Author: Chantel Edwards

George Municipality Library Services is among the first in the Western Cape to be part of an international reading programme aimed at cognitive and emotional development in children.

Launched during a workshop in George in March 2020 but delayed because of Covid-19 lockdown, the ‘Dialogic’ book-sharing programme saw its first community implementation at a soup kitchen in Syferfontein informal settlement last week (4 November 2021). The programme is a collaborative effort between George Municipality Library Services, The Seven Passes Initiative and the Mikhulu Child Development Trust.

‘Dialogic’ book-sharing uses specially designed picture books to encourage interaction between an adult and a young child. Parents/caretakers are trained how to use the books in an active exchange, led by the child, and how to be attentive to the child’s interests and communication.

George Library Services Manager Rachel Williams said the Syferfontein project was a pilot testing site where parents/caregivers would each be loaned a specially designed book which they could take home for a week. Participants must spend at least five minutes every day with their child using the picture books and return the next week to be assessed and collect a new book. “This programme will run over the next seven weeks. If proven successful, the programme may be systematically rolled out at libraries across the municipal area.

“Dialogic book-sharing can play an important role in the development of cognitive skills, improved focus and attention of the child, while building vocabulary and confidence, and strenghening the bond between parent/caregiver and child,” said Ms Williams.

Caption
Pacaltsdorp librarian Eurogene Carolus (standing) hands out books to participating adults at the Syferfontein book-sharing programme last week.

George Municipality is facing an uphill battle with ongoing illegal connections and vandalism of electrical infrastructure. An incident in the early hours of Thursday 4 November is currently under investigation following the death of one man and injury and subsequent hospitalisation of another, while alledgedly  attempting to steal a copper earth bare conductor.  SAPS has opened a case of inquest into the death, and George Municipality has opened a case for theft and damage to municipal infrastructure

Theft and vandalism of infrastructure
The continual targeting of municipal electrical infrastructure by cable theft, damage to kiosks, and illegal connections is a highly concerning matter to the municipality, as such incidents affect electricity supply to the rest of the community during the repair period, incur extremely high repair and replacement costs, loss of revenue as well as in this case loss of life. It is extremely important that SAPS, Municipal Law Enforcement, officials, community leaders and residents work cohesively together, to fight this issue of theft and vandalism in our communities.

In the past four months alone, George Municipality has opened 20 cases of either theft or vandalism and more than eight arrests of individuals have been made due to the integrated approach and collaboration between various stakeholders. The average cost to the municipality in terms of repair and replacement over the past six months is over R1 million rand.

In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, George Municipality has a responsibility to maintain a safe electrical network and for that reason a service provider has been appointed to clear illegal connections, on an as and when basis. Municipal officials are unable to work on or maintain the network unless all illegal connections on the line have been cleared.

Report offenders
The municipality asks that law-abiding citizens take it upon themselves to report illegal connection activities to SAPS as soon as they see them taking place. Legal consumers should also seriously consider how these illegal connections affect them and their families. An illegal connection not only puts the perpetrator in danger of electrocution, risking injury and death but also the rest of the community. Illegal connections should be reported to 044 801 9222 or after hours on 044 801 6300.

Dangers of illegal connections
The dangers of illegal connections have consistently been re-emphasized to the communities of George, with such actions having cost several lives in recent years. These connections lie across pathways and walkways where anyone passing can easily be electrocuted. An additional risk is that illegally connected wires can also make contact with other items such as roofs, gutters and washing lines, making these items live and able to conduct electricity.

The human body can only withstand about 50 milli-ampere (less than 1% of the current drawn by an average kettle) through it, before a medical condition called ventricular fibrillation sets in. To safeguard people against this, each house with legal electricity and a tariff meter is fitted with an earth leakage protection unit.  Children can easily be killed, due to their lower weight, because of illegal connections not having earth leakage protection.

An electricity connection is considered illegal when it is connected to the George Municipal network without the organisation’s permission. Wires are connected to a mini-substation or overhead pole. The forms of electricity theft include illegal connections, illegal electrification schemes and meter tampering and bypassing. These illegal electrical thefts are mostly in areas where illegal informal structures are built.

Where people have connected themselves illegally, George Municipality will continue to actively find the perpetrators and lay criminal charges against them. In terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015, a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years can be given, as the interference with, and damage to Municipal property, can be regarded as sabotage.

