Author: Debra Sauer

George Municipality invites qualifying residents who may be affected by the forecast severe weather conditions to apply for Gunplast assistance.

Residents requiring assistance must complete the prescribed application form and submit it, together with a copy of the applicant’s identity document, to Harriet Meyer at hemeyer@george.gov.za for assessment by the Integrated Human Settlements Department.

Please note that the submission of an application does not guarantee approval. All applications will be assessed by the Human Settlements Department in accordance with municipal criteria, the level of need, and the availability of resources.
Preference will be given to vulnerable households, including elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and residents facing the highest risk from the anticipated weather conditions.

Residents who have previously received Gunplast assistance from George Municipality will NOT qualify for repeat assistance and will therefore not be considered during the current application process.

APPLICATION FORMS
CHOOSE ONLY ONE FORM:

Informal Settlement Areas
Follow the link to the Gunplas Application Form for Informal Settlement Areas:
https://tinyurl.com/yvdnuutx

Backyard Dwellers
Follow the link to the Gunplas Application Form for Backyard dwellers:
https://tinyurl.com/4abchxnh

Residents are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for assessments to be conducted before the severe weather event.

George Municipality will continue to monitor conditions and implement measures to support vulnerable communities where possible.

Upgrading of this Street will impact road users from 08 June 2026 to Mid-September 2026

Please see progress on areas mentioned below as well as updates for the day:

Residents are advised that the Electrical Engineering Services Directorate is aware of additional areas and individual properties that are still without electricity. These will be attended to as resources become available.

Please take note: Residents are kindly requested not to report single-house complaints as area complaints in an attempt to get processed first.

Following the severe weather conditions experienced earlier this week, as well as flooding during the previous week, municipal electrical teams initially focused on restoring high-voltage and medium-voltage networks to ensure that critical infrastructure remained operational.
To date, more than 90% of George’s electricity supply has been restored.

The Electrical Engineering Services Directorate continues to operate in six operational zones, each under the supervision of a Senior Superintendent, to address multiple low-voltage outages.
Members of the public are urged to treat all power lines as live at all times.

PROCESS FOLLOWED WHERE TREES HAVE FALLEN ON POWER LINES
The line is isolated.
The tree is cut and removed.
Damaged poles are replaced.
Conductors are restrung and secured.
The line is re-energised.
Please note that the restoration and re-energising process can take several hours.
George Municipality is aware of a high number of low-voltage complaints affecting individual houses and streets. These are being attended to systematically by the various teams.
Residents who have reported outages and received reference numbers can be assured that their complaints are receiving attention. Unfortunately, no estimated times of restoration (ETRs) can be provided for all individual complaints.

RESTORATION PLAN FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW – 17 May and 18 May
Heatherlands: Myrtle Street between Erica str and Langenhoven – planned restoration tomorrow
Heather Park: Western side of Cypress, David Murry and Fir Streets progressing well – work is ongoing – planned restoration tonight
Heather Park – Eastern side of Cypress to attended to in the week
Blanco, Montagu Street between Maitland and Voortrekker Streets – repairs ongoing
Rosemoor: Miller Street (9 houses affected) – planned restoration for tomorrow
Saasveld line: medium voltage line – repairs ongoing
Wilderness Mainline: Portions of Wilderness Heights, Heights Road delayed yesterday, will be restored today
Wilderness Heights Taaibos Road affects (40 customers) and Remskoen Street and Map of Africa (restoration has started this evening). Once this area is energised, the team will move to Hoekwil and restoration is expected tonight
Hoekwil – Bitou Road – restoration expected tonight
Hoekwil – Seesig – restoration expected tonight
Victoria Bay: M. Lammers Antiques, Vodacom tower and Overdale B&B. Excavation and medium-voltage repairs in progress. No ETR available.
Geelhoutboom area: Modderrivier line switched off for reconnecting back to the main feeder line. Etr is around 20:00. Strawberry Farm(small portion of cold storage affected) will also be fully restored tonight.
Herold’s Bay line: Elvis blue farms and other farming areas still progressing but delayed to unforeseen circumstances – repairs still ongoing
Pacaltsdorp: Beach Street to Hayden Street and parts of Heather Street. Teams still on site – Work progressing
Thembalethu: Bhushwa Street – repairs to continue tomorrow
Thembalethu: Ndyawa Street – no access where fault is – work to continue in week

