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Author: Debra Sauer

Agile auditing pilot project at George Municipality

Issued by George Municipality 22 March 2023 for immediate release

 

The George Municipality was selected by the Western Cape Provincial Treasury to pilot the implementation of Agile Auditing in local municipalities.

 

The project will entail appointing a service provider to conduct awareness and coaching workshops with the Internal Audit Activity, Executive Management, and the Audit Committee on the concepts of agile auditing and test its application at George Municipality. This will ensure that the stakeholders are provided with adequate tools, techniques, and support to fully implement Agile Auditing methodologies that can be utilised in the strategic planning, engagement planning, fieldwork, and reporting phases of internal audit.

 

The internal audit profession is evolving, accelerating the pace to provide real-time assurance. The George Municipality in partnership with the Provincial Treasury supports the continuous improvement of municipal internal audit activities and is therefore exploring the practicalities of applying agile auditing in small internal audit activities, as in the municipal environment.  With the roll out of the Agile Auditing project the municipality envisages an improved efficiency of the internal audit functions, real time assurance provided to all stakeholders, team effectiveness and an overall close interaction between internal audit functions and management.

 

Mr JP Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive) indicated that he is very excited about the pilot project, if implemented successfully, George will be one of the first local municipalities to implement an Agile Auditing approach. This is an innovative and forward-thinking auditing process, to ensure that the Internal Audit Department adds value and meet the expectations of its stakeholders.

 

Caption: JP Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive at George Municipality.

 

Eskom load shedding update – 20 March 2023

Eskom load shedding: Due to the significantly lower than anticipated demand for electricity today, load shedding will be suspended at 11:00 today until 16:00 on Tuesday 21 March, when Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented.

*George will be affected as follows:*

Monday 20/03/2023

None

Tuesday 21/03/2023

None

Wednesday 22/03/2023

12:00 – 14:30

20:00 – 22:30

 

*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*

Monday 20/03/2023

Done

Tuesday 21/03/2023

16:00 – 17:30

Wednesday 22/03/2023

15:00 – 17:30

23:00 – 01:30

Public Notice: Refuse removal on normal schedule today and tomorrow

Public Notice: Refuse removal has started today, Monday 20 March 2023, already. Please note refuse removal will continue as per normal schedule tomorrow on the Human Rights Public Holiday, 21 March. If your refuse is normally removed on a Tuesday, it will go ahead as usual tomorrow. Issued by George Municipality 20 March 2023 at 08h30

 

Mayor finds happy homeowner that had retaining walls build at home to assist in heavy rains

Media Release: Mayor finds happy homeowner that had retaining walls, gutters build at her home to re-route run-off during heavy rains

Issued by George Municipality 16 March 2023 for immediate release

 

George Mayor, Ald Leon van Wyk, walked with officials from the Human Settlements, Planning and Development Directorate in Isaac Street, Rosedale in Ward 14 on Tuesday where retaining walls and gutters were installed to minimise water run-off at homes with steep slopes. The mayor visited the home of Alice Mostert where retaining walls and gutters were build in front and around her house to re-route rainwater, especially during heavy downpours. Although the sewer system in the street catches most of the water, heavy downpours can become too much to handle. Mostert said she is very happy with the improvements at her house and it makes a huge difference when it is raining. She said that she knows of a few neighbours situated up the Street that also need assistance, but they will be in contact with the Municipality. Ald Van Wyk said he is happy with the work that was done and is thankful for funding and grants made available to the Municipality by the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure from the separate operating account for special projects like these.

Ald Leon van Wyk with Madoda Bokwe, Clerk of Works,  Human Settlements, Planning and Development at Mostert’s home in Isaac Street.

Ald Leon van Wyk and Alice Mostert give the improvements at her home a thumbs up!

Madoda Bokwe, Charne Flores, Project Administrator at Human Settlements, Planning and Development, Mayor Leon van Wyk and Wendy-Ann Mentor, Manager: New Housing from Human Settlements, Planning and Development in front of Mostert’s house.

Mayor’s Newsletter for George Herald of 16 March 2023

Over the past week, I have been impressed by the important roles that many of our citizens play in their attempts to improve the lives of others.

I was invited to the closing ceremony of an inter-provincial bowls tournament that had been held in George with 200 competitors from across the country. I immediately noticed the buzz of excitement on my arrival which indicated a successful event had come to its conclusion. Elsewhere, motorbike riders and 100 Harley Davidsons were gathering at their venue for the weekend. In recent weeks we have welcomed golfers, old cars, swimmers and shortly there will be school sporting teams spending time in George.