Reward for information leading to successful prosecution
George Municipality will pay a reward of R2500 to any person who offers information on vandalism and theft incidents, and which information leads to the successful conviction of the perpetrator in a court of law.  The paying of a reward is legal in terms of the MFMA (Municipal Finance Management Act) and is seen as a necessary step to combat the expenditure on the repair of vandalized and stolen infrastructure. These assets are managed by the municipality on behalf of the public and it is George Municipality’s request to all of our residents to assist us in looking after and protecting these assets.

The public can contact the Anti-fraud toll free number 0860 044 044 or report vandalism and theft verbally, by email or to any of the municipal or SAPS telephone numbers. The member of public reporting will have to supply their name and contact details as their testimony may be required for the successful conviction of the perpetrators. The identity of those providing assistance will be protected.

George Municipality calls on the community to please assist us in eradicating theft and vandalism, to allow the municipality to improve service delivery levels and continue to improve the quality of peoples lives.

Report Illegal connections to 044 801 9222 or after hours on 044 801 6300. Report to 0860 044 044 with details to be eligible for the reward.

A 90-year-old woman, Martiena ‘Meisie’ Pietersen, yesterday signed transfer documents for a historic house in Pacaltsdorp in which she has lived for 70 years.

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk paid a visit to Aunt Meisie yesterday to help her complete the paperwork for the house. She is one of six households signing transfers for houses known as the Urban’s properties, which the former Pacaltsdorp Municipality had bought for the purposes of subdivision and sale to the then inhabitants many years ago. The transfer had never taken place and the George Municipality had inherited the properties when the local authorities amalgamated in 1995.

Ald Van Wyk said the Urban’s houses were estimated to be about 100 years old and the municipality had hoped that it could make some repairs to the homes before transfer. “George Municipality had pursued options to fund repairs via government grants because Council did not have the finances to make such repairs itself, but there were no grants applicable to these types of housing.

“George Municipality did not want to delay transfer of ownership any longer, especially since most inhabitants are elderly and the municipality wanted to ensure the rights of the current beneficiaries as well as their legal heirs.

“Officials of the Provincial Department of Human Settlements have confirmed the houses are structurally safe and liveable, but the municipality will continue to assist the new owners to obtain funding through other government or organisation programmes,” said Ald van Wyk.

Aunt Meisie said she was grateful that she would finally own the house she had spent her life in. “Thank you to everyone at the municipality that has helped to make this happen after so many years.”

Caption1
Martiena ‘Meisie’ Pietersen in her favourite chair in the house for which she signed transfer documents yesterday. She has lived in the house for 70 years.

Caption2
George Municipality Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk help Aunt Meisie with the paperwork for the transfer of her house after living there for 70 years.

George Municipality will be hoisting a Blue Flag and putting up two Pilot Blue Flag boards at local beaches for the 2021/22 summer season.

Wilderness Beach has regained full Blue Flag status after two years of Pilot status following a change in criteria and Covid-19 implications. Victoria Bay and Herold’s Bay this year both gained Pilot status following application by the George Municipality.

Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services. In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA).

George Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz and George Municipality Manager Parks and Recreation Nosidima Vumindaba received the flag and boards at a WESSA function in Hermanus yesterday (27 October 2021).

Dr Gratz said Blue Flag status offered many benefits including improved tourism facilities, enhanced management of coastal ecosystems, increased awareness of the coast and capacity building of coastal municipalities. “Local and international tourism to our region have taken a major knock since the start of Covid-19 and impacted countless local livelihoods. Blue Flag status has significant international merit and achieving these accolades are important to stimulate and confirm international and high-end interest in the city and district as a desirable, quality tourism and lifestyle destination.”

“We thank Garden Route District Municipality for their role in the application for Wilderness, as well as other roleplayers such as SANParks Garden Route National Park who shares jurisdiction of Wilderness beach with the George Municipality.”

“We look forward to achieving full Blue Flag status for Victoria and Herolds Bay in the near future and will continue working with other relevant roleplayers to ensure compliance.”

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 has started procurement processes for the development of major drinking water infrastructure projects in anticipation of national funding over the next few years.

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said application had been made to National Treasury for a Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) funding of approximately R 1.1 billion for the second and third phases of the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works project. To qualify the project must be ‘shovel ready’ meaning that they must be ready for immediate procurement, contracting and construction, by the time funding becomes available.

