Author: Debra Sauer

We are aware of the occasional sewer odour affecting the Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, and Thembalethu areas in recent months. After investigating, we found that the issue is primarily due to challenges with the oxygen supply demand system at the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and the additional residual (sludge) being received from the Water Treatment Works (WTW) situated in Denneoord.

What Is Causing the Odour?
• The WTW is currently discharging residual (sludge) into the wastewater system. This is a temporary measure until the WTW upgrade is complete, which will include a proper residual (sludge) dewatering handling facility.
• The Outeniqua WWTW is struggling to properly treat this waste due to two broken oxygen supply pieces of equipment , which help break down organic matter and reduce odours.
• Repairing this oxygen supply equipment is complex, and no contractors in South Africa are able to assist. We are now working on having them repaired abroad. In the meantime, a new oxygen supply demand system has been ordered as a temporary solution.

What Are We Doing About It?
• We have adjusted the treatment process to divert most of the flow to the recently built treatment module which operate more effectively.
• This change has already reduced the odour, and the situation will continue to improve as the system stabilises.
• The new oxygen supply equipment is expected to be in place by May 2025, ensuring better long-term odour control.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue.
Customer Services at Civil Engineering Services: 044 801 9262/6 (7.45am-4.30pm)
After hours: 044 801 6300

Openbare Kennisgewing: Hantering van rioolreuke in Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale en Thembalethu
Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit 2 April 2025

Ons is bewus van die rioolreuk wat af en toe die afgelope maande in die gebiede van Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale en Thembalethu voorkom. Na ‘n ondersoek het ons bevind dat die probleem hoofsaaklik veroorsaak word deur uitdagings met die suurstofvoorsieningstelsel by die Outeniqua Afvalwaterbehandelingsaanleg (WWTW) en die bykomende afval (modder) wat vanaf die Waterbehandelingsaanleg (WTW) in Denneoord ontvang word.

Wat veroorsaak die reuk?
• Die WTW stort tans afval (modder) in die rioolstelsel af. Dit is ’n tydelike maatreël totdat die WTW-opgradering voltooi is, wat ’n behoorlike afvalontwateringsfasiliteit sal insluit.
• Die Outeniqua WWTW sukkel om hierdie afval behoorlik te verwerk weens twee stukkende suurstofvoorsienings-eenhede, wat help om organiese materiaal af te breek en reuke te verminder.
• Die herstel van hierdie toerusting is ingewikkeld, en geen kontrakteurs in Suid-Afrika kan hiermee help nie. Ons werk tans daaraan om dit in die buiteland te laat herstel. Intussen is ’n nuwe suurstofvoorsieningstelsel bestel as ’n tydelike oplossing.
•
Wat doen ons daaromtrent?
• Ons het die behandelingsproses aangepas om die grootste gedeelte van die vloei na die nuutgeboude behandelingseenheid te herlei, wat meer doeltreffend werk.
• Hierdie verandering het reeds die reuk verminder, en die situasie sal bly verbeter namate die stelsel stabiliseer.
• Die nuwe suurstofvoorsieningstoerusting word teen Mei 2025 verwag, wat beter langtermynbeheer oor die reuk sal verseker.

Ons waardeer die publiek se geduld en begrip terwyl ons hierdie kwessie oplos.
Kliëntedienste by Siviele Ingenieursdienste: 044 801 9262/6 (7:45-16:30)
Na-ure: 044 801 6300

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 90,02%
Rainfall for the previous days: 3 mm (Measured from 25 – 31 March 2025)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

The Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis this afternoon tabled the Draft George Municipality’s 3rd review of the 5th Generation Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2022 – 2027.

“At the heart of this IDP lies our unwavering commitment to good, clean, and responsible governance and service delivery. We are focused on ensuring financial stability, accountability, and integrity in all that we do. The plan sets clear goals, measurable objectives, and performance indicators, allowing us to track our progress, adapt to emerging challenges, and ensure that we remain on course toward achieving our vision.”