FULLY RESTORED
New Dawn Park: Portions of Primrose
Sandkraal Road (Nelson Mandela Boulevard), Gongo Street, Hendricks Street, Dube Village and Silvertown
Thembalethu: 15th Street
Blanco, De Rus
Blanco, Golden Valley – Robyn Crescent
Tshona Khona Informal Settlement
Thembalethu: Zone 5 and Vukhuthu Street restored
Thembalethu Zone 3
Bo Dorp: Pollie Gerber
Pine Dew: Entire area
Rosemoor: Spandiel Street
Rosemoor: Canary Street
Blanco: Maitland Street
New Dawn Park: Aaron Street
Glenwood line behind the school, Saasveld, Nelson Mandela University
Zone 8, Thembalethu: Endameni, affecting approximately 470 households, including 14th and 16th Streets, as well as Hendricks Street
Thembalethu: France and Johannes Street
Parts of Hoekwil: Touw River Road, Duif Street, portions of Hoekwil Main Road, Church Road, Denne, Outeniqua, Bergsig, and portion of Hoekwil Main Road and Duiwerivier Ave – 13 customers
Heatherlands: George Road and Witpeer Street
Blanco:Napier Street
Vloksie and Violet Streets
Hammanskraal
Beukes Pump Station
Cornish Street
Arum area
Heatherlands

CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone lines are currently experiencing exceptionally high call volumes. If your call is not answered immediately, please remain patient. The system operates on a call-waiting basis. Calls may also drop occasionally due to broader network congestion affecting the George area.
Members of the public are encouraged to report power outages or live cables via the following channels:
Email: gmun@george.gov.za
(a reference number will be issued)
After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
Customer Care: 044 801 9202 / 044 801 9258 / 044 801 9222 / 044 803 9200
My Smart City App
George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation while teams continue to restore electricity supply across the municipal area.

All repairs done in De Rus, Blanco today and energised.

Main line being pulled and strained in Pacaltsdorp between Beach Road and Haydn Streets and parts of Heather Street. Work is progressing.

Teams working in Montagu Street, Blanco

Teams working in Montagu Street, Blanco

Please see progress on areas mentioned below as well as updates for the day:
Residents are advised that the Electrical Engineering Services Directorate is aware of additional areas and individual properties that are still without electricity. These will be attended to as resources become available.
Please take note: Residents are kindly requested not to report single-house complaints as area complaints in an attempt to get processed first.
Following the severe weather conditions experienced earlier this week, as well as flooding during the previous week, municipal electrical teams initially focused on restoring high-voltage and medium-voltage networks to ensure that critical infrastructure remained operational.
To date, nearly 90% of George’s electricity supply has been restored.
The Electrical Engineering Services Directorate continues to operate in six operational zones, each under the supervision of a Senior Superintendent, to address multiple low-voltage outages.
Members of the public are urged to treat all power lines as live at all times.

PROCESS FOLLOWED WHERE TREES HAVE FALLEN ON POWER LINES
The line is isolated.
The tree is cut and removed.
Damaged poles are replaced.
Conductors are restrung and secured.
The line is re-energised.
Please note that the restoration and re-energising process can take several hours.
George Municipality is aware of a high number of low-voltage complaints affecting individual houses and streets. These are being attended to systematically by the various teams.
Residents who have reported outages and received reference numbers can be assured that their complaints are receiving attention. Unfortunately, no estimated times of restoration (ETRs) can be provided for all individual complaints.