“We await formal announcement of an initial allocation of R81.345 million grant funding for the 2021/22 financial year as a Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant. We are grateful for the treasury’s faith in the municipality as a responsible recipient of grant allocation funds and are committed to provide services in line with the city’s ongoing needs as one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country.

“This is a major milestone project for the sustainability of our city that will stimulate housing and economic developments that had to be halted in recent years as bulk water and sanitation infrastructure had reached capacity. The project will also eradicate the current sludge spillage in municipality’s river and dam water sources, in turn, improving the water quality of the municipality.”

The entire project includes an extension of the current water treatment works (WTW) by an additional 20 million litre (Mℓ) per day plant; remedial works to downstream pump stations impacted by current WTW sludge discharged into the network; pipework extensions and upgrades; reservoirs for Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu; a back-up generator for the Garden Route Dam to ease supply of water to balancing dams during power failures, raw water pump station upgrades, an additional 30 Mℓ balancing dam; (6) and an on-site sludge dewatering facility.

Phase one of the project was completed earlier this year and included the upgrade of the sludge pumping station at the New WTW.

The BFI submission is for the extension of the George water treatment capacity to be implemented over two phases over three years (2022 – 2025): Phase 2 is an additional 20 Mℓ/day extension to the New George WTW and Phase 3 is an additional 30 Mℓ balancing dam at the New George WTW.

The road, providing access to Rosedale and the new Erf 325 housing development is approaching completion with the final road surface having been completed last week. Road markings will be added within the next few days.  Additional funding was utilised to create a universally accessible sidewalk on the northern side of the road (Rosedale side), which is also scheduled to be completed within the next two weeks.

The public is reminded to still treat the area, especially the sidewalks,  as an active construction site, until the full construction works have been completed.  Once the road marking has been completed, the GO GEORGE bus service will return to the normal schedule.

The Municipality would like take this opportunity to thank the residents and road users for their patience during the construction phase.

From right to left is Dean Jacobus (V3 consulting engineers); Ryno Schraader (V3 consulting engineers );Melvin Roelfse (Ward councillor); Sybrand Otto (Entsha Henra); Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor); Jacky von Brandis (Portfolio councillor Civil Engineering Services); Ricus Fivaz (Project Manager, George Civil Engineering Service)

Executive Mayor for George, Leon Van Wyk visited the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works (OWWTW) on Monday  25 October, to review the construction works underway for the upgrading and capacity extension of the plant . This project was initially delayed due to contractual matters and again later with the onset of Covid-19 and the subsequent challenges introduced by lockdown.

Certain materials had to be imported and international travel restrictions due to the pandemic resulted in material shortages. The construction programme was however revised as a result to allow for new interim deadlines while still completing the project within the approved project timelines.

“This significant upgrade is essential for the ongoing growth we are experiencing throughout George and the increased capacity from 15Ml/dl to 25Ml/d  will provide us with the ability to continue with construction activity and development to move forward at a fair pace going into the future,” said Ald Van Wyk.

Two of four new aerators has been installed on the old works’ carousel activated sludge biological reactor. Each has a 130 kW motor on top of the gearbox, which is connected below the concrete slab to an aerator. This combination adds air to the water to dissolve oxygen for bacterial growth in the water to enable aerobic biological treatment of the sewage.

The concrete platforms and beams had to be rehabilitated and retrofitted with carbon strips to provide additional reinforcement for the new heavier aerators to be installed on the existing platforms. Two of the four new aerators are already operational and the concrete remedial works under way on the two remaining bays to allow the installation of the other two new aerators.

The construction of this mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works contract is being executed in three distinct components i.e. the inlet works, the carousel (refurbish existing 15 Ml/d reactor) and completion of the equipping of the new 10 Ml/d reactor. All of these components  are due for completion in February 2023 while the first two components are expected to be fully operational by May 2022. For the most part the Civil engineering construction is  nearing completion and only some roadworks remain.

The waste skips for screenings and grit will be housed inside the new skip handling building, after the screenings and grit has been washed and compacted, in order to allow for air collection from the building and to pass this air through the odour control system, where the air is to be treated to a less odorous state before being released back into the environment through the chimney.

The 10 Ml/d new reactor is the main component for the provision of additional capacity at the plant. The component was also constructed in phases and the civil engineering structures were completed previously including the concrete structures of the reactor and settling tanks plus the building to house the blowers and motor control centre.

