Author: Debra Sauer
Public Notice: Refuse removal delayed today due to heavy rain
PUBLIC NOTICE: BOTH LEU & ENATIS SYSTEMS DOWN: PACALTSDORP
Please NOTE that Both Enatis and LEU eye test systems are down/offline at George DLTC.
NO transactions including License renewals or applications can be done at this stage.
It has been reported to the Department of Transport. Systems are down nationally. We will send an update as soon as the fault has been resolved.
For more information please phone the George DLTC in Pacaltsdorp on 044 878 2400.
Uniondale: Waterverkleuring
Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit 23 May 2024
Weens onvoorsiene omstandighede is die Uniondale-watersuiweringsaanleg se uitvloeikwaliteit beïnvloed met die ongewone lae rouwaterdamvlakke.
Flokkulant-oordrag is opgemerk en die George Munisipale bedrywighede moes die primêre en sekondêre sedimentasiedamme by die watersuiweringsaanleg skoonmaak. Dit het daartoe gelei dat water met ‘n hoër as normale troebelheid ons drinkwater-opgaarreservoirs binnegekom het, en uiteindelik die waterverspreidingsnetwerk.
George-munisipaliteit kan bevestig dat die water veilig is vir verbruik en die publiek aanraai om die water voor verbruik te kook.
Die instandhouding sal binne die volgende 3 tot 4 uur afgehandel wees waarna die waternetwerk gespoel sal word.
Die waterverkleuring sal oor die volgende paar uur verbeter
’n Watervragmotor sal in die dorpsgebied rondry.
Planned power outage: portion of Hoekwil, Olifantshoek and Platrug Road
URGENT PUBLIC NOTICE: Construction of New Pacaltsdorp (East) Reservoir, Tower & Pump Station
Issued by George Municipality, 17 May 2024
A planned construction of the New Pacaltsdorp (East) reservoir, tower & pump station, initially scheduled to take place on weekdays, will also include tomorrow, Saturday, 18 May 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.
URGENT PUBLIC NOTICE: Construction of New Reservoir in Thembalethu East
Issued by George Municipality, 17 May 2024
A planned construction of the New Thembalethu (East) reservoir, tower & pump station, initially scheduled to take place on weekdays, will also include tomorrow, Saturday, 18 May 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.
MEDIA STATEMENT: 12:00 Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 16 May 2024 at 12:00
Rescue and recovery efforts on day nine (9) will carry over to day ten (10) at 14:09 today 16 May, following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 237 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 62
* Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 19
The media is kindly requested to respect the privacy of the patients still hospitalised/receiving treatment at medical facilities in George. Their dignity while they recuperate should be observed and respected.
FAMILIES LINKED TO SURVIVORS AND DECEASED
47 victims have been linked to their families.
STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE
The Garden Route District Joint Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
REFRAIN FROM SPECULATION
The public is advised that official investigations into the incident are being undertaken by SAPS, Department of Labour, Department of Infrastructure as well as an independent structural engineering firm appointed by the Western Cape Government. Speculation and possible causes by unofficial “experts” could impact negatively on the official investigation. The public is requested to refrain from spreading malicious rumours and/or fake news.
MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Cyril Ramaphosa, is visiting the disaster site in George today with the Premier of the Western Cape, Hon. Alan Winde. They will be accompanied by several National and Provincial Ministers.
A media briefing is set for 13:00 in front of the foyer of the George Town Hall.
DONATIONS FOR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AT THE GEORGE BUILDING COLLAPSE SITE
Donations for the multi-disciplinary emergency personnel may be delivered to AFM (AGS) Soteria Church at 27 Victoria Street in George or contact the Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428) in this regard.
POST-INCIDENT SUPPORT
The Western Cape Department of Social Development has indicated that a comprehensive range of services will continue to be made available to the affected families for a minimum of 6-months. Psychosocial support for all rescue and non-rescue personnel will be addressed.
The next update will be issued at 15:00 today, 16 May 2024.
Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality
#Georgebuildingcollapse
Planned power outage: Portion of Pacaltsdorp
NOTIFICATION OF THE EMEGENCY INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF PACALTSDORP
PROTEA SUBSTATION.
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 11H00 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.
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE NOOD ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN PACALTSDORP
PROTEA SUBSTASIE
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op WOENSDAG 15 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 11H00 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.
MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Building Collapse Site in George, Western Cape – South Africa
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 14 May 2024 at 15:00
Rescue and recovery efforts have reached day eight (8) following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 193 hours.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 62
* Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, 6 females)
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 19
UPDATE OF PATHOLOGY SERVICES
The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families. Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings such as tattoos and clothing items are some of the methods used to identify the deceased. Forensic Pathology Services are not limited to the Victoria Street Disaster in George, but also include other cases that happen on a daily basis.
It is confirmed that six (6) of the deceased were positively identified – this information also went through the system.
IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS
We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.
STRICT VERIFICATION IN PLACE
The Joint District Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
MINISTERIAL AND OTHER VISITS
The National Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Thulas Nxesi, will be visiting the area on Thursday, 16 May 2024.
SPECIAL REQUESTS FROM FAMILY
A request for a Cultural prayer by a family member of one of the deceased was made and permission has been granted for Wednesday, 15 May 2024 at 07:15.
The next update will be issued by 18:00pm, 14 May 2024.
Photograph: Garden Route District Municipality
Unplanned power outage in Zone 9, Thembalethu
Unplanned power outage in Zone 9, Thembalethu
Issued by George Municipality 14 May 2024 at 12h00
Electricians on site to investigate.
Unplanned power outage in Denneoord and Camphersdrif
Unplanned power outage in Denneoord and Camphersdrif
Issued by George Municipality 14 May 2024 at 12h00
Electricians are on site to investigate.
𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲, 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 – 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮
𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗝𝗢𝗖/𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝟭𝟰 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬
Rescue and recovery efforts have reached day 8 following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other roleplayers have been on site of the collapsed building for 190 hours.
Since the first call for support by Psychosocial Support Practitioners was put out on 11 May 2024, we can confirm that adequate numbers of fluent practitioners in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages are all on-site to address the emotional, social, and overall mental health needs of those affected by the building collapse. Thank you for standing with us during this critical time.
The confirmed statistics for the incident are:
* Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
* Rescued and recovered: 61
* Of which deceased: 32 (26 males, 6 females)
* Currently hospitalised: 12
* Unaccounted for: 20
𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧-𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦,
The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased. This is done by Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and South African Police Service (SAPS). We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families. Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings such as tattoos and clothing items are some of the methods used to identify the deceased. Forensic Pathology Services are not limited to the Victoria Street Disaster in George, but also include other cases that happen on a daily basis.
It is confirmed that six (6) of the deceased were positively identified – this information also went through the system.
𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦
We are experiencing difficulties in obtaining accurate names of individuals missing or deceased due to the building collapse. We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.
𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘
The Joint District Operations Centre’s adherence to a stringent double verification protocol is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of reported numbers of the deceased, which is essential in emergency and disaster response scenarios. This verification process involves cross-referencing information from multiple reliable sources, such as recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗦
The National Minister of Employment and Labour, Hon. Thulas Nxesi, will be visiting the area on Thursday, 16 May 2024.
𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬
A request for a Cultural prayer by a family member of one of the deceased was made and permission has been granted for Wednesday, 15 May 2024 at 07:15.
The next update will be issued by 15:00pm, 14 May 2024.
Public Notice:Major Road Closures – Newton, Hope and Merriman Streets – George South
PUBLIC NOTICE
MAJOR ROAD CLOSURES
NEWTON, HOPE AND MERRIMAN STREETS – GEORGE SOUTH
𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲, 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 – 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮
Urgent Public Notice: PUBLIC BE CAUTIOUS WITH FIRES IN HOT WEATHER
Due to the hot conditions experienced in George and surrounds today, we want to warn the public to be cautious in making fires and discarding cigarettes or matches.
No controlled burns are allowed. Any fires or emergency incidents should be immediately reported to the Fire Department:
Fire Only Emergency Number: 044 801 6311
Emergency Number: 044 801 6300
TOLL-FREE Disaster Number (24/7): 087 152 9999
Planned power outage: Portion of Wilderness Heights
MEDIA STATEMENT: 12pm Update on Building Collapse Site
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 12 May 2024, 12pm
As we enter day 7 of the rescue and recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street, operations are still continuing with new vigor after the successful rescue of Mr Guambe yesterday. As of 12pm on May 12, 2024, marking the 141th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:
– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 46
– Of which deceased: 17
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 35
The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
The National Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, is currently visiting the site and will be briefing the media shortly.
We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
An update will be issued by 3pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024.
MEDIA STATEMENT: 9am Update on Building Collapse Site
Issued by the Garden Route District JOC/George Municipality, 12 May 2024, 09:00
We wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day, with a special tribute to the mothers at the site of the collapsed building who are tirelessly working on rescue and recovery efforts. Our thoughts are also with those mothers who are anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones, the mothers that are still trapped and those who have tragically lost their mothers. We salute everyone from the emergency services and firefighters to the women supporting the rescuers. Your strength and dedication are truly inspiring.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue into the sixth day at the site of the collapsed building at 75 Victoria Street. As of 09:00 on May 12, 2024, marking the 139th hour of operations, the confirmed statistics are as follows:
– Total individuals on-site during the incident: 81
– Rescued and recovered: 45
– Of which deceased: 16
– Currently hospitalized: 14
– Unaccounted for: 36
The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals, and forensic services.
The National Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, is scheduled to visit the site later today for an official briefing.
We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese, and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205.
An update will be issued by 12pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024.