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Author: Debra Sauer

Electricity & water crises: Black-out of pre-paid meters looms

Customers who need assistance with the TID Rollover 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 be addressed.

Issued by George Municipality on behalf of:

Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities
Release: Immediate
Date: 7 April 2024

Electricity & water crises: Black-out of pre-paid meters looms
Municipalities across South Africa are in a race against time to enable residents to update prepaid electricity and water meters before they stop working on 24 November 2024, just 8 months away. The update is urgently required because the standard system that provides unique re-charge codes will soon run out of unique numbers to issue. A ‘reset’ code for each pre-paid meter is therefore essential to ensure that residents can continue to receive unique codes beyond 24 November 2024.
Failure to complete the reset will leave residents unable to buy electricity and municipalities unable to generate revenue from the sale of prepaid electricity or water.

“Households, businesses, and communities across the country face being completely cut off from electricity and water if they don’t update their pre-paid meters. The black-out is looming unless pre-paid users reset their meters, using a unique code, which will be issued in line with each municipality’s approach to the reset process,” said Western Cape, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

“The Provincial Treasury has gathered all the contact details for the relevant official in each municipality so residents are able to contact them with any queries they may have. This contact list can be found on https://www.westerncape.gov.za/files/municipal_contact_details_for_prepaid_electricity_meter_reset_process.png” continued Minister Wenger.

Neglecting to update pre-paid meters in time poses a significant risk to the financial sustainability of local governments across the country, with potentially disastrous consequences for residents who rely on municipalities for basic services.
“I want to urge every resident who uses a pre-paid meter to look out for communication from their municipality on the reset process and their specific timelines. When prompted, residents can complete the process by simply inputting a special token code that is issued with pre-paid electricity purchases. It’s a once-off entry, done in the same simple way as loading a pre-paid electricity code. If you’re not seeing the code, or if you are experiencing difficulty to get the code to work, please contact your local municipality immediately for assistance” added Minister Wenger.

Municipalities in the Western Cape have been hard at work helping residents to update their meters. “With an estimated 1 047 682 municipal meters in the province, approximately 82.5% of households have completed the reset, compared to 51.0% nationally. While we still have some way to go, I would like to congratulate Cape Agulhas Municipality for being the first municipality to complete the reset in the province. Several other municipalities in the Western Cape are also on the verge of completing the process.”
“But we are very concerned about the slow progress in resetting meters in areas where customers purchase electricity directly from Eskom. These consumers are at very real risk of being cut-off and face a permanent electricity black-out in their homes and businesses if they aren’t helped to make the necessary updates” shared Minister Wenger.

Used by over 500 power utilities across the world, the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) is the primary global standard protocol for the transfer of electricity and other utility prepayment tokens. According to the STS Association, there are approximately 10 million STS meters in South Africa, 7 million of which are in Eskom service areas, and 3 million in municipal service areas.

“I strongly encourage our municipalities that have yet to complete the process to follow the lead of other Western Cape municipalities to provide certainty for their own revenue management and financial stability. This process is also critical to ensure effective service delivery, so that residents have peace of mind. We can and must avoid the looming pre-paid meter black-out,” concluded Minister Wenger.

Are you the rightful owner of an old scheme/ low cost home – we have your Title Deed

Property Management is in process of handing out all title deeds of old scheme and low cost housing properties in the George Municipal Area to the rightful owners. If you are the owner of an old scheme or low cost housing property and have not previously received your title deed from the Municipality, please visit our offices (with your identity document) at the Old Townhouse Building, behind the offices of Civil and Technical, C/o Market and York Streets, or alternatively call us on 044 801 9078 to confirm whether we have it in our possession. If the owner has passed away, the Executor is welcome to collect the title deed, with a copy of the Letter of Authority from Court and his / her identity document.

