Author: Debra Sauer

A planned construction of the New Thembalethu (East) reservoir, tower & pump station, initially scheduled to take place on weekdays, will also include tomorrow, Saturday, 20 July 2024 between 07:00 and 14:00.

The work will also include Tuesday, 23 July 2024 early morning from 02h00 until 24 July 2024.

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

TRAFFIC IMPACT:
Residents, road users and pedestrians need to exercise caution throughout the construction period. Please adhere to flag persons, temporary construction works and road signage.

ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the site will be strictly controlled. No member of the public will be allowed access to the construction area, in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: Andre Scheepers – 044 801 9492 (Technical)
Alewijn Dippenaar – 082 457 5675 (Public Liaison Officer)

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

Please note that this quarter’s black municipal refuse bags will be distributed in August. Similarly, the bags for the informal settlements will also be handed over to the George Councillors in August.

BLACK BAG ENQUIRIES
George Municipality Environmental Services
82 Meade Street, George.
Contact Person Name: Jody Stuurman
Black bag-related enquiries: 044 802 2900

All refuse bags must be put out by 7 am on removal day.
Please don’t put bags out the day or night before removal.
Please wrap broken glass in newspaper before placing it in bags to prevent injuries to workers.
A pack of 26 black bags are distributed to households quarterly.

Black bags are removed by George Municipality trucks and service provider Henque Waste removes blue and green bags, all on the same day.

For complaints or queries regarding blue bags please contact Henque Waste:
Contact Person Name: Douw Bezuidenhout
Contact Number Office: 064 905 8180 (also WhatsApp)
Complaints Number: 072 592 6212
General Contact Email Address: admin@henquewaste.co.za
Complaints Contact Email Address: douw@henquewaste.co.z
Factory Address: 27 Rand St, George Industria, George, 6536
Website Address: www.henquewaste.co.za

ILLEGAL DUMPING
The municipality needs your help to combat illegal dumping:

1. Please spread the news in your community that dumping waste is dangerous and a health hazard. Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on waste removal days. Builders’ rubble and waste not suitable for bags must be dropped at the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).
2. If you can provide names, vehicle registration details or addresses of alleged perpetrators and are willing to make a statement in this regard, please report it to Law Enforcement at 044 801 6350 or gmun@george.gov.za. You don’t need a photograph of the perpetrator, but it will strengthen the case for a warning or fine to be issued.
3. If you notice dumped waste, please report for collection to 044 802 2900.

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 95,30%
Rainfall for the previous days: 0 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 9-15 July 2024)

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

UPDATE 13: Inclement Weather and Emergency Incidents in George
Issued by George Municipality, 13 July 2024 @ 15:00

The George Municipality continues addressing various power outages and the cleanup of fallen trees. Currently, no roads are closed. Our emergency personnel is on standby with high winds and wave heights exceeding 4 metres expected for today and tomorrow.
WEATHER WARNING

A Yellow Level 2 Warning affecting George has been received from the South African Weather Service (SAWS). A cold front associated with a steep upper air trough is expected to result in strong to near gale westerly to north-westerly winds (40 to 60 km/h between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Sunday, 14 July 2024. Wave heights of 3 to 4.56 metres are expected from Saturday, 13 July 2024 morning while the winds are only expected from the afternoon.

POWER OUTAGES
Parts of George are experiencing power outages due to bad weather since earlier in the week. Electrical teams are dispatched to various areas:

• Ebb & Flow Line – Repairs ongoing
• George Street, Blanco – Repairs ongoing (one house affected)
• Saasveld – Nelson Mandela University – Restored
• Valley Road, Hoekwil – Restored
• Farming area, Fairy Knowe – Repairs to continue

TREES AND BRANCHES
Officials will continue cleaning up in various areas across George. There are no immediate threats at the moment.

REPORTING OF INCIDENTS
For emergencies, please use the following contact details:
• After-Hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999
• Fire and Rescue: 044 801 6311 or 044 801 6300
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89

Stay safe and take necessary precautions during this period.

A planned construction of the New Thembalethu (East) reservoir, tower & pump station, initially scheduled to take place on weekdays, will also include tomorrow, Saturday, 13 July 2024 between 07:00 and 14:00.