The first of four new aerators has been installed on the old works’ carousel activated sludge biological reactor.

Inside the new skip handling building with mechanical new equipment showing in the background. From left to right: Gerard de Swardt ( George Municipality, Project Manager), Jannie Koegelenberg (RHDHV, Project Manager), Luvoyo Dondolo (Khubeka Construction, Health & Safety), Cllr Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor), Irwin Ross (Khubeka Construction Civil & Building, Member/Contract Manager) Dion Kuter ( WPCP , Contracts Manager)

Onsite are from left to right: Cllr Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor), Jannie Koegelenberg ( RHDHV, Project Manager), Dion Kuter (WPCP, Contracts Manager), Gerard de Swardt (George Municipality, Project Manager).

Executive Mayor, Leon Van Wyk announced today that for the 2021 Festive Season, safety and service delivery will be key focuses for the municipal administration of George. To ensure a smooth festive season, a multi-disciplinary Season Committee will meet daily Monday to Friday, online, to discuss all problems being experienced and to find immediate and reasonable solutions where possible. The Season Committee will start on 1 December and continue operations to mid-January 2022.

Municipal departments will all be represented and meet daily with all role players, including SAPS, Tourism and other tourism-related role players, SanParks, NSRI, Lifeguard representatives, and more to ensure optimal service delivery standards during the festive season and to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to George and surrounds. Topics will include lifesavers, parking issues, safety, service delivery in terms of refuse collection, water and electricity, traffic and management of beaches.

OPEN OVER FESTIVE SEASON
The municipal offices will remain open throughout the Festive Season operating Monday to Friday from 07.45am – 4.30 pm apart from weekend and Public Holidays:
16 December 2021 – Public Holiday and offices are closed.
27 December  – Public Holiday and offices are closed

Please note Covid-19 Regulations apply and offices will clearly indicate the number of persons allowed in at any given time. Where possible, the public is encouraged to continue using our online services.

All essential services will be provided during this time. The Municipal Call Centre will be operational and all service delivery matters can be reported either on the Municipal App, 044 801 9111 or admin@george.gov.za. Emergencies must be reported to 044 801 6300 and Fire to 044 801 6311.

LIFEGUARDS
Lifeguards will be deployed at Gwaing Beach, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Wilderness Leentjiesklip and Wilderness Salina’s on a fulltime daily basis from 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2021.

TRAFFIC
George Traffic Services will actively patrol all municipal areas in collaboration with Western Cape Provincial Traffic over the festive season with regular roadblocks to be set up at various strategic points in and around George. We appeal to motorists and road users to always obey all road and traffic rules and to exercise patience during peak traffic, especially during the busy holiday period. An additional 30 pointsmen/women will be addressing congested traffic intersections from 1 December to 31 January to ease traffic flow.

BEACH MONITORS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
George Municipality will strictly enforce no alcohol allowed on our beaches and the George law enforcement officers will be augmented by at least 30 Beach Monitors who will start service as of the second week of December to assist with beach patrols and bag checks. 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 as well as the SAPS also work closely with the Municipality with regards to Community Safety.

DOGS
The following beach areas under the control of the George Municipality which include Herold’s Bay, Gwaiing River Mouth, Victoria Bay and the Leentjiesklip areas do not allow dogs on the beach although dogs are allowed on the sidewalks of the beach areas but must be on a leash. Wilderness Beach from the estuary onwards falls under the control of SANPARKS and as such they have an infographic which clearly demarcates where dogs are allowed and where not. In terms of the Municipal Bylaw no dog or other animal may be in any public street or public space (any open public space the public has access to which falls under the George Municipal jurisdiction for example parks, sport fields, beachfronts ( not on the sand) and sidewalks) unless on a leash and under control.

FIREWORKS
Due to the high fire risk, there is a general ban on the setting off, selling and possession of fireworks, fire-crackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area. Fines of R300 may apply, all fireworks will be confiscated. Report Fireworks to Law Enforcement on 044 801 6350/6300 and Fires to 044 801 6311.

REFUSE COLLECTION
Refuse Collection black, blue and green bags will continue throughout the festive season including public holidays. The CBD cleaning crews will work throughout with an extension of their hours as and when required. As with previous years, an additional Saturday Refuse Collection for businesses (restaurants) will start on 1 December and end 1 January 2022.