RESTORATION PLAN FOR TODAY – 17 May
Heatherlands: Myrtle Street restoration ongoing
Bo Dorp: Pollie Gerber – 12 customers affected – restoration planned for today
Heather Park: Western side of Cypress, David Murry and Fir Streets progressing well – planned restoration today
Blanco De Rus – a tree has fallen on a line. We are getting a contractor to the difficult terrain to assess the fault – work will continue today
Rosemoor: Miller Street (9 houses affected) – restoration planned for today
Saasveld line: medium voltage line – repairs in progress today
Wilderness Mainline: Portions of Wilderness Heights, Heights Road delayed yesterday, will be restored today
Wilderness Heights Taaibos Road affects (40 customers). Had delays. Vegetation been cleared and line fixed but securing of the cable – planned restoration today
Hoekwil – Bitou Road – delays experienced due to thick vegetation – planned restoration today
Victoria Bay: M. Lammers Antiques, Vodacom tower and Overdale B&B. Excavation and medium-voltage repairs in progress. No ETR available.
Geelhoutboom area: Strawberry (small portion of cold storage affected, the rest of the farm has power. Planned restoration today
Herold’s Bay line: Elvis blue farms still progressing but delayed to unforeseen circumstances – repairs still ongoing
Sandkraal Road (Nelson Mandela Boulevard), Gongo Street, Hendricks Street, Dube Village and Silvertown: Mostly restored.
Zone 3, Thembalethu: Partially completed. Teams are restoring a medium-voltage cable today. Approximately 27 houses affected – planned restoration today
Zone 5, Thembalethu: Approximately 90% complete. Remaining houses will be restored today.
Thembalethu: 15th Street, Tshona Khona Informal Settlement and Bhushwa Street – planned to be restored today
New Dawn Park: Portions of Primrose restored (except for 1 client)
Pacaltsdorp: Beach Street to Hayden Street and parts of Heather Street. Teams to continue with repairs today. ETR tonight.

FULLY RESTORED
Pine Dew: Entire area affected
Rosemoor: Spandiel Street
Rosemoor: Canary Street
Blanco: Maitland Street
New Dawn Park: Aaron Street
Glenwood line behind the school, Saasveld, Nelson Mandela University
Zone 8, Thembalethu: Endameni, affecting approximately 470 households, including 14th and 16th Streets, as well as Hendricks Street
Thembalethu: France and Johannes Street
Parts of Hoekwil: Touw River Road, Duif Street, portions of Hoekwil Main Road, Church Road, Denne, Outeniqua, Bergsig, and portion of Hoekwil Main Road and Duiwerivier Ave – 13 customers
Heatherlands: Myrtle Street, George Road, Napier Street and Witpeer Street
Blanco:Napier Street
Vloksie and Violet Streets
Hammanskraal
Beukes Pump Station
Cornish Street
Arum area
Heatherlands

CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone lines are currently experiencing exceptionally high call volumes. If your call is not answered immediately, please remain patient. The system operates on a call-waiting basis. Calls may also drop occasionally due to broader network congestion affecting the George area.
Members of the public are encouraged to report power outages or live cables via the following channels:
Email: gmun@george.gov.za
(a reference number will be issued)
After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
Customer Care: 044 801 9202 / 044 801 9258 / 044 801 9222 / 044 803 9200
My Smart City App
George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation while teams continue to restore electricity supply across the municipal area.

Photos:

Pole planted this morning in Zone 3 for repairs to proceed.

Work in progress this morning to restore power outages still in parts of Heather Street (Beach-Hayden).Teams on site. Planned estimated time of repair is tonight.

George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services continues to focus on restoring the raw water supply to Uniondale following severe storm damage to the original pipeline.
The raw water pipeline supplying Uniondale was washed away during the recent storm.
Alternative raw water provision arrangements have been made by the Directorate to ensure sufficient raw water supply to the Uniondale Water Treatment Facility while materials are being sourced for permanent repairs to the damaged pipeline.
A water tanker remains on site in Rietvlei to provide water to affected residents until normal supply is fully restored.
Residents in Uniondale and Haarlem are urged to use water sparingly and to adhere to current water restrictions while permanent repairs are being completed.

UPDATE -STORM DAMAGE TO ROADS
Most of the roads initially affected by washaways and flood damage have been made passable.
ROADS CURRENTLY CLOSED
Haarlem
Five roads remain closed and will require the appointment of contractors and the delivery of construction materials before repairs can commence:
• Broad Street
• Mill Street
• A portion of Bishop Street
• A portion of Smith Street
• A portion of Coronation Street
Uniondale
Three roads remain closed for public safety:
• St George’s Street
• Cathcart Street
• Rose Street

ROAD CONDITIONS
Both towns still have isolated wash-aways and potholes caused by the recent storms.
Motorists are advised to avoid gravel roads where possible and to drive with caution.
Roads that remain closed have been barricaded in the interest of public safety. Contractors will be appointed and materials transported to Uniondale and Haarlem to undertake the necessary repairs.