SERVICE DISRUPTION:

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

TRAFFIC IMPACT:

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

ACCESS TO SITE:

Access to the site will be strictly controlled.  No member of the public will be allowed access to the construction area, in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

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

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

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

The George Municipality urges residents to report emergencies using the supplied contact details. Officials are still addressing various power outages and fallen trees today, Friday 12 July 2024.

 POWER OUTAGES

• Parts of George are experiencing power outages in different areas due to the bad weather conditions. Electrical teams are dispatched to various areas.
• Fairy Knowe power line from Ebb and Flow is off. (repairs to continue this morning)
• Portion of Denneoord (St. Pauls, Wellington, 9th Avenue, 10th Avenue). (repairs to continue this morning)
• Power outage at George Street, Blanco. (Power outage at Boekenhout Street, Hoekwil. (repairs to continue this morning)
• Power outage in Saasveld.  (biggest portion restored – Nelson Mandela University still down)
• Power outages in Wilderness and Kleinkrantz are due to an Eskom trip. Four lines have fallen to the ground and all the lines have to be replaced. The repairwork will continue this morning.

 RESTORED POWER OUTAGES

 Power outage in De Waal Drive, Wilderness. Electricians have been dispatched. (restored)

• Hoekwil main line, Dinnie line, Erica line  – Wilderness (restored)
• Glenwood (restored)
• Power outage at Boekenhout Street, Hoekwil. (restored)
• A portion of Mitchell Street has been switched off to replace a broken pole. (Restored)
• Farmlands in Geelhoutboom are to be switched off for repair work. ETR is 1 hour. (Restored)
• Power outage at Woltemade Street, Rosemore. (restored)
• Bergsig (Short Street restored)

TREE ACTION LIST

Officials will continue attending to fallen trees today, Friday, 11 July 2024. They are busy in the following areas:

• Wilderness Heights
• Bergsig
• Denneoord (5^th Street and Meyer Streets completed)
• George CBD and surrounds (Outeniqua Weg Completed)
• 7 Passes
• Darling Street, Railway line
• R404 toward Herolds Bay – Completed
• Glenwood
• Heather Park (Plover Street and Progress Streets completed)

REPORTING OF INCIDENTS

For emergencies, please use the following contact details:

• After-Hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999
• Fire and Rescue: 044 801 6311 or 044 801 6300
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89

The George Municipality will send the next update today Friday, 12 July 2024 at 11h00. Stay safe and take necessary precautions during this period.

The George Municipality urges residents to report emergencies using the supplied contact details. Officials are addressing various power outages, fallen trees, and traffic-related incidents. Emergency Services are on high alert with rainfall expected from 13:00 until 18:00. The George Fire Brigade remains on standby and is attending to incidents as they arise. Motorists are requested to drive cautiously as officials continue to clear fallen trees.

 POWER OUTAGES

• Parts of George are experiencing power outages in different areas due to the bad weather conditions. Electrical teams are dispatched to various areas.
• Fairy Knowe power line from Ebb and Flow is off. (repairs in progress)
• Portion of Denneoord (St. Pauls, Wellington, 9th Avenue, 10th Avenue). (tree cutting in progess)
• Power outage in De Waal Drive, Wilderness. Electricians have been dispatched. (repairs in progess)
• Power outage at Boekenhout Street, Hoekwil. (repairs in progress)
• Electrical lines have fallen on Erica Road, Wilderness. (repairs in progress – possible switch on early hours of Friday, 12 July 2024)
• Power outage at George Street, Blanco. (repairs in progress)
• Power outage in Saasveld.  (repairs in progress)
• Power outages in Wilderness and Kleinkrantz are due to an Eskom trip. Lines have to be repaired before area can be energised. Repairwork can take until tomorrow morning.

 RESTORED POWER OUTAGES

• A portion of Mitchell Street has been switched off to replace a broken pole. (Restored)
• Farmlands in Geelhoutboom are to be switched off for repair work. ETR is 1 hour. (Restored)
• Power outage at Woltemade Street, Rosemore. (restored)

PLANNED POWER OUTAGES

All planned power outages in the following areas have been cancelled. Any power outages occurring are due to bad weather and infrastructure damage:

• Thembalethu
• Victoria Street

 TREE ACTION LIST

Officials are attending to fallen trees in the following areas:

• Wilderness Heights
• Bergsig
• Denneoord (5^th Street and Meyer Streets completed)
• George CBD and surrounds (Outeniqua Weg Completed)
• 7 Passes
• Darling Street, Railway line
• R404 toward Herolds Bay – Completed
• Glenwood
• Heather Park (Plover Street and Progress Streets completed)

REPORTING OF INCIDENTS

For emergencies, please use the following contact details:

• After-Hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999
• Fire and Rescue: 044 801 6311 or 044 801 6300
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89

The George Municipality will continue to provide updates as incidents occur. Stay safe and take necessary precautions during this period.

