Author: Chantel Edwards

The international Blue Flag programme aims to connect the public with their surroundings and encourages them to learn more about their environment. 50 countries world-wide participate in this programme with 4831 beaches, marinas and tourism boats registered as blue flag sites.

Education activities must be offered and promoted in addition to a permanent display of information relevant to the site in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena. George Municipality printed and installed Coastal Care information boards at Wilderness Blue Flag Beach, Victoria Bay and Herold’s Bay. Educational activities would usually be aimed at the youth of George, however this festive season due to ongoing Covid-19 regulations group educational visits are not advisable. As such George Municipality is harnessing the power of social media to spread the word about the Blue Flag programme and will provide nuggets of environmental information over the next few weeks which can be read, and shared by all of our residents.

In September this year, George Municipal officials together with the Department of Environmental Affairs, EPWP workers and Pacaltsdorp Primary School used the International Coastal Cleanup theme day to clean in Covid-19 hotspots Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp. The municipal Environmental section chose to shift the focus from cleaning at the beaches, to cleaning the two communities in George that have been most affected by illegal dumping and the highest numbers of infections for Covid-19.  Flyers on the dangers of illegal dumping were handed out to residents living near the illegal dump sites to provide them with the necessary information they need to report illegal dumping as well as to educate them in the potential dangers to their health.

In October for National Marine Week 2021, SANparks visited a number of high schools in George and discussed the concept of ghost fishing with Grade 11 learners. Ghost fishing is the

term that describes what happens when derelict fishing gear ‘continues to fish’. Derelict fishing gear, sometimes referred to as “ghost gear,” is any discarded, lost, or abandoned, fishing gear in the marine environment. Ghost nets choke coral reefs, damage marine habitats and entangle fish, marine mammals and seabirds. They are also a danger to boats, catching in vessel propellers. Locating and then removing the nets is a major challenge.

Climate Change and the Oceans
According to studies from CSIR , the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that there is consensus that the increase of atmospheric greenhouse gases will result in climate change which will cause the sea level to rise, increased frequency of extreme climatic events including intense storms, heavy rainfall events and droughts. Climate change is increasing the pressure on water bodies. From floods and droughts to ocean acidification and rising sea levels, the impacts of climate change on water is intensifying over the years.

According to Conservation International some of the impacts of Climate change on sea water is a rise in sea levels. Climate change affects ocean temperatures as well as wind patterns — taken together, these can alter oceanic currents.

The Western Cape Government Climate Change Advisory 2021 states that we need to both reduce our contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (through renewable energy, energy efficiency, ‘climate-smart’ agriculture, radical re-imagining of transport and planning to name a few) whilst also adapting to the, now unavoidable, changes and preparing for a continued increase in climate impacts.

Blue Flag Season 01-12 to 31-01
Free entrance for all public

Facilities and characteristics

• Kiosk
• Disabled friendly
• Lifeguards on beach
• The beach is sandy
• The site is coastal

About the site

Wilderness Beach is one of those locations that truly lets one know that they are in Africa. Besides from the African Sun in the summertime, one can view the dense vegetation that grows right up to the beach, giving a complete wild coast feel to it. It is located between Mossel Bay and Knysna, which in themselves, are worth the trip.

This is one of those beaches that you can be enjoyed during the day and the evening. During the day one can absorb the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and the expanse of white sand, giving one all the room in the world to relax, or to run around like a wild person. A walk along this beach is a really calming experience, as well as a feast for the eyes. During the evening, one can witness some of the most spectacular sunsets, as well as a variety of sea creatures, such as the brightly coloured sea snails, that form into mass groups, and seem to enjoy their organized chaos.

Many fishermen flock to this shore, as there is apparently great fishing to be had in these parts. A variety of fish are on the menu in Wilderness, due to these fishermen, and their abundant catches.

There areplenty of accommodation venues to stay at, which are right on the beach, offering those fantastic views, from your very own balcony. This is a unique beach experience, and one that should not be missed by anyone traveling along the Garden Route.

Extract from  https://www.blueflag.global/

The electrification of 27 homes in Ikapa Informal Settlement have been finalised just before Christmas, as the final of three Short Term Urgent Electrification projects that were prioritized by Council (March 2021) using the available budget for the 2020/21 Financial year. The cost per structure for electrification is between R10 000 – R13 000 which includes a prepaid meter.

Each resident receives their own electrical prepaid meter, in their own name with power supply of 40 amps. In the photograph are from left: Kevin Grunewald, BDE Consulting Engineers; Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services, Nosicelo Mbete; home owner Ms Nosango Silangulana; Ward Councillor Thembinkosi Lento and Director for Electrotechnical Services, Bongani Mandla.