The organisers of these events deserve praise for the planning and holding of these events. Much enterprise and effort goes into ensuring that these events take place as they showcase what George is all about. Each of these events attract “tourism rands” into economic activities across the local economy. Our tourists spend money on accommodation, transport, food, beverages, discretionary goods and services, that then results in employment and resultant benefits for our citizens. Let us hope that our municipal services and friendly hospitality also leaves a good impression on our visitors who will spread the word when they return home. We want to encourage all events and activities that will keep attracting tourists to George.

We thank our NSRI team, lifesavers and safety teams who constantly keep our visitors safe while swimming at our beaches. All accommodation establishments and hosts of tourists should gently remind our visitors to avoid rip currents along our beaches and to only swim within designated safe swimming areas. Follow this link for easily accessible information that can be printed for display https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/local-economic-development/tourism/safety-for-visitors/

We should also remember our municipal staff who play their role in making George attractive and liveable. A week ago we received adverse warnings for heavy rain. In anticipation, municipal teams went out to clear stormwater drains and areas where flooding could occur. Fortunately, the expected flooding did not materialise.

We often experience blocked sewer drains and lines that result in spillages, also into streams. Other than roots and vegetation that infiltrate these lines, blockages often occur because of citizens dumping towels, cloths, carpets and other objects into sewerage systems. We need our citizens to discourage others who cause this damage and to report incidents.

In many areas, we receive complaints about cable theft and vandalism that occurs during loadshedding under cover of darkness, with streetlights and infrastructure having been vandalised. Thank you to those citizens, including the neighbourhood watch teams who patrol our areas to help prevent crime, and who report these incidents. We thank the many citizens who assist and contribute to soup kitchens and homeless shelters thereby helping others who are less fortunate.

 

GEORGE HERITAGE STRATEGY AND PRECINCT PLANS

Issued by George Municipality 13 March 2023 for immediate release

 

The George Municipal area is rich in history which is reflected in various traditions, natural- and physical sites, buildings and other elements and that is why the Municipality has appointed a service provider to develop a guiding Heritage Strategy and Action Plan. According to Lauren Waring, Director of Human Settlements, Planning and Development, the intention is to promote good management of the heritage elements to enable and encourage communities to nurture and conserve their legacy so that it may be bequeathed to future generations.

“Our heritage is unique and precious and has the potential to affirm our diverse cultures and should shape the milieu (‘sense of place’) of George,” Waring said.

The National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999) (NHRA) sets out requirements in respect to the identification, protection and management of heritage resources.

The George Municipality has appointed a service provider to undertake the following:

  1. a) Compilation of a guiding Heritage Strategy and Action Plan which will highlight what must be done, by whom and when. This will assist the Municipality to apply for funding for the technical process requirements and to work towards addressing the requirements of the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA).
  2. b) To identify two heritage precincts and related development guidelines, being a pilot phase of implementation of the strategy, and
  3. c) To evaluate the policies of the George Municipal Spatial Development Framework (Draft 2023) and other municipal management instruments to facilitate the implementation of the outputs noted in the Strategy.

The appointed consultants will start gathering available information in March 2023. Stakeholder engagements will be scheduled in due course to obtain specific inputs and comments on the Strategy and Precinct Plans.

 

Captions:

The beautiful Outeniqua Mountains as a natural resource

 

Pacaltsdorp: The old United Congregrational Church in Pacaltsdorp built out of stone is another heritage site.

The Kaaimans River Bridge trailing over the Kaaimans River Mouth is also considered a heritage site of George.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place
Issued 13 March 2023,  George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height                         88,05

Rainfall for previous 7 days:                                                                
57.6mm  (Measured up to and including 6 March 2023

Recalculated to include rainfall received 6/03 in evening

Rainfall for last 7 days                                                                              20.3mm (Measured up to and including 13 March 2023)

The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

Eskom load shedding update: Sunday, 12 March 2023

*#Eskom load shedding update: Sunday, 12 March 2023: Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 16:00 on Monday. Thereafter, Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented until 05:00 on Tuesday. The pattern of Stage 4 loadshedding from 05:00 to 16:00 and Stage 5 loadshedding from 16:00 to 05:00 will be repeated until further notice.