George Municipality held ‘Information Jamborees’ in New Dawn Park and Pacaltsdorp today.

The initiative is the second in a series of pop-up sessions in which service departments set up in communities to provide information and deal with complaints. Areas in which new government subsidised housing projects have been completed are being prioritised for now to assist new beneficiaries with building-related issues that might have come up since they have occupied their new homes. The sessions, however, are open to all residents.
The municipal departments Housing, Community Development, Cleansing, Libraries, Civil Engineering Services (water, sanitation and streets), Finance, Electrotechnical Services, Tourism, Traffic and GO GEORGE were represented.
George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk, who visited both sites this morning, encouraged locals to make use of the one-stop initiatives to address as many service-related issues as soon as possible.

Caption
Environmental Services staff from left Grace Notshokovu, Abongile Nontshikiza and Jody Stuurman promoted the municipality’s recycling programme.

TO THE MATRICS OF 2021
The 27th of October 2021 marks the beginning of a new phase in your young and budding academic careers. You will be starting your final examinations. Despite all the challenges you have faced over the past couple of years, you have worked hard and fought hard to get to this stage.

The Covid-19 pandemic has helped prepare you for life’s challenges that are often tough. It is now time for you to use this very same tenacity as you face this next challenge. These exams are twelve years in the making and represent the culmination of your journey as a learner. For this reason, it is extremely important that you study hard and prepare yourselves to the best of your ability for the task that lies before you later this month and next month. As a young person in our country, you have an important role to play in shaping our societies and it starts here.

There will be nerves, this is the case for each of us when we encounter something new or unknown, but do not be discouraged. It will be good to keep calm during the exams. Stay focused, keep your eyes on the prize – to achieve great results that will open doors for you and shape your entire future.

Matric class of 2021, this is your moment. Use the time you have been given to prepare, wisely. You have the backing, well wishes, thoughts and prayers of this entire George municipal area behind you.

Do not be discouraged, face this challenge, and conquer it.
Good luck to all of you, make us proud.

Your Executive Mayor, Leon Van Wyk

AAN DIE MATRIEKS VAN 2021
Die 27ste Oktober 2021 is die begin van ‘n nuwe fase in jul jong en ontluikende akademiese loopbane, dit is die begin van jul finale eksamens. Ten spyte van al die uitdagings waar voor julle die afgelope paar jaar te staan gekom het, het julle hard gewerk en hard baklei om hier uit te kom.

Die Covid-19 pandemie het julle voorberei vir die lewe se dikwels moeilike uitdagings. Dit is nou tyd om hierdie volharding in te span om die volgende uitdaging die hoof te bied. Hierdie eksamens is twaalf jaar in wording en verteenwoordig die hoogtepunt in jou reis as leerder. Dit is daarom uiters belangrik om hard te studeer en jouself tot die beste van jou vermoë voor te berei op die taak wat later hierdie maand en volgende maand voorlê. As ‘n jong persoon in ons land het jy ‘n belangrike rol om te speel in die vorming van ons samelewing, en dit begin nou.

Daar sal senuwees wees, dit is vir ons almal die geval wanneer ons iets nuuts of onbekends teëkom, maar moenie moed verloor nie. Dit sal goed wees om kalm te bly tydens die eksamens. Bly gefokus, hou jou oog op die prys – om uitstekende resultate te behaal wat vir jou deure gaan oopmaak en jou hele toekoms gaan vorm.

Matriekklas van 2021, hierdie is julle oomblik. Gebruik die tyd wat jul gegun is om goed voor te berei. Julle het die steun, goeie wense, gedagtes en gebede van hierdie hele George munisipale gebied.

Moenie moed verloor nie, kyk die uitdaging vierkantig in die oë en oorkom dit.
Sterkte aan julle almal, maak ons trots.

Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Leon van Wyk

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk recently visited the municipality’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) control room which is currently undergoing extensions.
There are more than 500 cameras located across the city that feed into the control room and are monitored to protect municipal property, identify criminal activities and/or situations that may lead to unlawful actions.

Ald van Wyk said that while he was visiting the control room suspicious activity was identified alongside the road and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and SAPS were contacted to investigate. A suspect was subsequently arrested for alleged attempt of cable theft. “As was clearly illustrated during my visit, the need for ongoing expansion of the CCTV network is important and continuous investment into such technology essential.”