The Blue Flag is one of the most recognizable beach flags in the world and equates to the confirmation of a clean coastline and transparent ocean water. Raising the Blue Flag means offering a higher level of standard when it comes to beach and saltwater quality. Wilderness beach is one of 48 locations in South Africa that has achieved Blue Flag Status for the 2021/22 season.

George Municipality sees this award as a feather in its tourism cap, as the Blue Flag is regarded by the World Tourism Organisation as the most coveted and respected international award that could be bestowed on top beaches. Blue Flag standards are only enforced at the participating beach’s stated season, which varies from just one month of a year to the full 12 months. The status is awarded one season at a time and municipality must apply annually to renew the status of their beaches. The Blue Flag reviewing panel reserves the right to accept or withdraw membership should the qualifying criteria not be fulfilled and impromptu inspections are carried out during the festive season with no prior warning.

To achieve Blue Flag status, 33 main criteria have to be met, including:

• Compliance with Blue Flag criteria
• Information relating to local eco-systems
• Environmental Management of beaches
• Beach facilities such as parking, access points, public facilities, cleanliness
• Access for the physically disabled.
• Safety services provided on the beaches and enforcing of regulations such as no alcohol, no dogs etc.

The Blue Flag international award focuses on the environmental management of coastlines and coastal waters that aims to promote tourism and development, but is also a symbol for beach quality. WESSA rates Blue Flag status as one of the world’s most acknowledged eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. The programme provides an excellent international standard for municipalities and tour operators to strive toward.  Sites flying the Blue Flag are showing their commitment to conserving the fragile marine and coastal environment, raising environmental awareness and increasing sound environmental practices.

Wilderness beach is managed as a collaborative effort by George Municipality with key stakeholders including South African National Parks,  National Sea Rescue Institute, and GRDM. Victoria Bay and Herold’s Bay this year both gained Pilot status following application by the George Municipality.

Acting Municipal Manager for George, Dr Michele Gratz said that Blue Flag status offered many benefits besides improved tourism facilities and that the resources allocated to maintaining daily compliance play an important role in job creation. George Municipality has established a festive monitoring committee which meets daily to review facilities, safety and cleanliness at all of the beaches across George, including Wilderness Salina’s, Wilderness Leentjiesklip, Herolds Bay, Victoria Bay and Gwaing River Mouth beach.

The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022. Compliance includes high standards of water quality monitoring, public safety and lifeguard services, and well-maintained coastal amenities. South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag programme since 2001.

George Municipality in welcoming tourists to George, and as a signal to the start of our festive season will be putting up and switching on our Christmas lights soon.   Although no official event is planned for the official switching on of the lights this year, mainly due to COVID restrictions, the lights bring holiday cheer to tourists and resident alike, and our teams are working on having the lights fully operational by Friday. Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk will switch lights on at Unity Park, Saturday, 11 December at 20h00.

For those wondering about loadshedding and energy saving, please be reminded that loadshedding is essentially Eskom’s inability to provide reliable electricity. George Municipality has implemented a number of energy-saving initiatives, including the commissioning of the newly built PV Plant at the Main Municipal Building, as well as the conversion of a large part of George’s streetlights and traffic lights to LED. All municipal buildings have been converted to energy saving lights.

George is a holiday town and tourism destination for many, the switching on of festive lights plays a part in celebrating unity, joy and are a symbol of life and happiness.  They are also a beloved attraction of visitors to George, who often make a special family trip to view the lights in the different areas of George and the now famous Denneoord home displays.  We have noticed that more communities are joining in on this practice, so if you want to show off your display this year, please list your property with George Tourism by sending an e-mail to info@visitgeorge.co.za and they will put you on the viewing list.

Visitors to the Gwaiing Landfill site will be pleasantly surprised at the number of changes that have taken place over the past few months. In August this year stricter access control was implemented to address safety concerns and ten Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers were employed to assist around the site and to address safety concerns.

ACCESS CONTROL IMPROVED
All vehicles now use the access gate for the refuse transfer station, and must go over the weighbridge for weighing and then proceed via the 2^nd gate inside the transfer station, towards the Gwaiing landfill site. Every vehicle entering the facility is then recorded and weighed when it enters, and when it exits. This system enables the municipality to capture correct waste management data and complies with the Provincial Department of Environmental and Development Planning’s requirements.