_*Issued by George Municipality Communications in the Office of the Municipal Manager on behalf of Eskom.*_

*George will be affected as follows:*

Sunday 12/03/2023

18:00 – 20:30

Monday 13/03/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 20:30 **

Tuesday 14/03/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Wednesday 15/03/2023

00:00 – 04:30 **

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 16/03/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Friday 17/03/2023

06:00 – 08:30

14:00 – 18:30 **

22:00 – 00:30

 

_*Please note that the Uniondale network has just been normalised by Eskom. The Uniondale original schedule will therefore be active again AND WILL NOT RUN ON THE MISGUND SCHEDULE*_

*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*

Sunday 12/03/2023

21:00 – 23:30

Monday 13/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 23:30 **

Tuesday 14/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Wednesday 15/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 16/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Friday 17/03/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 21:30 **

 

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding.

Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.

Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages

Please do not phone the After hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Eskom Load shedding update – 10 March 2023

*#Eskom Load shedding update – Stage 4 will be reduced to Stage 3 over the weekend with Stage 1 loadshedding possible for Sunday morning.*

_*Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom – 10 March 2023*_

(See changes to Uniondale schedule added)

 

*George will be affected as follows:*

Friday 10/03/2023

18:00 – 20:30

Saturday 11/03/2023

02:00 – 04:20

18:00 – 20:30

Sunday 12/03/2023

02:00 – 04:30

10:00 – 12:30

Monday 13/03/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

 

*Please note that the Uniondale network has just been normalised by Eskom. The Uniondale original schedule will therefore be active again _*AND WILL NOT RUN ON THE MISGUND SCHEDULE*_

*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*

Friday 10/03/2023

21:00 – 23:30

Saturday 11/03/2023

05:00 – 07:20

21:00 – 23:30

Sunday 12/03/2023

13:00 – 15:30

Monday 13/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

 

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries, etc., drawing power simultaneously. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding.

Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.

Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages

Please do not phone the After hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

 

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department

Office of the Municipal Manager

#Eskom load shedding schedule – 8 March 2023

#Eskom load shedding due to the return of a generating unit each at Kriel, Majuba and Matimba power stations, Stage 5 loadshedding will not be implemented today as previously communicated.  Stage 4 loadshedding will continue to be implemented until further notice. Please continue using electricity sparingly.

#Eskom Load shedding update: 8 March 2023* Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom*_

*George will be affected as follows:*

Wednesday 08/03/2023

12:00 – 14:30

20:00 – 22:30

Thursday 09/03/2023

02:00 – 04:30

10:00 – 12:30

18:00 – 20:30

Friday 10/03/2023

02:00 – 04:30

10:00 – 12:30

18:00 – 20:30

UNIONDALE NOW USES MISGUND LOAD SHEDDING SCHEDULE TEMPORARILY

*As of 3 March 2023, Eskom is feeding Uniondale power supply from a different region.

Uniondale’s loadshedding schedule now falls under Misgund.We advise consumers to consider the George Municipal issued load shedding schedules as the correct version. According to Eskom, this is a temporary arrangement which should only last approximately a week.*

*The load shedding Applications (Apps) that are in circulation may have not been updated about this change and will give incorrect information unintentionally. The George Municipality load shedding schedule remains accurate and reliable.*

*The latest load shedding schedule for Uniondale is as follows:*

Wednesday 08/03/2023

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 09/03/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

Friday 10/03/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding.

Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.

Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages

Please do not phone the After hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department

Office of the Municipal Manager

George Municipality was again well prepared to prevent major flood damage although the Uniondale area was hit the hardest

Flood wrap of the weekend

Issued by George Municipality on 7 March 2023 for immediate release

 

Due to the George Municipality’s preparedness and a contingency plan consisting of integrated multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary services within the organisation, we were well prepared for the heavy rainfall and flooding expected  in George and Uniondale areas over the past weekend following the South African Weather Services Level 6 warning received on Friday 3 March.  George in general measured approximately 60 mm of rain from Friday, 3 March until Sunday, 5 March. The Municipality implemented measures aimed at disaster prevention, mitigation, and response, after receiving the predicted heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms from Saturday night to Monday morning.

 

Uniondale and Haarlem

In Uniondale, 65mm of rainfall was measured from Saturday until Sunday and about 68 mm of rainfall in Haarlem on the same days. Uniondale and Haarlem areas had the most damage with the newly upgraded Uniondale Fire Station that was almost completely flooded despite preventative preparations. Trenches and sandbags were used to attempt to prevent flooding but to no avail. The volume of the downpour was simply too much for the measures that were in place.