Read more: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025_03_26-IDP-Tabling-for-Mayor-final.pdf

Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis today tabled the George Municipal Multi Year Draft Budget for 2025 to 2027/28 noting that this is a budget for every single person in this municipal area, across all 28 of our wards.

“George Municipality is growing, and our residents should be included as the biggest benefactors of this growth. This budget, is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all of our residents, ensuring sustainable development, and fostering economic growth, in a manner that is suitable for all.”

Read more: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025_03_27-Budget-Speech-Final.pdf

GM Mayoral Speech: Tabling of 2023/24 Annual Report
Issued George Municipality, 27 March 2025

Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis this morning tabled the 2023/24 Annual Report at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 27 March 2025. In her tabling speech she noted that Council’s vision to position George as a national, competitive and globally connected business hub is an ambitious one.

“Howerver, through our focus on SMART technology, resource efficiency, and strategic land use, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable future. By prioritising higher densities within our city, we are not only strengthening urban efficiency but also enhancing accessibility to opportunities for all of our residents. A prime example of this vision is our GO GEORGE Transport system (GIPTN), which has proven be a vital lifeline, connecting people to economic and social opportunities.

As a municipality, we are deeply committed to building safe, inclusive communities. This is evident in our work to provide excellent service delivery, ensuring that basic services are accessible not only in our formal urban areas but also in informal settlements and backyard dwellings. This commitment will ensure that future generations will inherit a city that is resilient, responsive and abundant with opportunities.”

Follow the link: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025_03_27-Annual-Report-Tabling-for-Mayor.pdf

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING _ YOU TUBE LINK
Please join us for the Ordinary Council Meeting today, 27 March 2025 at 10:00 AM.

👉 Click on the below link to access the live stream via our YouTube Account

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 91,60%
Rainfall for the previous days: 10 mm (Measured from 19 – 24 March 2025)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.
Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 91,60%
Rainfall for the previous days: 10 mm (Measured from 19 – 24 March 2025)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

📢 PUBLIC NOTICE 📢

📌 Issued by George Municipality

February’s Illegal Dumping Campaign a Resounding Success! 🎉

📖 READ THE GEORGE MUNICIPAL NEWSLETTER – Volume 77, MARCH 2025 EDITION
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/7fte2c8c

🚮 Februarie se Onwettige Storting-Veldtog ‘n Oorweldigende Sukses!

📖 LEES DIE GEORGE MUNISIPALE NUUSBRIEF – Volume 77, MAART 2025 UITGAWE
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/7fte2c8c

Issued George Municipality, 20 March 2025

A planned construction activity of the Thembalethu East Reservoir, initially scheduled to take place on weekdays, will also
include Friday, March 21, 2025, and Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 07h00 to 16h00.

SERVICE DISRUPTION:

Minor operational interruptions can be expected during the construction works. Advance notifications of planned temporary disruptions and the effects thereof will be issued via social media.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:

Residents, road users, and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution during the construction period. Please adhere to flag persons, temporary construction works and road signage.

ACCESS TO SITE:

Access to the construction site will be strictly controlled. In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, no members of the public will be allowed in the construction area.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES : Mr Andre Scheepers – 044 801 9492 (Technical)

: Mr Alewijn Dippenaar – 082 457 5675 (Public Liaison Officer)

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to the public to be patient and exercise caution throughout the construction period. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

A planned construction activity of the Pacaltsdorp East Reservoir, initially scheduled to take place on weekdays, will also include Friday, March 21, 2025, and Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 07h00 to 16h00.

SERVICE DISRUPTION:

Minor operational interruptions can be expected during the construction works. Advance notifications of planned temporary disruptions and the effects thereof will be issued via social media.

 TRAFFIC IMPACT:

Residents, road users, and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution during the construction period. Please adhere to flag persons, temporary construction works and road signage.