• All household and office refuse must be dumped at the refuse transfer station. Only green waste, organic waste, woodcuttings, sawdust, builders rubble, construction waste and soil are permitted on the landfill site.
• No hazardous waste, light tubing, any vehicle parts, tyres, all asbestos products, e-waste, plastic or cartons  are permitted on the landfill site.

• No mixed waste: waste must be separated at the source and disposed of at the right waste facility. (Landfill site or refuse transfer station) If you are not sure ask one of the officials on duty at the weighbridge.

FESTIVE SEASON CLOSURES

The municipal garden refuse site and transfer station is closed on 25 and 26^th,  December and will be open on New Year’s day for business as usual,weekdays 7am-6pm and Saturdays 7am to 5pm. The site is situated on the R102 (airport road turn-off from York Street).  For queries contact 044 802 2296 or email cplubbe@george.gov.za

The municipality asks the public to assist and work together with the security personnel and municipal officials at these facilities to ensure that all occupational health and safety regulations, COVID -19 protocols and all licensing conditions of the refuse transfer station and Gwaiing landfill site are adhered to.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

To address the disposal of household hazardous waste, the George Municipality will host its second Open Day for the collection of household hazardous waste on 10 December, in the parking lot opposite Outeniqua Stadium, Augusta Street. Open from 08:00  – 15:00, the public to please note all Covid-19 protocols will be observed.

SUITABLE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

• Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid
  • Used antifreeze
  • Paint, paint thinner, turpentine
  • Pesticides or herbicides
  • Household batteries
  • CRTs, old TVs, miscellaneous electronics
  • Tyres
  • Fluorescent tubes and Globes
  • Household medical waste (needles and old medicine and tablets)

HAZARDOUS WASTE  NOT ACCEPTED

• Explosives
  • Ammunition
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Controlled Substances

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Bring the items you wish to dispose of in a strong box preferably in their original, labelled containers.
  • Do not EVER mix products together.
  • Be prepared to leave your containers, due to permitting requirements, and the volume of people that may utilise the program.

This is your opportunity to get rid of these items at NO COST and at a convenient, nearby location. For any enquiries, Grace Notshokovu 044 802 2917.

George Municipal Fire and Rescue Services are ready for the fire season, which officially runs in the Western Cape from December 2020 to March 2021.

George Fire Chief Neels Barnard said the municipality’s own fleet was well-equipped and the Southern Cape would once again have additional air support from its Denneoord Emergency Airbase ensuring a comprehensive response to the diverse firefighting challenges in our municipal area.

A chopper, three spotter planes and two water bombers will serve the Garden Route district from the airbase during the 2021/22 fire season with a second chopper on standby.

The municipality appeals to residents and visitors to be mindful of hot summer conditions and to act responsibly to ensure that there are no unnecessary fires to contend with during a time when emergency services are stretched to the limit.  The public is reminded that fireworks are illegal because of the fire risk and that no controlled burns are allowed until fire season is over. Always remember to make fires in protected and designated areas only and dispose of cigarette butts safely.

George Fire emergency number: 044 801 6311
General emergency number: 044 801 6300

George Municipality and the engineering community this week celebrated the success of the award-winning Garden Route Dam spillway as the dam overflowed for the first time since the spillway and dam wall was raised in 2019/20.

George Municipality Civil Engineering Services Acting Director Lionel Daniels said the heavy rainfall and flash floods that occurred on Monday had understandably overshadowed the dam’s overflowing on the same day (22 November 2021), but it remained a significant milestone in the city’s long-term water security. “There are many reasons we are celebrating this project including an increased capacity of 25% by raising the full supply level of the dam by only 2.5 metres. The ingenious duckbill-shaped spillway design improved the dam’s safety in a practical and cost-effective way that earned the designers, Zutari (formerly Aurecon), a win in the Technical Excellence category at the South African Institute of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Awards in November 2020.

“The design is relatively new in the engineering world, and as far as we know is not being used in this way in South Africa. It was extensively researched and tested at the University of Tshwane and its shape is designed to slow down water flow using basic physics principles. The design is brilliant in its simplicity and it was a real victory to see the dam overflow and the spillway working so effectively,” said Mr Daniels.

The Garden Route Dam, situated just outside the north-east urban edge of George, is the main source of potable water for the city and its capacity had become a concern as the municipal area continued to grow exponentially since the early 2000s.

In addition, the Southern Cape had experienced two major droughts in seven years, which had been unheard of in this prolific all-year rainfall area. The dam recorded its lowest ever level of 16.9% in February 2010 and again dropped to 41,2% in September 2017.