 

A farm in the Kammanassie area was cut off from access due to the Kammanassie River flooding. The resident was unable to pick up an urgent emergency consignment of medication for an epileptic patient and the George Fire Department assisted with the matter due to the emergency. A 4×4 vehicle was used to cross the flooded river and after some water had subsided as well.  Several roads were damaged in Haarlem and after the flooding a number of the stormwater drains need to be cleared of debris and which officials have started with.

The roads in Uniondale are extensively damaged by the storm that happened on Sunday, 5 March 2023. The road that was most adversely affected is Uitvlught road as well as Cemetery Road, Laetitia Avenue, Wehmeyer Street, Albert Street, Cathcart Street, Rose Street, Aberdeen Street, Buitenkant Street, Berg Street and Parlement Street. Some stormwater issues were experienced where large amounts of gravel washed into people’s driveways and properties. Officials have started by clearing rocks, stones and sand off the roads.

In Uniondale,  40 callouts were made for formal and informal housing with regard to the supply of gunplas and flood damage, with another 40 callouts in Haarlem. After these families were assisted with most flooding issues and glunplas it was not necessary to evacuate any of their premises.

 

Preparations in Advance

Our Civil Engineering Stormwater teams checked and cleared roughly 100 drains along 21 Streets in George areas from Friday afternoon till 22h00 and again on Saturday from 08h00 to 22h00. Three teams were put in place to check hotspot areas where flooding problems have occurred previously.  During the storm on Sunday, only four complaints came in of people needing assistance with catch pits.

The Disaster management department had to bring in two additional staff members to assist with the call volumes at the Call Centre. Our disaster and fire brigade officials monitored areas such as Hope Street and other areas around George. Sanparks breached the Touwsriver mouth at 15h30 on Monday afternoon. The Corporate Services Directorate had halls on standby to be used if people needed to be evacuated but this wasn’t necessary.

The George Traffic Services remained on standby for the duration of the storm and at least three vehicle accidents were reported on Provincial Roads. Two motor vehicle accidents were reported to the Fire Department on Sunday in Outeniqua Pass and one accident in Kaaimans Pass. The Fire Department received only 7 calls in the George area for assistance with sandbags at residential properties.

Our Human Settlements, Planning and Development Directorate cut gunplas on Friday in preparation for delivery on Saturday and Sunday. Gunplas was delivered to applicants on Saturday for them to place on their roofs in preparation for Sunday’s rain. More critical areas were serviced on Sunday. A total of 138 pieces of gunplas were delivered over the weekend in George,including Uniondale and Haarlem. Pre-preparation and delivery of gunplas before the inclement weather assisted immensely as the teams could attend to the most critical complaints received from the Fire Department. The Directorate continued with the delivery of gunplas after the storm. The Directorate’s maintenance section assisted 14 Rosemoor Units for the Aged with roof leaks and gunplas as well as 10 units where water was leaking through the doors.

George Municipal Manager, Dr. Michele Gratz, had huge praise and thanks to all the officials for their commitment to managing this potential disaster. “I think we did well and our preparations helped in many respects,” Gratz said. She thanked the teams for responding very quickly to potential issues and putting in long hours of hard work. George Executive Mayor Ald Leon van Wyk echoed the many thanks to all the staff and especially the teams on the ground. He said the preparations were excellent and he’s excited about the rainfall that we’ve had.

 

Video of the Touw Rivermouth being breached.

Our teams cleared the the roads and stormwater drains in Uniondale during the flooding.

Flooding at the Uniondale fire station that was recently refurbished.

 

Members from the George Fire brigade delivered emergency medicine with a 4×4 vehicle to a farm that was cut off due to the Kammanassie River that was in flood.

Debris lying in the road at Uniondale Poort after the storm.

Stormwater teams drive through Magnolia Street, Groeneweide Park to check and clear stormwater drains.

Check ups was done wat Moeggehuur and Moeggeploeg to make sure people’s homes were not flooded and if they needed gunplas.

 

Stormwater teams cleared stormwater drains all around George since Friday to be prepaped for any flooding.

 

*#Eskom Load shedding update: 6 March 2023*

*#Eskom Load shedding update: 6 March 2023*

_*Following the failure of five generating units today, Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today(Monday) until 05:00 tomorrow, Tuesday, whereafter Stage 4 loadshedding will resume until further notice. Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom*_

 

*George will be affected as follows:*

Monday 06/03/2023

20:00 – 22:30

Tuesday 07/03/2023

04:00 – 06:30

12:00 – 14:30

20:00 – 22:30

Wednesday 08/03/2023

04:00 – 06:30

12:00 – 14:30

20:00 – 22:30

Thursday 09/03/2023

02:00 – 04:30

10:00 – 12:30

18:00 – 20:30

Friday 10/03/2023

02:00 – 04:30

10:00 – 12:30

18:00 – 20:30

 

UNIONDALE NOW USES MISGUND LOAD SHEDDING SCHEDULE TEMPORARILY

*As of 3 March 2023, Eskom is feeding Uniondale power supply from a different region.