********************
Is u die regmatige eienaar van ‘n ou skema/laekostehuis – ons het jou Titelakte
Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit, 08 April 2024

Eiendomsbestuur is in proses om alle titelaktes van ouskema en laekoste behuisingseiendomme in die George Munisipale area aan die regmatige eienaar uit te deel. As u die eienaar is van ‘n ouskema of laekoste behuisingseiendom, en nie voorheen u titelakte vanaf die Munisipaliteit ontvang het nie, word u versoek om ons kantore (met u identiteitsdokument) te besoek by die “Old Townhouse” gebou, agter die kantore van Siviel en Tegnies, h/v Mark- en Yorkstraat, of ons alternatief te kontak by 044 801 9078 om te bevestig of dit in ons besit is. As die eienaar oorlede is, is die eksekuteur welkom om die titelakte af te haal, met ‘n afskrif van die eksekuteursbrief vanaf die hof en sy/haar identiteitsdokument.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 2 April 2024

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL
Issued 2 April 2024, George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height                                         81,10

Rainfall for the previous 7 days:                                                                       29.5 mm (Measured up to and including 25 March 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Collection of Garden Refuse as of 8 April

George Municipality would like to inform residents that as of 8 April 2024, the municipality will use tipper trucks to collect and distribute green bags. The collection of both blue and green bags was previously undertaken by a single service provider under one tender. After the discontinuation of this single tender, the decision was taken to issue a tender for collection, per type of waste stream so as to improve the service delivery. The blue bag tender has been finalised, appointed and service will continue as per usual. Unfortunately, the green bag tender is not finalised as of yet and as such the municipality will step in and continue the service.

We kindly request residents not to put out any GREEN BAGS until 8 April. The maximum number of four green bags per collection per household will be implemented from 22 April 2024 once the backlog has been collected.

The municipality apologises for the inconvenience.

_GREEN bags are for green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves etc. No soil is allowed in green bags._

MUNICIPAL REFUSE SITE
Building rubble, garden waste and other stuff not suitable for bags, can be dropped off at the George Municipality refuse site on the R102 (airport road).
Open Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm
Saturday 7am-5pm
All public holidays, except 25 December, from 7am-2pm.

Eskom load shedding update-Sunday, 31 March 2024

Due to the sustained available generation capacity, adequate emergency reserves, and anticipated lower demand at the beginning of the week ahead, loadshedding will remain suspended until further notice.

Eskom will provide a system update on Wednesday or communicate any significant changes should they occur.

Mayor’s newsletter for the week ending Monday, 25 March 2024

This newsletter shares some of the varying challenges encountered by the municipal teams in the course of service delivery.

Our water and sanitation teams regularly encounter vastly differing incidents involving repairs, callouts or refurbishment. Recently, one of the incoming power unit modules burnt out at the new Outeniqua waste-water treatment works thereby immobilising the pumping operations within the massive waste-water settlement tanks. Electrical teams were thankfully able to get on site rapidly to get the works operational within 24 hours.

A day later, the pump shaft at the Kraaibosch sewer pump station broke. This pump station has been due for an upgrade for some time. Make-shift repairs were affected within seven hours. The new replacement pumps were ordered almost a year ago and arrived in the past week. Their installation will need to be planned as it requires modifications to the pipework and supports.

The water teams have recently been undertaking refurbishment work on the Blanco and Fancourt reservoirs. Whenever breakages or damage occurs to water or sewer pipelines or pumps, repairs, which are often temporary, need to be made as swiftly as possible to restore services. Once spares are sourced or manufactured, permanent repairs are then affected later.

In New Dawn Park in Pacaltsdorp, manholes have been found where blocks of concrete from building operations have been disposed of into storm water drains. This is an example of drain blockages that then result in flooding and further damage of infrastructure. This example of vandalism and damage reflects the lack of respect for infrastructure by our citizens. On a daily basis, the sewer repair teams are required to clear sewer line blockages resulting from towels, nappies and various other items that have been flushed down toilets that then clog up the lines.

There have been recent media reports resulting from inspections at houses where builders or owners have illegally diverted rain and storm water into sewer systems. This excessive flow of water causes the overflow of sewer pump stations that then result in environmental contraventions.

We therefore plead with our citizens to adhere to the by-laws and to correct bad or illegal practices that are in existence. It is evident that there are some property owners and property developers who appear to disregard national building control or town planning regulations. The municipality is obliged to apply and adhere to legislation. These contraventions need to be dealt with even though some citizens believe that legislation does not apply to them.

Our country is experiencing a collapse of state capacity and infrastructure resulting from corruption, maladministration and non-adherence to regulations or laws. It is critical that we all work together to correct this scourge and return to honesty and moral values.

