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Author: Debra Sauer

UPDATE 2: WEATHER-RELATED WATER ISSUES IN GEORGE AND UNIONDALE

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.

UPDATE: WEATHER-RELATED WATER ISSUES IN GEORGE AND UNIONDALE

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)

UPDATE 11: WEATHER-RELATED POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

George Municipality’s electrical teams remain on site across the municipal area and will continue working throughout the night to restore electricity supply to as many affected areas as possible.

Due to fatigue after extended hours of work, teams are operating with reduced staff during the night shift. Despite this, restoration efforts are continuing.

Additional contractors will join the municipal teams tomorrow to assist in accelerating the repair process.

The Municipality is attending to all outages reported through the official fault reporting channels. Some faults can be resolved relatively quickly, while others are more complex and require more extensive repairs.

Additional teams will also be deployed to Wilderness and Blanco tomorrow to strengthen restoration efforts in these areas.
Residents are thanked for their continued patience and understanding while teams work to restore supply as safely and efficiently as possible.

UPDATE 10: WEATHER-RELATED POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

George Municipality’s electrical teams have made significant progress in restoring electricity supply following extensive weather-related damage to the network.
The 66kV Glenwood line has been successfully repaired and re-energised, enabling power to be restored to a number of areas, including Rosemoor, Aspeling Street and parts of the CBD, parts of George East and parts of Thembalethu. Teams are currently on site in Thembalethu attending to outstanding localised faults.
As the Glenwood Substation is brought back online, additional low-voltage outages may be identified. The Municipality is aware of the urgent need to restore supply to all affected areas and is doing everything possible, with the assistance of appointed contractors, to address remaining faults as quickly and safely as possible.

POWER SUPPLY HAS BEEN RESTORED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
• Airport Line
• Herold’s Bay
• Mooikloof
• Diepkloof
• Portions of Hansmoeskraal
• Gwaiing Sewerage Works
• Bergsig
• Rosemoor
• Aspeling
• Parts Mitchell and Church Streets
Parts of George East is also back on.

HIGH-VOLTAGE NETWORK UPDATE
The 66kV Glenwood line has been repaired and re-energised.

OUTSTANDING LOW-VOLTAGE OUTAGES
Electrical teams are currently attending to low voltage complaints across George.

Today the teams have had success in the CBD area, Pacaltsdorp, Blanco and Thembalethu.
There is currently no estimated time of restoration (ETR) for these localised outages, as the extent of the damage differs from site to site.

REPORT POWER OUTAGES OR LIVE CABLES
Residents are encouraged to report power outages and dangerous situations such as live cables at the after hours numbers 044 801 6300 or 044 801 6311.
George Municipality thanks all residents for their patience and cooperation while teams work to restore services as safely and quickly as possible.

PUBLIC NOTICE: UNPLANNED WATER OUTAGE – KRAAIBOSCH AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Residents are advised that the high-lift pump station supplying the Kraaibosch Water Tower has been affected by the current power outage.
As a result, water supply interruptions are being experienced in the following areas:Kraaibosch,Welgelegen,Victoria Bay
Victoria Heights, Wilderness Heights and Akela.
A water tanker has been stationed at the BP service station next to the N2 and will remain available until 20:00 this evening.
Water supply will be restored once power is reinstated and the pump station is fully operational.
George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience and understanding.

UPDATE Weather-Related WATER ISSUES – George and Uniondale

Uniondale – Rietvlei does not have water currently due to the main water supply line that washed away. A water truck will be made available.

DENVER Park – water supply in process of being restored. A large tree had to be cut up and removed to allow officials to access the damaged water pipe.

EMERGENCY WORK is required on two main water lines that were unsafe to be attended to yesterday due to downed power lines and unstable trees. They will be attended to today.

Residents are urged to use water sparingly until power is restored and normal pumping operations can resume as several reservoirs are under strain with low levels.