Please be advised that the NATIS System is currently down at the Motor Vehicle Registration (next to the train station)in Hibernia Street and is very slow at the Blanco satellite office. No transactions can be done at MVR in Hibernia Street office currently.
The system is fully operational at the Traffic Services Department (DLTC) in Pacaltsdorp. The machines are operational but the situation affects transactions and services at the DLTC.
Technicians have been informed of the problem and the public is asked to be patient.
For more information contact the MVR in town on 044 801 9310 or 044 801 9311 or mvr@george.gov.za

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF PACALTSDORP

BROMVOËL CLOSE,

MISSION & FERN STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  MONDAY 15 JULY  2024  FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on TUESDAY 16 JULY  2024 FROM  09H00 TO 16H00.

KENNISGEWING VAN  DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN PACALTSDORP

BROMVOËL CLOSE,

MISSION & FERNSTRATE

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op MAANDAG 15 JULIE 2024 VANAF  09H00 TOT 16H00 met  die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op DINSDAG 16 JULIE 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00.

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 96,72%
Rainfall for the previous days: 17 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 2-8 July 2024)

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

Due to a fire at the Tourism Office, the George Library is currently experiencing internet and telephone outages. The library’s internet and phone services rely on a server housed at the George Tourism Office, which has been affected by a fire. Consequently, all telephone lines at George Library are down, causing significant inconvenience for residents in Wilderness, Herold’s Bay, and surrounding farming communities.

Affected Services:

• Telephone Services: All lines are currently down.
• Telephonic Renewals and Reminders: Unable to process renewals, late book reminders, and interlibrary loans via phone.
• Itron Electronic Payment Machine: Fines payments are affected, and receipts are issued manually.

Unaffected Services:

• Public Internet and Wi-Fi: These services are running on the Provincial broadband and remain operational.
• Book Issuance and Returns: Staff can still issue and return books.
• SLIMS Online Catalogue and Information Retrieval: These functions are available.

Alternative Renewal Method:

To renew books, please use the following WhatsApp number: 066 289 2863

Library Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 09:00 – 18:00
• Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
• Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00

We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve these issues.

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height                                       97,69%

Rainfall for the previous days:                                                                         0 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 25 June 2024 up until 01 July 2024)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7

The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Wilderness Tourism Office will be closed Monday, 1 July 2024 due to maintenance.
The office will re-open again on Tuesday, 2 July 2024 at 08h30.
For more information, the public can phone the George Tourism Office on 044 801 9295. The Wilderness Tourism Office number is 044 877 0045.

Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Garden Route District Municipality

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), together with Western Cape Veterinary Services, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), City of Cape Town Coastal Management, and other partners are working closely to establish the extent and timeline of the outbreak through further sampling and testing.

Circular H80/2024, which is aligned to Circular H19/2022: Rabies: Updated Draft National Human Rabies Prophylaxis Guideline and the Prevention of Human Rabies Cases:

This serves as an alert to inform healthcare providers and workers of the necessary public health response following a confirmed rabies case in a wild Cape Fur Seal from Big Bay, Blouberg, Cape Town.

The sample was taken from the seal in question on 22 May 2024 and was confirmed to be infected with rabies by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture on 7 June 2024.

Rabies has never been detected in seals in Southern Africa before, and this is one of the very few detections in seals worldwide.

Information on various seal bite incidents has been received by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness from the City of Cape Town Coastal Management, Oudekraal, Kommetjie, Muizenberg, Blouberg in Cape Town, and Plettenberg Bay.

Rabies in unvaccinated animals can lead to the spread of the disease and can be fatal to humans. Therefore, with the confirmed rabies case in Cape Town, the public needs to be advised of the following:

READ MORE: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2024/06/27/27-june-2024-public-notice-alert-public-health-response-to-the-confirmation-of-rabies-in-cape-fur-seals/