 

 

Public Notice: Upgrading of roads and stormwater: Dellville Park Phase 2 – 2023/24

UPGRADING OF ROADS AND STORMWATER: DELVILLE PARK – PHASE 2 – 2023/24: WP11
The road rehabilitation and upgrade of stormwater infrastructure in Puma Street, Delville Park, will have an impact on residents and road users for the period from April 2024 to July 2024.
The construction duration is estimated at 4 months.

PROJECT:

UPGRADING OF ROADS AND STORMWATER: DELVILLE PARK – PHASE 2 – 2023/24: WP11

DESCRIPTION:

Road rehabilitation includes repairs to the base layers, surface layers, kerbs and channels.

Stormwater infrastructure upgrades include the construction of catchpits, manholes and sub-soil drains.

PROJECT PERIOD:

April 2024 to July 2024

SERVICE DISRUPTION:

Municipal services may be disrupted during construction. Advance notification of planned temporary disruptions will be sent out via social media.

WORKING HOURS:

Working hours will be from 07h00 to 18h00 Mondays to Fridays and 07h00 – 14h00 on Saturdays as may be needed from time to time.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:

Caution needs to be exercised by residents, road users and pedestrians throughout the duration of the construction period. Adherence to flag persons, temporary road signage and markings will be required.

Sections of the road may be closed to the public, but access will be granted for residents.

PLEASE NOTE: The contractor will contact and arrange access for the affected erven in the construction section.

ACCESS TO SITE:

Access to the site will be strictly controlled. Any member of the public who enters the site will have to comply with the relevant requirements in terms of the Health and Safety Act.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: Mr Dawie Gerrits – 082 944 3654

Eskom load shedding suspended – Wednesday, 27 March 2024

Eskom load shedding suspended-Wednesday, 27 March 2024:
Due to the sustained available generation capacity and the planned return to service of 2 300MW of generation capacity by Friday, along with the anticipated low demand over the long weekend, loadshedding will remain suspended until Sunday at 16:00.
Eskom will provide an update for the week ahead on Sunday afternoon or communicate should any significant changes occur.
May be an image of lighting and text that says "LED"

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 26 March 2024

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height                                         82,49

Rainfall for the previous 7 days:                                                                       9 mm (Measured up to and including 25 March 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.

 

Kraaibos Sewer Pumpstation Fail undergoing emergency repair

George Civil Engineering Services has advised that the Kraaibosch Sewer Pumpstation has failed following a pump shaft that has broken. Suction trucks and the maintenance service provider are on site.

Replacement Pumps
The replacement pumps ordered a year ago arrived last week and Civil Engineering Services is planning the installation as modifications are required for the pipework and supports.

An emergency repair will be completed today and thereafter the new pump installation will continue over the next few weeks.

We apologize for any inconvenience and advise residents of this area to proceed with caution given the number of large truck in the vicinity of Glenwood / Pine Lodge.

Mayor’s speech on Draft Budget to Council 25 March 2024

George Mayor, Ald Leon van Wyk (in the photo above), said in his speech to council with George’s population having reached just short of 295 000 according to the February 2022 Census along with the growth being experienced, we face further challenges with every budget. He said In the eight financial years from 2014 to 2021, our actual capital expenditure amounted to R1840m. By the end of March 2024, we will in all probability have exceeded that total in less than three years, after taking into account the 2022, 2023 and current 2024 spending. The emphasis over the past few years has been on growing and improving infrastructure that is the requisite for attracting investment and increased levels of employment that we desperately need to provide a better way of life for our citizens.

 

Read the full speech by clicking here.

 

Special Council Meeting (Draft IDP and Draft Budget) – 25 March 2024

GEORGE MUNISIPALITEIT

KENNISGEWING NR MM004/2024

SPESIALE RAADSVERGADERING: MAART 2024

Kennis geskied hiermee ingevolge Artikel 19 van die Wet op Plaaslike Regering: Munisipale Stelsels, 2000 (Wet 32 van 2000) dat ‘n virtuele Spesiale Raadsvergadering op die ondergemelde datum en tyd op MS Teams gehou sal word:

MAART 2024

Spesiale Raadsvergadering (Konsep GOP en Konsep Begroting)

25 Maart 2024

10:00

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

NOTICE NO MM004/2024

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: MARCH 2024

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 19 of the Local Government Act: Municipal Systems, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) that a virtual Special Council meeting will be held on MS Teams, on the under-mentioned date and time:

MARCH 2024

Special Council Meeting (Draft IDP and Draft Budget)