Stormwater and water related issues please contact Civils Related Customer Services 044 801 9262/6 (7.45am-4.30pm) or
044 801 9262/6 or 044 801 9354 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 6300 (after hours)

Road closures due to fallen trees Issued by George Municipality – 11 May 2026

Motorists are advised of the following road closures resulting from fallen trees caused by adverse weather conditions:
Outeniqua Pass direction towards George – Traffic is being diverted following a fallen tree obstructing the roadway.
Step Aside Road – Closed to all traffic due to two fallen trees.
R404 / George Road, Blanco – Closed in the direction from Blanco towards the N9 due to a fallen tree.

Municipal teams and emergency services are attending to the affected areas. Road users are requested to avoid these routes where possible and make use of alternative roads.

ROAD SAFETY REMINDER

All motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution during wet and hazardous conditions:
Reduce speed.
Maintain a safe following distance.
Switch on headlights.
Be alert for fallen trees and debris
Do not attempt to drive through barricaded or closed roads.

Update: Weather warnings for the Southern Cape from Sunday, 10 May to Tuesday, 12 May 2026

The South African Weather Service advised the Disaster Risk Management Centre of the following weather warning for the period Sunday, 10 May 2026 to Tuesday, 12 May 2026:

* Orange level six warning for disruptive rainfall leading to flooding of roads, low-lying bridges, and formal as well as informal settlements

* Orange level six warning for damaging winds and waves leading to danger to navigation at sea and damage to coastal infrastructure along the coast between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay

* Yellow level two warning for damaging winds

The Disaster Coordinating Team (DCT) will be activated to coordinate the City’s response to weather-related impacts.

We urge the public to please follow official updates on social media and their preferred media channels closely, and to report any emergency incidents to the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.

“United for Growth” – George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism Sector to Gather for Major Industry Conference 2026

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, the official Tourism Bureau of George Municipality, in collaboration with the Hawthorn Boutique Hotel in George, proudly announces the Tourism Stakeholders Conference 2026, taking place on Monday, 25 May 2026, from 09:00 to 16:30.

The conference will be hosted at the elegant Hawthorn Boutique Hotel in George, one of the region’s leading accommodation and conferencing destinations, providing the ideal setting for meaningful engagement, collaboration, and industry networking.

Held under the theme “United for Growth”, this year’s conference will bring together key players from across the tourism value chain to collaborate, share insights, and shape a unified vision for the future of tourism across the George municipal region.

The conference aims to strengthen partnerships between public- and private-sector stakeholders while addressing both the opportunities and challenges currently facing the industry. Through meaningful dialogue and strategic engagement, the event will explore ways to drive sustainable tourism development, enhance destination competitiveness, and unlock economic growth.

As part of George Municipality’s ongoing commitment to developing and supporting the local tourism economy, the conference will serve as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions. Attendees can expect engaging discussions, strategic tourism updates, and valuable networking opportunities designed to inspire collaboration and action.

The conference programme will feature presentations and industry updates from a range of key tourism and economic development stakeholders, including George Airport, CapeNature, the George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA), and SEDFA. Topics will include airport developments and regional connectivity, tourism concession opportunities at the Outeniqua Nature Reserve, collaborative destination marketing initiatives such as “George Trails” and “Home of Golf Africa”, local grant funding and business support opportunities, as well as sustainability-focused tourism development.

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism will also present an overview of the Tourism Bureau’s activities and achievements over the past financial year, including strategic partnerships, destination marketing campaigns, supported events, and key regional milestones. Attendees will further receive insights into upcoming projects and priorities, along with the latest available Garden Route tourism statistics and trends shaping the regional visitor economy.

“With tourism continuing to play a critical role in our local economy, this conference provides an important opportunity for the sector to come together, strengthen partnerships, and align around future growth opportunities,” said Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager for George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism. “We encourage general managers, sales and marketing managers, and owners of local tourism businesses such as accommodation establishments, attractions, tour operators, restaurants, activity providers, and related enterprises to attend and be part of the conversations shaping the future of tourism in our destination.”

With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, collaboration, and resilience, the 2026 conference underscores the importance of a united tourism sector in building a thriving, competitive, and future-ready destination.