GEORGE WATER SUPPLY RESTORED
George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services has successfully restored all major weather-related water outages in the George area since yesterday.
• The following outages have been resolved and water supply restored:
• 7 Passes Road and Whites Road
• Sprigg Street, Twee Rivieren
• Glenwood Avenue
• Mossie Street, Denver Park
• Rooiels Street, Heather Park
• Victoria Heights

CURRENT WORK IN PROGRESS
Uniondale

REPORT WATER AND STORMWATER ISSUES
George Area – Civil Engineering Services Customer Care
• 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 9354 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 6300 (after hours)
Uniondale
• Voortrekker Street, Town Hall
• 044 752 1024 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 6300 (after hours)
Haarlem
• Berg Street, Grobbelaar Building
• 044 763 1013 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 6300 (after hours)
Please note that telephone lines may be unclear due to the current disaster situation and high call volumes. Residents are kindly requested to be patient and to call again if they are unable to hear the operator clearly.

REPORTING MUNICIPAL FAULTS
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal issues via:
• Email: gmun@george.gov.za
• My Smart City – George App (available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and via web access)
GENERAL CONTACT
• Municipal Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45–16:30)
• After Hours: 044 801 6300
George Municipality thanks residents for their patience, cooperation and continued support while teams work to restore all services.

Photo:

A washedaway road in Haarlem

Please see progress on areas mentioned below:
Residents are advised that the Electrical Engineering Services Directorate is aware of additional areas and individual properties that are still without electricity. These will be attended to as resources become available.
Please take note: Residents are kindly requested not to report single-house complaints as area complaints in an attempt to get processed first.

Following the severe weather conditions experienced earlier this week, as well as flooding during the previous week, municipal electrical teams initially focused on restoring high-voltage and medium-voltage networks to ensure that critical infrastructure remained operational.
To date, nearly 90% of George’s electricity supply has been restored.
The Electrical Engineering Services Directorate continues to operate in six operational zones, each under the supervision of a Senior Superintendent, to address multiple low-voltage outages.
Members of the public are urged to treat all power lines as live at all times.

PROCESS FOLLOWED WHERE TREES HAVE FALLEN ON POWER LINES
The line is isolated.
The tree is cut and removed.
Damaged poles are replaced.
Conductors are restrung and secured.
The line is re-energised.
Please note that the restoration and re-energising process can take several hours.

George Municipality is aware of a high number of low-voltage complaints affecting individual houses and streets. These are being attended to systematically by the various teams.
Residents who have reported outages and received reference numbers can be assured that their complaints are receiving attention. Unfortunately, no estimated times of restoration (ETRs) can be provided for all individual complaints.

RESTORATION PLAN FOR TODAY – 16 MAY 2026 and 17 MAY
Blanco: Maitland Street on schedule to be restored tonight
Bo Dorp: Pollie Gerber still to be restored tomorrow morning – 12 customers affected
Heather Park: Western side of Cypress, David Murry and Fir Streets progressing well, power will be restored tomorrow
Blanco De Rus – a tree has fallen on a line. We are getting a contractor to the difficult terrain today to assess the fault – work will continue tomorrow
Rosemoor: Miller Street (9 houses affected) ETR tomorrow
Glenwood line behind the school, Saasveld, Nelson Mandela University (partly restored) – ETR tonight
Wilderness Heights Taaibos Road affects (8 customers). Had delays. Vegetation been cleared and line fixed but securing of the cable can only be done tomorrow.
Hoekwil – Bitou Road – delays experienced due to thick vegetation – ETR tomorrow
Victoria Bay: M. Lammers Antiques, Vodacom tower and Overdale B&B. Excavation and medium-voltage repairs in progress. No ETR available.
Geelhoutboom: Windsor lines including Strawberry Farm: 16 customers affected. ETR tomorrow
Elvis blue farms still progressing but delayed to unforeseen circumstances -ETR tomorrow
Herold’s Bay line: Pole planting and restraining of overhead lines commenced today. ETR tomorrow
Sandkraal Road (Nelson Mandela Boulevard), Gongo Street, Hendricks Street, Dube Village and Silvertown: Mostly restored.
Zone 3, Thembalethu: Partially completed. Teams are restoring a medium-voltage cable. Approximately 27 houses affected. ETR tomorrow
Zone 8, Thembalethu: Teams are working in Endameni, affecting approximately 470 households – ETR 21:00 tonight
Zone 5, Thembalethu: Approximately 90% complete. Remaining houses – ETR tonight
New Dawn Park: Portions of Primrose and Aaron Street: Teams on site – work progressing well. ETR tonight
Pacaltsdorp: Beach Street to Hayden Street and parts of Heather Street. Teams to continue with repairs tomorrow. ETR tomorrow night.