Uniondale’s loadshedding schedule now falls under Misgund.We advise consumers to consider the George Municipal issued load shedding schedules as the correct version. According to Eskom, this is a temporary arrangement which should only last approximately a week.*

*The load shedding Applications (Apps) that are in circulation may have not been updated about this change and will give incorrect information unintentionally. The George Municipality load shedding schedule remains accurate and reliable.*

*The latest load shedding schedule for Uniondale is as follows:*

Monday 06/03/2023

19:00 – 21:30

Tuesday 07/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Wednesday 08/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 09/03/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

Friday 10/03/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding.

Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.

Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages

Please do not phone the After hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

 

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department

Office of the Municipal Manager

Public Notice: Important prepaid meter software update (TID Rollover) – Phase 2

PUBLIC NOTICE: IMPORTANT PREPAID METER SOFTWARE UPDATE (TID Rollover)  – Phase 2 will receive a Token to amend software
Issued George Municipality, 6 March – Reminder

The George Municipality has embarked on a pre-paid electricity metering software update for its approximately 50 000 prepaid consumers quite a while back. The  current software will expire in November 2024. This will not only impact George consumers but  ALL prepaid meters throughout South Africa. If your meter is not updated before the deadline, you will not be able to recharge your prepaid meter with the new tokens and therefore will not have power.

70% of George Software Updates Completed
George Municipality has already successfully implemented the software update  on close to 70% of its prepaid meter base, through the work done by field staff and contractors on-site while doing a meter change, site inspection, and Amp limit roll-out. These teams will continue to go out weekly to do site inspections and Amp limit roll-out.

 

Final 30% software update will be done by receipt of an extra token
To expedite the software update (TID roll-over) and  in order to ensure no consumer is placed at risk of having a non-working meter, the municipality will implement the next phase  – key change process – of its TID roll-over implementation  plan from March 2023 with the issue of a separate, extra token when you make your next purchase.

 

Key Change Token

If your prepaid meter software has already been updated during Phase 1, you will NOT receive an extra token with your first purchase in March 2023. If you do receive a KEY CHANGE Token with your first purchase in March the following is VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE BEFORE you insert the key change:

  1. IMPORTANT – DON’T FORGET TO INSERT ALL old or unused tokens BEFORE you enter the KEY CHANGE  token and ONLY then INSERT the newly bought token,
  2. The meter will NOT accept your old or unused tokens, once you enter the key change token and no reimbursement can be made on these tokens.
  3. The meter will not accept your newly bought token, until the key change token has been inserted.

 

Verification or Queries – If you receive an extra token and you are unsure what to do?

Customers may phone the George Municipality on 044 801 9222 or Ontec on 044 873 5474 for verification, for response to queries  OR to request that their software is addressed. Please note that all municipal and/or Ontec officials carry identification cards with a photograph and their ID number as well as a copy of a verification letter explaining the purpose for their visit.

For more information on the TID Rollover (software update) please visit the George Municipality’s website to view frequently asked questions (FAQ):

 

https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/TID-ROLLOVER-FAQ-English-Updated-Version-May-2022.pdf

https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TID-ROLLOVER-FAQ-MvH-Afrikaans-1.pdf

https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/media-documents/other-publications/page/2/

 

TOKEN IDENTIFIER (TID) ROLLOVER  https://www.sts.org.za/tid-rollover SOURCE

The Token Identifier is a 24-bit field, contained in STS compliant tokens, that identifies the date and time of the token generation. It is used to determine if a token has already been used in a payment meter. The TID represents the minutes elapsed since the 1st of January 1993. The incrementing of the 24-bit field means that at some point in time, the TID value will roll over to a zero value.

All STS prepayment meters will be affected by TID roll over on the 24/11/2024. Any tokens generated after this date and utilizing the 24bit TID will be rejected by the meters as being old tokens as the TID value embedded in the token will have reset back to 0.

