The George Community Development office’s telephone lines are temporarily out of order. The matter is receiving attention as technicians are investigating the cause of the downlines.
For urgent matters the public can visit the office at the corner of Varing and St. John’s Streets, George CBD or email ejcorner@george.gov.za or txolwzela@george.gov.za
Unplanned water outage:
Issued by George Municipality 5 November 2024 at 17h28
Water teams are busy repairing a water connection at a premises in Cradock Street. Estimated time of repair is 1.5 hours.
In the photo above a proud Deborah Booysen, a mother of four children, received her home keys from Mayor Jackie von Brandis. From left are Cllr Theresa Jeyi (Chief Whip of Council),Given Masase and Brumilda Kirchner (Official from the Human Settlements Department, George Municipality).
A total of eight houses were handed over last week, bringing the total number of houses completed and occupied at Metrogrounds Housing Project to 89. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address housing shortages in the community.
According to Clinton Petersen, Acting Deputy Director: Human Settlements at George Municipality, the beneficiaries of the Metrogrounds Housing Project were selected based on criteria from the Housing Demand Database. Priority was given to those who have been on the waiting list the longest, as well as individuals aged 60 and older, persons with disabilities, farm workers, and residents of informal settlements and backyards. The houses handed over last week were allocated according to a list provided by the contractor, indicating homes that are ready for occupation.
Mayor Jackie von Brandis said she is ecstatic for the new homeowners. “Most of them have waited a very long time for their homes and I hope even more new doors will be opened soon,” Von Brandis said.
The beneficiaries who received keys to their new homes include, Abraham Claassen (53) and Monica Frances Jonck (57), Koos Prinsloo (53) and Enrika Van Rooyen (36), Frederick Bruiners (52) and Lena Alexander (53), Piet Jafta (53), Deborah Booysen (40),Marike Jonk (37),Victoria Beginsel (51) and Sam Williams (52) as well as
Mogo Matilda Kanie (52) and Johannes Kanie (55).
Deborah Booysen said three of her four children will live with her in her home. She said she feels good to be able to move into her brand-new home. She said she lived at Palana Informal Settlement and have been on the waiting list since 2003.
Frederick Bruiners and Lena Alexander and their son Alfredo (22) will live in their new house after waiting for their new home since 2003. They’ve had their informal house burned down in Borchards and lived in a temporary structure. “Yoh, Frederick exclaimed almost in disbelief as he said he is so happy that they have their own home now.”
Good progress has been made on the project and 347 houses are still to be handed over in the Metrogrounds development.
During a progress meeting held on 30 October 2024, it was confirmed that snagging for the remaining houses in Phase 1, which consists of 236 housing opportunities, will be completed by 29 November 2024.
In addition, Phase 2 of the project, which includes 200 housing opportunities, is advancing with 150 houses in the final stages of completion. Approval was also granted in October 2024 for the construction of 196 top structures for Phase 3, with processes for construction and subsidy administration is set to commence pending the completion of the necessary statutory documentation.
Photo:
Mayor Jackie von Brandis handed the title deed of the home to Frederick Bruiners and Lena Alexander after receiving their new home at Metrogrounds. From left are Cllr Theresa Jeyi (Chief Whip of Council), Mayor Von Brandis, Alexander, Bruiners, Raylene Petrus and Vanessa Brandt from Human Settlements, George Municipality.
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 100 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 40 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 30 October – 5 November 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.
A bullying prevention programme is currently being implemented for Grade 4 and 5 students at Pacaltsdorp Primary School. Many participants face challenges with reading and writing, which makes traditional worksheets difficult. To enhance learning activities, the programme under the leadership of the Community Development Department at George Municipality, seeks donations of old magazines.
These magazines will be utilised in hands-on activities where students can cut out pictures, allowing for engagement without the need for reading and writing. This visual approach will help teach essential social skills, such as empathy and kindness.
Your support will significantly contribute to modifying behaviours and fostering positive relationships among students. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Community members are encouraged to drop off any magazines at the Community Development offices located at the corner of St John’s and Varing Avenue.
The contact person is Robyn Parks on 044 802 2000.
George Munisipaliteit is in kennis gestel van individue in Uniondale wat lyste opstel van inwoners wat glo in aanmerking kom om vleispakkies te ontvang. Ons wil dit duidelik stel dat hierdie inisiatief op geen manier met George Munisipaliteit geassosieer word nie. Geen sulke pakkies sal versprei word nie.
Vir verdere navrae of verduideliking, kontak asseblief ons amptelike kantore by 044 752 1024.
In the photo above the Garden Route Dam overflowed on 29 October 2024
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 100 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 108,5 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 22 – 29 October 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.
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 86,77 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 20.5 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 15 – 21 October 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.
In the photo above, Estelle Fredericks in brown, along with some of the homeless individuals who took part in the clean-up action.
Some members of the George Homeless Community, under the supervision of the George Municipality Community Development and Environmental Services, took part in their second clean-up initiative in the CBD last week to challenge perceptions about the homeless community. The event was conducted in conjunction with local environmental services, emphasising a collaborative effort to promote community well-being and environmental stewardship.
According to Estelle Fredericks, Auxiliary Social Worker and Coordinator of Project Hope, the participants, including herself, picked up refuse in Market Street, moved down to Merriman Street, and then up Hibernia Street leading into York Street. Organised by Project Hope, the clean-up was designed to address and challenge prevailing misconceptions about the homeless population, particularly the stereotype that they are unwilling to work, Fredericks said. The project aims to reshape public perceptions by demonstrating the active role that individuals experiencing homelessness can play in their communities. Fredericks stated that this programme will be a monthly event going forward.
Many homeless individuals lack identification documents, which complicates their access to formal employment opportunities. As a result, they often engage in informal labour as a survival mechanism. The clean-up action not only sought to improve the environmental conditions of the CBD but also highlighted the dedication and work ethic of those living on the streets.
We kindly request that you refrain from giving money or handouts to individuals, including children and adults, who are begging on the streets. The George Municipality urges the residents of George to be part of the solution for those living on the streets by directing their donations to reputable organisations like the George Night Shelter or Kidstop. This approach is far more effective than providing direct assistance to people begging at street intersections, which has become a growing concern. Regrettably, providing money or handouts to individuals on the streets can perpetuate their homelessness and lead to negative long-term consequences.
If you wish to make a positive impact, you can get in touch with the following organisations:
• Freddy Trout, PASA (People Against Substance Abuse) at 068 487 4848.
• Jonathan Gelderbloem, YFC Kidstop at 044 874 2624 / 044 875 1794.
• Department of Social Services at 044 814 1920.
• Andre Olivier from Cremhog via email at andre.olivier1962@gmail.com.
Please note that living on the streets is not a criminal offence, and individuals cannot be arrested or relocated without their consent. The responsibility to assist people living on the streets mainly falls under the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Department of Social Development. George residents, business owners, and organisations interested in helping the homeless or sharing innovative ideas for their support are encouraged to participate in the monthly PLOTS meeting.
For more information, please contact Estelle Fredericks at 044 802 2000, extension 2015, during office hours.
Photo:
A group from the homeless community and Estelle Fredericks from the George Municipality Community Development section, taking a well-deserved break after picking up refuse in the CBD.