Wilderness Mainline: Portions of Wilderness Heights, Heights Road -ETR tomorrow

FULLY RESTORED
Zone 8: 14th and 16th Streets, as well as Johannes and Hendricks Streets – 400 housesSpandiel Street, Rosemoor
Geelhoutboom area: R404 Modderrivier line, Witfontein line, Kosie LamprechtPine Dew: Entire area affected (20 customers)
Parts of Hoekwil: Touw River Road, Duif Street, portions of Hoekwil Main Road, Church Road, Denne, Outeniqua, Bergsig, and portion of Hoekwil Main Road and Duiwerivier Ave – 13 customers
Heatherlands: Myrtle Street, George Road, Napier Street and Witpeer Street
Blanco:Napier Street
Vloksie and Violet Streets
Hammanskraal
Beukes Pump Station
Cornish Street
Arum area
Heatherlands
Canary Street, Rosemoor

CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone lines are currently experiencing exceptionally high call volumes. If your call is not answered immediately, please remain patient. The system operates on a call-waiting basis. Calls may also drop occasionally due to broader network congestion affecting the George area.
Members of the public are encouraged to report power outages or live cables via the following channels:
Email: gmun@george.gov.za
(a reference number will be issued)
After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
Customer Care: 044 801 9202 / 044 801 9258 / 044 801 9222 / 044 803 9200
My Smart City App
George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation while teams continue to restore electricity supply across the municipal area.

Photo:

A pole planted in New Dawn Park today.

George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services has made significant progress and restored water supply to Rietvlei in Uniondale.

Municipal teams successfully installed a steel cable across the Kammannassie River at the point where the bridge and raw water pipeline were washed away during the storm on Thursday, 8 May 2026. A temporary water pipeline was anchored to the cable, and water is now flowing to Rietvlei for the first time in a week.

In addition, raw water provision arrangem   ents remain in place to ensure sufficient raw water supply to the Uniondale Water Treatment Facility that feeds the rest of Uniondale, while materials are being sourced for permanent repairs to the damaged pipeline.

Residents in Uniondale and Haarlem are urged to use water sparingly and to adhere to current water restrictions while permanent repairs are being completed.

STORM DAMAGE TO ROADS

The recent storm also caused significant damage to local roads:

13 roads in Haarlem have been damaged.
11 roads in Uniondale have been damaged.

Motorists are requested to obey temporary road signs and to follow the instructions of municipal personnel and contractors working on site.

GEORGE WATER SUPPLY RESTORED

George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services has successfully restored the following weather-related water outages in the George area:
Whites Road, Wilderness
Sprigg Street, Twee Rivieren
Glenwood Avenue
Mossie Street, Denver Park
Rooiels Street, Heather Park
Victoria Heights

CURRENT WORK IN PROGRESS

A fallen tree on 7 Passes Road damaged a water supply pipe. Tien Myl Avenue and a portion of 7 Passes Road is without water
7 Passes Road Wilderness

The affected section has been isolated. A contractor is currently cutting and removing the tree. Due to the location of the damaged pipeline in a heavily wooded area and limited daylight hours, repair work will continue tomorrow morning.

The estimated time of restoration is 11:00 on Saturday, 16 May 2026.

REPORT WATER AND STORMWATER ISSUES

George Area – Civil Engineering Services Customer Care
044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30)
044 801 9354 (07:45–16:30)
044 801 6300 (after hours)

Uniondale
Voortrekker Street, Town Hall
044 752 1024 (07:45–16:30)
044 801 6300 (after hours)

Haarlem
Berg Street, Grobbelaar Building
044 763 1013 (07:45–16:30)
044 801 6300 (after hours)

Please note that telephone lines may be unclear due to the current disaster situation and high call volumes. Residents are kindly requested to be patient and to call again if they are unable to hear the operator clearly.

REPORTING MUNICIPAL FAULTS
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal issues via:

Email: gmun@george.gov.za
My Smart City – George App (available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and via web access)
GENERAL CONTACT
Municipal Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45–16:30)
After Hours: 044 801 6300

Workers busy with coupling the pipeline at Rietvlei.