Attendees will also stand a chance to win various prizes during the event.

All stakeholders registered with George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism are invited to RSVP to attend the conference. Please note that, due to limited capacity, attendance is by confirmation only and will be confirmed via email.
RSVPs close on 20 May 2026, with confirmation emails to be issued by 21 May 2026.
To register your attendance, please complete the RSVP form here: https://zurl.co/WKfvu

For enquiries, please contact: Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager on 044 801 9295 or email: jshaw@george.gov.za

SUSPENSION OF RUGBY FIXTURES AT MUNICIPAL SPORTS FACILITIES: 08 – 10 May 2026

The public is hereby informed, due to persistent rainfall experienced during the past week, no rugby fixtures will be permitted at municipal sports facilities for the weekend of 08–10 May 2026.

This arrangement excludes matches scheduled at Outeniqua Park Rugby Stadium, where adequate measures are in place to manage excess water on the playing surfaces effectively.

This decision has been taken in the interest of player safety, as well as to protect the condition and integrity of municipal sports facilities.

The Municipality regrets any inconvenience caused and thanks all stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation.

 

OPENBARE KENNISGEWING:OPSKORTING VAN RUGBYWEDSTRYDE OP MUNISIPALE SPORTFASILITEITE: 08 – 10 Mei 2026

Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit 8 Mei 2026

 Die publiek word hiermee in kennis gestel dat, weens die aanhoudende reënval wat gedurende die afgelope week ervaar is, geen rugbywedstryde op munisipale sportfasiliteite vir die naweek van 08–10 Mei 2026 toegelaat sal word nie.

Hierdie reëling sluit nie wedstryde by die Outeniqua Park Rugbystadion in nie, waar voldoende maatreëls in plek is om die oormatige water op die speeloppervlaktes effektief te bestuur.

Hierdie besluit is geneem in die belang van spelersveiligheid, sowel as om die toestand en integriteit van munisipale sportfasiliteite te beskerm.

Die Munisipaliteit vra om verskoning vir enige ongerief wat veroorsaak is en bedank alle belanghebbendes vir hul begrip en samewerking.

Updated Public Notice: MVR facilities and tourism offices open today

Please note the following updates regarding municipal facilities and services:

* Blanco Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) Office is open to the public today.
* Hibernia Street MVR Office is open to the public today. Electrical repair work is currently underway on one side of the building following the earlier power-related issue.
* George Tourism Office is open to the public today.
* Wilderness Tourism Office is open to the public today.
* Vehicle Testing Stations (VTS) remain closed today due to flooding and related operational challenges.

The Municipality thanks residents for their patience and understanding while repair and recovery operations continue.

George firefighters celebrated on International Firefighter’s Day on 4 May

George Municipality proudly recognises and honours the dedication and bravery of its firefighters on International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD), observed annually on 4 May.

Pictured are members of George Fire & Rescue Services receiving generous tokens of appreciation from members of the public, in recognition of their continued commitment to protecting lives and property. Joining them in front is a young community member who personally delivered the care packs — a heartfelt gesture that reflects the strong bond between the firefighters and the community they serve. In the packs were hot coffees, sweet and other spoils.

These acts of kindness and support serve as a reminder that our firefighters are not only first responders, but valued members of the George community.

George Municipality extends its sincere gratitude to all firefighters for their courage, resilience and selfless service.

Updated – Public Notice: Temporary closure of facilities due to heavy weather conditions

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, heavy weather conditions, and related safety concerns, the following facilities of George Municipality are affected today:
• Vehicle Testing Stations is closed due to operational difficulties
• Blanco MVR Facility is closed.
• Hibernia Street MVR Facility is currently affected by a power outage. (We will give an update once it has been resolved)
• Wilderness Tourism Office is closed to the public.
The safety of our Officials and the public remain a priority. Services will resume as soon as it is safe and operationally feasible to do so.