George Municipality have started improving access to homes with steep slopes and soon retaining walls will be built as well

Issued by George Municipality  28 February 2023

 

George Municipality has since 23 November 2022 started improving access to homes with steep slopes in Rosedale, Thembalethu and Touwsranten. Further measures to bring relief to several homes which continuously flood in times of heavy downpour include building channels to re-route run off, as well as installing gutters and down pipes to minimise access rainwater into the yards. A total of 64 houses were identified with stormwater problems in the areas mentioned above and to date 23 houses have been completed. A tender for the installation of retaining walls is still in the procurement process.

 

Captions: Construction in progress improving access to homes with steep slopes in Rosedale, Thembalethu and Touwsranten. Workers are building channels to re-rout run off, installing gutters and down pipes and buffers to bring relief especially during heavy downpours.

First Thursday with Mayor | Youth Sector on the 2nd of March

First Thursday | Youth Sector

Join us for our next First Thursday session on the 2nd of March.

This session is aimed at the youth, aged 18 – 35. In our session this focus will be the following: engaging with and hearing from you. This will allow us to determine the needs you have around business and activities that will benefit you and the municipality you live in.

The motivation for this specific session comes off the back of a discussion the Mayor Leon Van Wyk had with a young accountant, Des-lie Van Wyk, who started SHIFT Entrepreneurs with his Board of Directors.

This Non Profit Organisation (SHIFT) is a dynamic group of young business people committed to creating a sustainable economy in George by giving young and aspiring entrepreneurs optimal opportunities for growth and success.

At this First Thursday engagement, SHIFT will speak more about what they do and how they plan to positively impact the local George community. We welcome you to make any contributions that can further benefit the community.

Ideally, this is a forum that facilitates interaction between accountants, attorneys, businesspersons, farmers, brokers, etc. However, we are opening up this platform to all of you.

If you are interested, please RSVP via email to supportbusiness@george.gov.za Your RSVP secures your link to this meeting. Provide your name, contact number and email address to supportbusiness@george.gov.za

If you have any further questions or queries, contact Melissa Dreyer at 044 801 9129 .

Details again: When: 2nd March 2023 Platform: MS TEAMS Time: 16:30

NELSON MANDELA BOULEVARD: DRONE SURVEY A drone survey of Nelson Mandela Boulevard

NELSON MANDELA BOULEVARD: DRONE SURVEY
 
A drone survey of Nelson Mandela Boulevard (Ngcakani/Tabata Street intersection to the traffic circle in the south) will be conducted that will impact on roads users and pedestrian activity. The survey is required to determine the extent of road, sidewalk and stormwater construction defects. Three dates have been identified as the aerial survey is dependent on weather conditions:
(Note Revised Target Date)
 
DESCRIPTION:
Drone survey of Nelson Mandela Boulevard from Ngcakani/Tabata Street intersection to the traffic circle in the south, approximately 2.6 kms.
 
DATE:
Revised Target date: Monday 27 February 2023 (dependent on weather conditions)
 
SERVICE DISRUPTION:
The road will be closed for about two and a half (2,5) hours during the drone survey. Advance notification of planned temporary disruptions will be sent out via social media and traffic control will assist in diverting road users. Road users will be diverted to Ngcakani Road and Tabata Streets
 
SURVEY HOURS:
The survey process will be carried out between approximately 10h00 and 13h00 on the specific day.
 
IMPACT ON TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY:
NMB, and all side road intersections to NMB (positions indicated by X), will be closed in two separate sections (Fourways to 26th Street; and 26th Street to traffic circle) over the approximate two and a half (2,5) hour period. No vehicles will be allowed in the specific section of the road reserve while it is being surveyed, and pedestrian activity must be limited to the absolute minimum. Informal traders will be required to relocate temporarily during the survey period. Caution needs to be exercised by residents, road users and pedestrians throughout the duration of the drone survey period. Adherence to traffic & law enforcement officials, flag persons and temporary road signage will be required.
 
NELSON MANDELA BOULEVARD: DRONE SURVEY
A drone survey of Nelson Mandela Boulevard (Ngcakani/Tabata Street intersection to the traffic circle in the south) will be conducted that will impact on roads users and pedestrian activity. The survey is required to determine the extent of road, sidewalk and stormwater construction defects. Three dates have been identified as the aerial survey is dependent on weather conditions:
(Note Revised Target Date)
 
 
ACCESS TO THE SURVEY AREA:
Access to the site will be restricted and strictly controlled.
 
ENQUIRIES: Mr. Adrian van Molendorff, George Municipality – 044 801 9351.
 
The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to all residents to be patient and adhere to traffic and pedestrian control measures during the survey.
Please look out for and co-operate with traffic control personnel.