The fully installed temporary pipeline at Rietvlei crossing the Kammannassie River.

George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services continues to focus on restoring the raw water supply to Uniondale following severe storm damage to the original pipeline.
The raw water pipeline supplying Uniondale was washed away during the recent storm.
Alternative raw water provision arrangements have been made by the Directorate to ensure sufficient raw water supply to the Uniondale Water Treatment Facility while materials are being sourced for permanent repairs to the damaged pipeline.
A water tanker remains on site in Rietvlei to provide water to affected residents until normal supply is fully restored.
Residents in Uniondale and Haarlem are urged to use water sparingly and to adhere to current water restrictions while permanent repairs are being completed.

STORM DAMAGE TO ROADS
The recent storm also caused significant damage to local roads:
• 13 roads in Haarlem have been damaged.
• 11 roads in Uniondale have been damaged.
Motorists are requested to obey temporary road signs and to follow the instructions of municipal personnel and contractors working on site.

GEORGE WATER SUPPLY RESTORED
George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services has successfully restored all major weather-related water outages in the George area since yesterday.
The following outages have been resolved and water supply restored:
• Sprigg Street, Twee Rivieren
• Glenwood Avenue
• Mossie Street, Denver Park
• Rooiels Street, Heather Park
• Victoria Heights

CURRENT WORK IN PROGRESS
Whites Road, Wilderness
A water outage occurred in Whites Road, Wilderness, this morning. A municipal team is currently assessing the situation.
REPORT WATER AND STORMWATER ISSUES
George Area – Civil Engineering Services Customer Care
• 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 9354 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 6300 (after hours)
Uniondale
• Voortrekker Street, Town Hall
• 044 752 1024 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 6300 (after hours)
Haarlem
• Berg Street, Grobbelaar Building
• 044 763 1013 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 6300 (after hours)
Please note that telephone lines may be unclear due to the current disaster situation and high call volumes. Residents are kindly requested to be patient and to call again if they are unable to hear the operator clearly.

REPORTING MUNICIPAL FAULTS
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal issues via:
• Email: gmun@george.gov.za
• My Smart City – George App (available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and via web access)
GENERAL CONTACT
• Municipal Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45–16:30)
• After Hours: 044 801 6300
George Municipality thanks residents for their patience, cooperation and continued support while teams work to restore all services.

Photos:

A temporary pipeline that assist waterflow to Uniondale area.

Some of the water supply pipelines that washed away in Uniondale.

Images of the state of damaged roads in Haarlem.

Images of the state of damaged roads in Haarlem.

Residents please take note that green bag refuse collection will take place throughout the George and Wilderness areas tomorrow, Saturday, 16 May 2026.

Residents are kindly requested to place their green bags outside for collection before 07:00.

Please ensure that bags are securely tied and placed in a visible and accessible location for collection teams.

George Municipality thanks residents for their cooperation and patience as refuse removal services continue to return to normal following recent weather-related disruptions.

Following the strong winds experienced earlier this week, municipal electrical teams initially focused on restoring high-voltage and medium-voltage power lines to ensure that critical infrastructure, including water treatment works, wastewater treatment works, and sanitation systems, remained operational. Teams also assisted with Eskom-related outages where possible.

The Electrical Engineering Services Directorate has divided George area into six areas each supervised by a Senior Superintendent. Each Superintendent has a number of staff which can make up two or more teams to

to address multiple low-voltage outages across various affected areas in George.

Teams have been restoring substations and implementing quick repairs to reinstate the electricity supply. In several areas, however, poles were damaged, trees fell onto power lines, and infrastructure sustained significant storm damage. In these instances, restoration takes longer, and power lines are isolated for safety reasons. Members of the public are urged to always treat all power lines as live.

THE FOLLOWING PROCESS IS FOLLOWED WHERE TREES HAVE FALLEN ON POWER LINES:

• The line is isolated
• The tree is cut and removed
• Damaged poles are replaced
• Lines are restrung and secured to poles
• The line is re-energised

Please note that the re-energising process can take several hours.

George Municipality is aware of several hundred low-voltage complaints affecting individual houses and streets. These are being attended to systematically by the various teams.

Residents who have reported outages and received reference numbers can be assured that their complaints are receiving attention. At this stage, no estimated times of restoration (ETRs) can be provided.