The Garden Route Dam spillway and wall project was completed in January 2020 and increased the dam storage capacity by 25% from 10 million cubic metres to an estimated new capacity of 12,5 million cubic metres.

Project details:
The previous Garden Route spillway was 25m wide, which was extended to 80m by curving the spillway in the upstream direction. The new spillway consists of a reinforced concrete cantilever structure, which is unusual for hydraulic structures of this type, as these are normally self-stable by their mass. To enhance the stability, the structure is provided with rockfill on the upstream side of the wall footing, in addition to rock anchors.

Although the full supply level (FSL) of the dam was raised by 2.5 m, due to the local terrain the tallest portion of the new spillway wall is 4.9 m tall. A total of 1,780 m3 of concrete was used (750 m3 mass concrete, 300 m3 for the walls, 390 m3 for the wall footing, and 340 m3 for the channel).

The main dam wall was also raised by 1.76m to prevent overtopping by placing earth fill on top of the existing embankment. Selected material was placed as follows: general fill (12,500 m3), rip-rap (2,500 m3), filter sand (750 m3), and topsoil (2,050 m3).

Caption
The Garden Route Dam overflowed for the first time since its spillway had been raised in 2019. The award-winning bill-shaped design increased the dam’s overall capacity by 25% by raising the spillway by only 2.5m.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk photographed at the Oewer Street repair site this morning for an update on the status of repairs. The repair work is progressing well and it is expected that the pipeline repair will be completed by 14h00. “I would like to thank the residents of George for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented weather disaster. We have now seen the extensive infrastructure damage that such flash flooding can do, with our water infrastructure taking the bulk of the force of the water.”

George measured 105mm of rainfall in a two-hour period on Monday 22n^d November which led to extensive flash flood damage to private as well as municipal infrastructure. In total George received 148.5 mm of rain from Monday to this morning (Wednesday 24 November). It is with immense gratitude that the municipality can advise that no injuries or fatalities were reported following the storm. The George Fire and Emergency Services is aware of 26 formal houses that flooded, and to date over 800 families of informal structures have been identified as  affected by flooding and requiring assistance. Emergency Services responded to one motor vehicle accident on Monday.

Roads which remain closed
Our traffic officials dealt with 10 traffic callouts from early morning on Monday, which included the closure of four roads that were completely impassable for a number of hours. Saasveld Road from Madiba Driver (Pine Lodge) to NMU is closed with extensive damage and repair work to be undertaken by Garden Route District Municipality which has jurisdiction over this road. In George itself, the Pienaar Street Bridge remains closed and the railway line opposite Correctional Services, Union street has been damaged.

Gunplast requests
The George Municipal Human Settlements directorate has worked solidly since Monday addressing requests for gunplast. Members of the public who require assistance with the supply of  “Gunplast” please register their requests as follows:

1. Telephonically report the matter to the George JOC on 044 801 6316 or After Hours 044 8016300
2. Visit your nearest Area Office or Ward /other Councillor who will report on your behalf.
3. Email to gmun@george.gov.za providing the necessary Contact Details, Names of residents affected and Street Address.
4. Log via the Municipal App, Housing Queries OR General Request with the necessary Contact Details, Names of Residents affected and Street Address

Such faults will be assigned to the Human Settlements Directorate for assessment and assistance where possible. An application form must be completed and the resident must provide an Identity Document.

Beaches, streets and rivers being cleaned, refuse collection backlog being cleared
Community Services have been hard at work cleaning up the beaches including Victoria Bay (79 black bags collected), Herold’s Bay (220) and Ballots Bay(137 ) and will continue today.. Community Services thanks members of the public who voluntarily assisted with the clean-ups. Street cleaning teams will be clearing the streets which are full of debris. Community Workers will begin assisting the municipality with the clearing of debris from the Meul, Kat and Molen Rivers today.

Refuse Collection was unable to take place on Monday due to impassable roads. The backlog for Monday will however be addressed on Wednesday 24 November, after the Wednesday areas are cleared. The refuse teams will work until the backlog has been cleared.

Water outages, roads cleared
George Municipality has experienced severe infrastructure damage following the flash flooding. This resulted in several pipebursts affecting water supply to a large portion of the city. The municipality is managing this crisis  and continues to circulate water trucks to strategic areas throughout mostly the eastern side of the city. The water situation remains critical with reservoir levels supplying the eastern and CBD areas very low. Currently Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp , Blanco, Conville, Borcherds, Lawaaikamp, Protea Park, New Levallia, Blue Mountain and surrounds are the only areas not affected by the water outage. The civil engineering road teams will also continue clearing sand and flood debris as they are able to throughout the city.