ACCESS TO SITE:

Access to the construction site will be strictly controlled. In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, no members of the public will be allowed in the construction area.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES   : Mr Andre Scheepers – 044 801 9492 (Technical)

: Mr Alewijn Dippenaar – 082 457 5675 (Public Liaison Officer)

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to the public to be patient and exercise caution throughout the construction period. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Update:Eskom confirms that loadshedding was suspended at 5:00 today, as previously communicated.
Issued on behalf of Eskom 20 March 2025
Further updates on the power system’s status will be provided later today. Customers experiencing isolated power outages are advised to report faults through Eskom’s various fault-reporting platforms, including the chatbot, WhatsApp, USSD and the call centre. Customers served by municipalities should report issues directly to their respective municipal distributors.(Eskom)

While we have made notable progress in our generation recovery efforts, Eskom faced the loss of five generation units  before the peak period. Consequently, Stage 2 loadshedding was implemented at 18:25 and will remain in effect until 5:00 tomorrow.

We continue to prioritising planned maintenance to strengthen system reliability ahead of the winter months, while ensuring adherence to environmental and licensing conditions.

In light of the ongoing system constraints, we urge the public to use electricity sparingly.

Eskom sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused and will continue to provide updates as required.(Eskom)

George will be affected as follows:

Wednesday 19/03/2025

22:00 – 00:30

Thursday 20/03/2025

None

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Wednesday 19/03/2025

None

Thursday 20/03/2025

01:00 – 03:30

A water outage is experienced in a portion of Seaview after a contractor damaged one of the main water pipelines at the intersection of Protea and Amaryllis Streets in Pacaltsdorp. Our maintenance team isolated the damaged section of pipeline and will commence with repairs shortly.

A water truck will be stationed in Amaryllis Street to provide residents with potable water.

The expected time for repairs is 4-5 hours.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank the residents for their patience, while we do the repairs.

Our Water Maintenence team, in conjuction with the Contractor responsible for the Denneoord Water Network, are busy finalising the connection to the new pipeline.

It’s taking longer than expected, due to technical difficulties experienced during the course of today, but we trust to have the water reinstated within the next 1-2 hours.

Water trucks are roaming the affected areas to supply residents with potable water.
We apologise for the inconvenience and thank the public for their patience.

Follow the link for the pdf advert: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/OR23205210_20250320_GH.pdf

Die Die instandhoudingspan is tans besig by die Haarlem-reservoir om ‘n bruinwaterprobleem aan te spreek wat oornag ontstaan het.

Volgens ons Siviele Ingenieursdienste word die stelsel vanoggend gespoel. Verbruikers mag deur die loop van die dag laer waterdruk ondervind. Die Siviele Ingenieursdienste beveel aan dat inwoners vandag liewer nie die bruin water vir drinkdoeleindes gebruik nie, hoewel dit veilig is vir ander gebruike.

Verbruikers in Haarlem (met uitsluiting van Proteaville) mag bruin water in die stelsel opmerk. ’n Watertrok is ontplooi om drinkwater aan die geaffekteerde gebied te voorsien. Sodra die probleem opgelos is, sal die waternetwerk gespoel word om van die bruin water ontslae te raak.

Ons versoek verbruikers om water spaarsamig te gebruik en vra om verskoning vir enige ongerief terwyl ons die probleem oplos.

________________________________________

Discolored Water in Haarlem

Issued by George Municipality – 19 March 2025 at 06:20

The maintenance team is currently working at the Haarlem reservoir to address a discolored water issue that developed overnight.

According to our Civil Engineering Services, the system will be flushed this morning. Consumers may experience low water pressure throughout the day. The Civil Engineering Services department recommends that residents avoid using the discolored water for drinking purposes today, although it remains safe for other uses.

Consumers in Haarlem (excluding Proteaville) may notice discolored water in the system. A water truck has been deployed to provide drinking water to affected areas. Once the issue has been resolved, the water network will be flushed to remove any remaining discoloration.

We urge consumers to use water sparingly and apologise for any inconvenience while we resolve the issue.

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 92,51%
Rainfall for the previous days: 8 mm (Measured from 11 – 18 March 2025)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.