25 March 2024

10:00

UMASIPALA WASEGEORGE

ISAZISO NOMBOLO MM004/2024

INTLANGANISO EYODWA YEBHUNGA: EYOKWINDLA 2024

Isaziso siyakhutshwa ngokwesigqibo seCandelo le-19 soMthetho omiselweyo kaRhulumente waseKhaya; Isixokelelwano sikaMasipala, 2000 (uMthetho omiselweyo wama- 32 ka -2000) sokuba intlanganiso eYodwa yeBhunga ebanjwa kusetyenziswa uqhagamshelo lwe-intanethi iya kubanjelwa kuMaqela eMS, ngalo mhla kunye nexesha elikhankanywe ngezantsi:

EYOKWINDLA

2024

Intlanganiso eYodwa yeBhunga

(Uyilo lwe-IDP kunye noYilo loHlahlo lwabiwo Mali)

25 eyo Kwindla 2024 10:00

M GRATZ

MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER/MUNICIPAL MANAGER/ UMPHATHI KAMASIPALA

Burgersentrum/Civic Centre

Yorkstraat/York Street

GEORGE

SANRAL N2 traffic advisory

SANRAL N2 TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Issued by George Municipality on behalf of SANRAL

Lane closures for N2 upgrade between Kraaibosch and Touw River

Western Cape, 21 February 2024 – Lane closures will be in place on the N2 section 7 from 27 February 2024, for the upgrade between Kraaibosch and Touw River on the Garden Route, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

For improved mobility and road safety, as well as to meet the demands of growing developments along the Garden Route, the existing N2 route and access roads will be upgraded by widening and/or reconstruction over the next 27 months.

Construction will be carried out in such a manner that two-way traffic will be maintained on part (half) of the road surface while work takes place on the remaining part of the road surface. However, necessary closures, over a maximum distance of 500m, could take place for short periods to ensure public safety, i.e., removal of vegetation or relocation of services which may endanger the traveling public.

“We appeal to road users to exercise caution, reduce speed and adhere to warning signs in the construction area and to be on the lookout for road construction workers at all times,” said David Le Cordeur, SANRAL’s Project Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused. This is however a short-term inconvenience in the pursuit of long-term road safety upgrades, which will benefit all road users.

Ends

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Issued 19 March 2024

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL
Issued 19 March 2024, George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 84,05
Rainfall for the previous 7 days: 12 mm (Measured up to and including 18 March 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.

George Libraries celebrate Library Week

 

In the photograph above, the crowd that took part in the walk from Unity Park to George Municipality in celebrating South African Library Week were personnel from George Library, Olympia Skills School, Provincial Library Service (George Region) and Friends and Patrons of the library that were addressed by Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services (in the middle front).

George Libraries took to the Streets of George to announce the start of South African Library Week which is being celebrated from 18 to 24 March 2024.

George Library along with numerous other libraries in South Africa, like the South African Library for the Blind, had an official launch this week on Friday, 15 March. The theme of the week is Libraries Foster Social Cohesion.

Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services at George Municipality addressed the crowd that walked from Unity Park to George Civic Centre to promote Library Week.  Ganza said in his address with social cohesion in mind George libraries create safe places for all residents and visitors to interact with each other. He also promised that the activities the libraries arrange are of a high standard. Schools and other groups are invited to be part of activities at the libraries. Part of the crowd that took part in the walk were personnel from George Library, Olympia Skills School, Provincial Library Service (George Region) and Friends and Patrons of the library.

According to the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), the theme underscores the crucial role libraries play in uniting communities as they serve as hubs where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas and learn and engage in cultural and intellectual activities. By providing access to information, technology, resources and programmes, libraries broaden horizons, connect individuals, and foster a shared sense of purpose and identity. They also provide safe spaces for marginalised communities to address social and development issues, share experiences and thus promote social cohesion.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture defines social cohesion as “the degree of social integration and inclusion in communities and society at large, and the extent to which mutual solidarity finds expression itself among individuals and communities”. Libraries as community institutions are central to achieving this idea.

Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries, said inclusivity is a hallmark of libraries, where everyone is welcome, fostering connections and trust among diverse societal groups. Libraries thus play an instrumental role in social cohesion by enabling informed community participation, stimulating dialogue, and promoting mutual respect among people from diverse backgrounds. She said libraries tailor their services to meet community needs, promote lifelong learning and support literacy development.

