes explain that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly.
Rocket flares degrade with time and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute and you are left with an uncontrolled flare which then comes back down and hits the person who has fired it off.

George Municipality will firmly enforce the applicable by-laws and additional Law Enforcement officials will be deployed at various areas and beaches on New Year’s Eve to attend to fireworks complaints. This will hopefully assist in reducing the noise levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for “noisy” periods thus allowing for a quieter, safer environment for all concerned. For some pets, especially dogs and cats with particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses. Some pets will go to extremes to hide, others get startled and run away, and general anxiety caused by unexpected loud sounds can have long-lasting effects on animals.

Please report the illegal setting off of fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.
Please report the illegal trade in fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.

FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

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In the lead up to New Year’s Eve, George Municipality has visited a total of 26 shops in the greater George area over the past 11 days, issued six (6) fines totalling R14000 and confiscated illegal fireworks with an approximate retail value of R9200. We remind the public that due to the high fire risk, the setting off, and possession of fireworks, fire crackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area is not allowed. The fireworks confiscated by our Law Enforcement Officials will be handed over to the SAPS Mossel Bay Explosives unit for disposal.

George has strict firework legislation and according to the Bylaw on Community Safety, Section 58 (13) No person may discharge fireworks outside of a designated Fire Works Area. No Fire Works area has been made available in George and should someone be caught discharging a firework, a flare or lighting a Chinese lantern a fine of R1000 is applicable as well as a potential charge of arson.

Setting off marine rocket flares for fun is hugely dangerous and irresponsible. NSRI is compelled to log and investigate each and every incident in case it is a real emergency which of course takes up their time and valuable resources and, more seriously, could detract from genuine flare sightings. It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, which, as they are quite costly, we suspect are also probably out of date.

Marine guidance notes explain that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly. Rocket flares degrade with time and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute and you are left with an uncontrolled flare which then comes back down and hits the person who has fired it off.

George Municipality will firmly enforce the applicable by-laws and additional Law Enforcement officials will be deployed at various areas and beaches on New Year’s Eve to attend to fireworks complaints. This will hopefully assist in reducing the noise levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for “noisy” periods thus allowing for a quieter, safer environment for all concerned. For some pets, especially dogs and cats with particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses. Some pets will go to extremes to hide, others get startled and run away, and general anxiety caused by unexpected loud sounds can have long-lasting effects on animals.

Please report the illegal setting off of fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.

Please report the illegal trade in fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.

FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

The George Municipal Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) is again offering a FREE 10-Point Check for your vehicle from 8 January 2024 to 12 January 2024 (08h30 -15h30).

Bring your vehicle to the VTS situated at Hibernia Street, George on the dates listed above and please note that the first-come, the first served rule will apply. Visitors are welcome!

Bring your vehicle to the VTS situated at Hibernia Street, George on the dates listed above and please note that the first come, first served rule will apply.

The 10 Point inspection includes:
• Identification of vehicle
• Lights
• Equipment and Body structure
• Braking Systems
• Wheels and Tyres
• Suspension and undercarriage
• Steering
• Oil leaks
• Exhaust System
• Transmission

The full inspection will take approximately 10 minutes and you will be free to go with a clean bill of health – or know that something needs to be repaired before you leave for that long drive.

Safety is our priority – make use of the opportunity to ensure you and your family travel safely this festive season.

SAFETY TIPS
Check that vehicle is roadworthy before you start your journey
Carry the necessary equipment and tools to assist you on the road in case of a breakdown
Have enough rest before you start your journey and take a rest every 2 hours
Adhere to all road signs and rules of the road
Maintain a safe following distance
Adhere to and stay within the speed limits
Follow instructions that are given by Law enforcement or Traffic Officials
No overloading of passengers because it affects the braking system of the vehicle
Have the necessary contact numbers in case of emergency
Be patient towards other road users

ENDS.

Update on water quality – 28 December 2021 at 15h00

Water samples taken late yesterday afternoon have failed for the Touw River, and as a precautionary measure SWIMMING and WATER SPORTS are again not PERMISSIBLE in the river, at the river mouth or the lagoon.

Water sampling will continue to be taken twice daily to monitor water quality and as soon as the situation has stabilized the municipality will advise the public accordingly.

The Municipality apologises for this unforeseen event.

Issued by George Municipality

All George Municipality offices will close at 13h00 on 31 December 2021 with the exception of the Traffic Department, Vehicle Testing Station and Motor Vehicle Registration offices that will close at 12h00. Emergency and other essential services will continue during these periods.

EARLY CLOSURE @ 12H00 for  31 December (all customers within gates will be assisted)

• Traffic Department Offices, Driving and Learners Licences:
  Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp 044 878 2400
• Vehicle Testing Station
  Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9312
• Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
  Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310

All after-hours George Municipality (including Uniondale and Haarlem)emergencies: 044 801 6300
Fire Emergencies: 044 801 6311
General public email for all matters: gmun@george.gov.za
Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours)

Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments:

Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), via pay@ mobile applications (see details below) and at Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave and SPAR. Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

Meter readings
Online submissions of water meter readings are welcomed and can be provided via the below email address along with the accountholder’s name, contact details and GRG account number.

Consumers must please note the change in email address to meterreadings@george.gov.za.
Account related enquiries: accounts@george.gov.za

Bank Details for electronic payment (please note bank details changed 1 December 2020)

First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Reference: your GRG account number (please enter your account number without the GRG in front and without any spaces in-between)
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

pay@ mobile applications
Download Masterpass, Snapscan or Zapper application on your mobile phone and complete your profile.

You can also use the following link for payment of your account:
https://payat.io/qr/11413

Prepaid electricity purchases
www.prepaid24.co.za
https://home.ontec.co.za
www.ipay.co.za

Pre-paid electricity queries to Itron/Ontec: 044 873 5474
Emergency credit control queries (063 699 5998)

Please note the George Municipal Court is closed for the remainder of today (22 December 2020) due to Covid-19 measurements and will reopen on Monday, 3 January 2022 from 7h45

Representations can still be dropped at the entrance to the court, security will accept. The prosecutor will continue to process representations – Email to ifelix@george.gov.za

George Municipality has been made aware of refuse workers asking members of the public for donations. Please note that no municipal official may ask for a gratuity or any money in lieu of services rendered. We request that the GM Number on the vehicle is provided to our Community Services Directorate when reporting any such requests to 044 802 2900. Should you want to give a token of appreciation voluntarily that is in order.