Power outages
Our electrotechnical teams have attended to over 30 high voltage repairs and countless low voltage matters over the past days. Currently the only areas that remain affected are the Strydom Line (Wilderness Heights)  which remains off due to two broken poles that will be replaced and lines repaired and a portion of Victoria Bay where one transformer needs replacement.

Humanitarian Relief
The Social Services department has spent most of yesterday collating a list of families and structures worst hit by the floods and which are located in informal settlements. This list will be used for the various humanitarian relief operations currently underway in George.  A family of 7 persons was sheltered in a Thembalethu community hall on Monday evening and have since returned to their structure.

The municipality has been inundated with offers of assistance for those affected by the flash flooding.
Any donations of food, blankets, clothing, mattresses, bedding, toiletries  can be delivered to the Garden Route Food Pantry located at 1 Glaze street, next door to Takelot depot.
Contact Carl on 0828260731 or Tillie on 0721881207 in this regard. George Municipality will handle the assigning of donations to those in need.

Municipal Offices closed, except Finance Cashier Hall

Due to lack of water supply in the city centre, all municipal administration in the CBD except the Finance/Client Services Hall in the main building, are closed. Chemical toilets are available nearby – please enquire from security as to their location should you need to use the facilities. Phones of administration staff have been transferred to relevant numbers and staff are working remotely.

George Municipality remains committed to service delivery. Thank you for your support, understanding and cooperation during the challenging time.

South African Weather Service has released a Level 4 Yellow Warning for Damaging Winds for George and other areas from Friday 26 November in the morning. Gale force winds gusting up to 80-100km/h are predicted. Updates will be issued by the SA Weather Services, please pay attention to local news and social media.

George Municipality Protection and Community Services directorates have stepped up operations in the central business district to address impacts associated with vagrancy, homelessness, and illegal trading. Ongoing efforts include cooperation from other stakeholders including national and local government departments, SAPS, NGOs, welfare organisations, and local business.

George Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz said the state of the CBD was important for the socio-economic well-being of the city. “There is significant interest from outside business to invest in George, many of whom will start their research in the CBD, which is why it is important that it is clean and safe. Business investment brings job opportunities, which in turn may address some of the social issues on our streets.”

“The municipality’s mandate for law enforcement and social services are limited as the bulk of these functions reside with SAPS and the national Department of Social Development. Municipal departments, however, have longstanding relationships with all relevant stakeholders and work with them continuously to collectively address these complex issues,” said Dr Gratz.

George Municipality Acting Director Protection Services Vernon Petersen said it had recently restructured its shift system to extend patrolling hours for Law Enforcement and Anti-Land Invasion officers beyond normal working hours to increase visibility during times when homeless people settle in for the night and vagrants move in. “The extended hours and increased visibility have had a good overall impact. Offences linked to municipal bylaws such as littering, causing a nuisance, and urinating in public have as a result also decreased and there is a notable difference in the overall appearance of the CBD,” said Mr Petersen.

Informal trading on sidewalks in the CBD is legislated, including an annual permit system, and Law Enforcement patrols there every weekday to ensure compliance to municipal bylaws.

Community Services Director Allen Paulse said several sections in his directorate were directly and indirectly involved in the CBD initiative, most notably Cleansing, Parks and Recreation and Community Development. “Several street cleaning teams are focussed on the CBD and main arterials into the city while refuse removal regularly empty litter bins and identify possible illegal dumping spots for clearing and preventative actions.”

“The municipality is grateful for support from especially neighbourhood watches to monitor problems associated with ‘sakkrappers’ (bag scratchers). As all people have rights to the freedom of movement and earning a living, this remains a complex matter for which we continue to explore holistic solutions.”

“The Community Development department established a People Living on the Streets Committee in 2018 to address the many factors associated with vagrancy and the homeless. The committee meets monthly and includes representatives from George Municipality Community Services departments, SAPS, Kids Stop (street children), Cremhog (homeless adults), and national Departments of Social Development, Health, Labour and Internal Affairs.

Community Development keeps a register of homeless people as a starting point to the possible reintroduction into society where possible. The municipal department also has a monthly outreach at night to identify new people or those who had returned to the streets after being reunited with family or society.

People and organisations interested in getting involved in long-term, sustainable, holistic solutions to issues surrounding the homeless, vagrancy and illegal trading are invited to contact Community Development on 044 802 2000 during office hours.