Libraries play a critical role in fostering social cohesion through supporting initiatives and programmes. They provide access to information and contribute to addressing socio-economic disparities, climate justice and environmental awareness, among others.

Libraries actively contribute to nurturing social cohesion by offering educational programmes that strengthen the social fabric of communities. Through these programmes, libraries promote an understanding of diverse cultures, histories, local history, and traditions; encourage tolerance, and enhance literacy skills which are all essential for social cohesion.

Libraries bridge the digital divide by providing access to information and communication technologies and engaging communities through social media and online platforms. They empower individuals and communities by building inter-connected and inclusive societies.

George Library and the branch libraries are hosting different activities at creches, schools and other institutions during the library week.

 

Photos:

The crowd that took part in the walk were personnel from George Library, Olympia Skills School, Provincial Library Service (George Region) and Friends and Patrons of the library that were addressed by Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services (in the middle front).  

Learners from Olympia Skills School with their colourful placards they’ve made in celebration of the South African Library Week. With them is Malibongwe Luyenge (middle), Senior Librarian at George Library.

Garelene Muller, Librarian at George Library at a gazebo library services put up in front of the George Museum to create awareness around South African Library Week.

 

George Traffic Services – Easter Holiday Awareness Campaign

Janine Wells, George Traffic Chief in photograph above.

The Western Cape Province’s first school term comes to an end on March 20th, 2024 with a week of school holiday, Human Rights Day on the 21st of March and an Easter long weekend.

Many citizens will take this opportunity to embark on long-distance travelling to visit neighbouring districts or provinces to spend time with family or friends. Janine Wells, George Traffic Chief said George municipal area commonly sees an increase of visitors to the area, whether local and/or foreigners, visiting beaches and popular establishments. Traffic volumes on all major routes increase whether to travel locally or to neighbouring towns or across provinces.

“George Municipal Traffic is geared to deal with these volumes of traffic and will be on high alert by ensuring visible policing and deal appropriately with offenders whether for excessive speeding, reckless and negligent driving, inconsiderate driving or drunk driving. Increased activities are aimed at reducing fatalities during this Easter and school holiday period. Various vehicle checkpoints will be set up on major routes in conjunction with other enforcement entities. Patrols will also be done throughout urban and residential areas focussing on pedestrian safety and jaywalking,” Wells said.

She said the N2 is still a major concern with regards to pedestrian safety. George Traffic Department and other enforcement entities will continue with awareness campaigns on the N2 highway and provincial roads within the George Municipal area. The vehicle checkpoints will focus on driver and vehicle fitness, overloading of public transport and private vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol and the wearing of safety belts by all occupants.

Operations will further focus on long-distance public transport such as taxis, midi-buses, and buses to ensure compliance with the National Land Transport Act and National Road Traffic Act. Simultaneously, these checks will allow for rest periods in an attempt to address driver fatigue and ensure safety of commuters and other road users. Any suspected unroadworthy vehicles will be taken to the nearest Vehicle Testing Station for detailed checks. Random breathalyser screening will be done at all operations.  According to Wells, the ongoing focus will be on excessive speeding and driving under the influence which is a huge contribution to accidents and fatalities.

Residents and visitors alike should take note in coastal areas, if foggy conditions are encountered with poor visibility, drivers are requested to switch on headlights and reduce speed.

Members of the public are urged to join the campaign to reduce road carnage by reporting reckless and negligent drivers or unattended/broken down vehicles on dark roads to George Municipality on emergency number 044 801 6300.

Wells wished all residents and visitors a safe journey over the holidays and the Easter period.

 

Update on power outage:portion of Thembalethu

Teams are still busy with removal of illegal connections in Thembalethu. As soon as all is clear and safe the areas will be energized. Areas affected are All Brick East, All Brick West and Mandela Village.Issued by George Municipality 18 March 2024 at 12h30

Planned power outage: Keerom Street, portion of George South

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF GEORGE SOUTH

KEEROM STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 29 MARCH  2024  FROM  09H00 TO 16H30 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 FRIDAY 05 APRIL  2024 FROM  09H00 TO 16H30.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN  DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE- SUID

KEEROM STRAAT

 

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 29 MAART 2024 VANAF  09H00 TOT 16H30 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 VRYDAG 05 APRIL  2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.