Public Notice: Temporary closure of facilities due to heavy weather conditions and circumstances out of our control

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, heavy weather conditions, and related safety concerns, the following facilities of George Municipality are affected today:
• Blanco MVR Facility is closed.
• Hibernia Street MVR Facility is currently affected by a power outage. (We will give an update once it has been resolved)
• Wilderness Tourism Office is closed to the public.
The safety of our Officials and the public remain a priority. Services will resume as soon as it is safe and operationally feasible to do so.

Rescheduling of Learner’s Licence Test – UNIONDALE ONLY

Please be advised that the Learner’s Licence Test scheduled for Wednesday, 6 May in Uniondale has been postponed due to inclement weather.
Arrangements are being made to reschedule the test at the earliest available opportunity. All affected applicants will be notified of the new date in due course.
The Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks applicants for their understanding and cooperation.

George Municipality Internal Audit Department launches International Internal Audit Awareness Month – May 2026

In the photograph is the George Municipal Internal Audit Team

The month of May marks International Internal Audit Awareness Month, a global initiative dedicated to recognising the vital role of internal audit professionals and promoting greater awareness of the profession.

The Internal Audit Department at George Municipality is proud to participate in this initiative by launching an awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the value adding role of Internal Audit within the organisation.

Earlier this year, in January, the Internal Audit Team launched a year long Internal Audit Awareness Campaign, reinforcing the message that assurance, governance and risk management are continuous responsibilities, rather than once off events.

The campaign, titled “Internal Audit Awareness – Every Month”, seeks to embed a clearer understanding of the role of Internal Audit across all directorates. The campaign emphasises that Internal Audit is:
• An independent and objective assurance and advisory function;
• A partner in strengthening governance, risk management and internal controls; and
• A contributor to improved service delivery and accountability.

Through monthly themed engagements, information sharing and practical interactions, the Internal Audit Department will demonstrate how Internal Audit supports management and assists Council and the Audit Committee in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities.
Led by JP Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive, the George Municipal Internal Audit Team is committed to promoting good governance and encouraging interest in the internal audit profession, particularly among young South Africans considering careers in assurance, governance and risk management.

Throughout May, the Internal Audit Department will collaborate with the Communications Office to publish informative content on the Municipality’s social media platforms. This content will focus on the role and responsibilities of Internal Audit and address frequently asked questions to improve awareness and understanding.

In addition to informative content, the Internal Audit Department will host weekly internal competitions with exciting prizes for officials. Questions related to internal audit will be circulated internally via a provided link, inviting officials to participate and engage in celebrating International Internal Audit Awareness Month.
The Internal Audit Department welcomes inquiries and encourages officials to reach out for further information about the role and responsibilities of Internal Audit.

Road closure: Upgrade of Sewer Network c/o Courtney & Church Streets, George

Notice is hereby given that the intersection of Courtney and Church Streets will be temporarily closed on tonight, 30 April 2026, from 20:00 to 24:00, due to the ongoing upgrade and installation of a new main sewer line.

Motorists are advised that traffic will be permitted to flow in a westerly direction only. Road users travelling eastbound (towards Garden Route Mall) will be required to follow the designated detour routes, as implemented during the initial road closure.

The broader sewer infrastructure upgrade project at the intersection of Courtney and Church Streets commenced on 17 April 2026 and is expected to continue until 8 May 2026. Construction activities during this period may impact both residents and road users in the area.

George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during the implementation of this essential infrastructure upgrade.

Municipal Offices closed for Public Holidays

George Municipality hereby advises the public that all municipal offices will be closed on Monday, 27 April 2026 (Freedom Day) and Friday, 1 May 2026 (Workers’ Day). Offices will reopen on the next working day following each public holiday at 07:45.

 Refuse removal services will continue as per the normal schedule on both public holidays. Households and businesses are reminded to place refuse out by 07:00.

Residents are urged to take note of these arrangements and to plan accordingly. Your cooperation is appreciated.

 All emergency services will remain operational throughout the public holidays.

After-hours contact numbers:
Fire Emergency (24/7): 044 801 6311
Toll-Free Disaster Number (24/7): 087 152 9999
George Municipality After-hours Number: 044 801 6300