WILDERNESS HEIGHTS RESTORED

Steyn line and 8 transformers in Wilderness Heights were restored (From Heights Road to Wilderness Heights. Only one customer down in Remskoen Ave)

POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED / PARTIALLY RESTORED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Oubaai en Le Grand Estate restored
• Blanco (Du Plessis Street, Golden Valley Streets and Blanco MVR) restored.
• Rosemoor (Meester, Twight and Van Till Streets) restored.
• Zone 8, Thembalethu (restored)
• Portions of Victoria Bay (partially restored, excluding M. Lammers Antiques, Vodacom Tower and Overdale B&B)
• Power is restored in the Glenwood area, NMU George Campus is still off. The line there suffered multiple breaks and is being rebuilt completely.
• Dutoit line Geelhoutboom restored.
• Modderrivier line: Contractor did survey, will inform later when more of their resources are available
• Herold’s Bay line (3 customers). The terrain is very wet farmland with down slopes for crane trucks to enter. Once more resources are available, they will start.
• Gelderbloem, Sauer, and Chris, April Street repairs progressing well, vegetation cleared in Glenwood Ave
• Shallot Street restored
• Denneoord 100% restored
• Witpeer Street, Heatherlands (In progress)
• Outstanding Myrtle Street, Golden Valley (In progress)
• Power restored to Victoria Bay Blackwood Area
• Victoria Bay Heights restored
• Rademachers (restored)
• Pine Dew: The construction team will start tomorrow morning.  ETR 20:00 tomorrow.
• Hoekwil – Vegetation Contractor on site.
• Wilderness, pole excavation started on the main line.?
• Le Grand Line: restored
• Hansmoeskraal (in Progress)

AREAS STILL WITHOUT POWER:

The following customers and areas remain without electricity due to broken poles, damaged overhead feeder lines, and difficult terrain:

• La Vallia restoration still in progress
• Heather Park remains without power due to broken poles (David Murry, Airway, Cypress, Protea, Willow, Pine, Cluster streets)
• Turn off at Blue Whale remains off.
• Blanco (Maitland, George Road, Montagu, Die Rus) are still without power (area partially restored)
• Pacaltsdorp (Back Street, Heather Road)
• New Dawn Park (Aaron Street)
• Rosemoor (MS Miller Street)
• George CBD (Newton Street)
• Glenwood Avenue remains without power due to broken poles and damaged lines – Contractor will start repairs on Friday, 15 May
• Qawa Substation in Thembalethu remains offline due to overloading problems. Teams will continue with storm damage repairs this morning
• Bo Dorp (Pollie Gerber Street) (contractor will start with repairs on Friday 15 May in the morning
• Ballotsview, teams regrouped this morning to continue attending to outages in surrounding areas
• Portions of Victoria Bay (partially restored, excluding M. Lammers Antiques, Vodacom Tower and Overdale B&B)
• Pollie Gerber – Contractor will start with repairs on Friday, 25 May
• Hoekwil (vegetation and electrical teams will start tomorrow morning at 07:30 again)
• Portions of Pine Dew
• Elvis Blue
• Nursery
• Farmers’ Labourers’ Cottages
• Strawberry Farm
• Farmlands
• Woodlands / Du Toit line

PLEASE NOTE:

Service providers (local contractors) are currently assisting various municipalities across the Garden Route with storm-related electricity repairs. This may impact the progress of repair and electrification work within the George municipal area.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Telephone lines are currently experiencing high call volumes. If the phone rings without being answered immediately, this does not mean calls are being ignored; the system operates on a call-waiting basis. Please also note that calls may occasionally drop due to network congestion, which is a broader issue currently affecting George.

Members of the public are encouraged to report power outages or live cables via the following channels:

• Email: gmun@george.gov.za ( a reference number will be provided)
• After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Office Switchboard: 044 801 9222 / 044 803 9222 (07:45 – 16:30)
• Customer Care: 044 801 9202 / 9258
• My Smart City APP

Photos:

The Electrical Engineering Directorate and contractors working into the night in Thembalethu.

Teams working in La Vallia, George on power outages.

George Electrical teams working iwell into the evening in Primrose Street, New Dawn Park.

The George Municipality Civil Engineering Customer Care continue to experience ongoing intermittent telephone service following severe storm damage caused by extreme high winds on 11 May.

We continue to experience significant difficulties where calls are connecting; and in many cases staff are unable to hear residents on the line due to technical disruptions.

To improve access during this period, all Civils Customer Care telephone lines have been diverted to mobile phones until 21:00 tonight. Emergency Repairs will be affected tomorrow.

Please note the following important temporary arrangements:
* There is no call queuing system in place during this diversion period
* Calls will either ring until answered or may return a busy signal depending on line capacity
* Residents are strongly encouraged to keep calling back if the line is not answered

We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate the public’s patience while our service provider continues restoration work.

REPORTING MUNICIPAL FAULTS
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting all non-emergency municipal issues via the following channels:
Email: gmun@george.gov.za
My Smart City – George App: My Smart City – George
(Available on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via website access)

GENERAL CONTACT
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45 – 16:30) and After Hours 044 801 6300

George Municipality thanks residents for their continued patience and cooperation during this challenging period.

George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services has made significant progress in restoring water supply following recent storm-related damage and power outages.
RESTORATION PROGRESS
• The Western Bypass main pipeline has been successfully repaired and is back in operation.
• Power supply to the Boardwalk pump station in Wilderness has been restored, and the pump has just been started.
• Water supply has been restored to:
o Kraaibosch
o Victoria Bay
o Victoria Heights
o Welgelegen
Residents in these areas may experience a delay before normal pressure is fully restored as reservoirs refill and the system stabilises.

CURRENT WATER SUPPLY STATUS
Uniondale – Rietvlei
The Rietvlei area remains without running water after the main water supply line was washed away during recent heavy rainfall.
A water tanker is currently on site in Rietvlei to provide water to affected residents.

UNPLANNED WATER OUTAGES DUE TO FALLEN TREES
Municipal teams continue to attend to localised outages caused by fallen trees that damaged water infrastructure.
Areas affected include:
• Denver Park
• Sprigg Street, Twee Rivieren
• Glenwood
Teams are on site clearing fallen trees and repairing damaged pipelines to restore supply as quickly as possible.
Several reservoirs are still recovering following the outages. Residents are urged to continue using water sparingly.
REPORT WATER AND STORMWATER ISSUES
For water and stormwater-related queries, residents may contact Civil Engineering Services Customer Care:
• 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 9354 (07:45–16:30)
• 044 801 6300 (after hours)
Please note that telephone lines may be unclear due to the current disaster situation and the high volume of calls. Residents are kindly requested to be patient and to call again if they are unable to hear the operator clearly.

People getting water from the George Civil Engineering water tanker in Wilderness Heights earlier.

Civil Engineering staff hard at work removing a tree out of an access road to a pump station.

George Municipality is attending to several weather-related water supply disruptions affecting parts of George and Uniondale.

CURRENT WATER SUPPLY STATUS

Kraaibosch and Surrounding Areas
Power supply to the Kraaibosch area was restored this morning. Municipal teams are currently restarting the pump stations. Water supply is expected to be restored later today once the system has stabilised and reservoir levels recover.

Wilderness Heights
Parts of Wilderness Heights are currently without water due to ongoing power outages affecting pump stations. As a result, the pump stations are unable to pump water to the reservoirs supplying the area.

A water tanker will be stationed shortly at Bundu Country Café, Whites Road, Wilderness Heights, to provide water to affected residents.

Uniondale – Rietvlei
The Rietvlei area remains without running water after the main water supply line was washed away during recent heavy rainfall.

A water tanker is currently on site in Rietvlei to provide water to affected residents.

UNPLANNED WATER OUTAGES DUE TO FALLEN TREES

George Municipality is also attending to several unplanned water outages caused by fallen trees that damaged water infrastructure.

Areas affected include:

Denver Park
Sprigg Street, Twee Rivieren
Glenwood
Victoria Bay Heights

Municipal teams are on site clearing fallen trees and repairing damaged pipelines to restore water supply to affected residents as quickly as possible.

WATER CONSERVATION URGED

Several reservoirs remain under strain and water levels are low. Residents across the municipal area are urged to use water sparingly and to adhere to current water restrictions until power supply is fully restored and normal pumping operations resume.

REPORT WATER AND STORMWATER ISSUES

For water and stormwater-related queries, residents may contact Civil Engineering Services Customer Care:

044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30)
044 801 9354 (07:45–16:30)
044 801 6300 (after hours)