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Author: Debra Sauer

George Municipality and stakeholders – Support the Homeless – “Adopt a Person”

George Municipality as part of the PLOTS Forum held a quarterly meeting recently  focusing on improving the lives of homeless individuals. Various departments and NGOs, including representatives from Project Hope and community wellness programmes, discussed strategies for effective support.

We invite businesses, NGOs, and community members to participate in our new “Adopt a Person” initiative. Instead of giving cash directly to individuals, you can donate R25 to the George Night Shelter. This donation provides a person with one night of accommodation, including a meal and shower.

For more information, please contact:George Night Shelter at 044 873 2787 or George Municipality at 044 802 2000.

In the photograph are clockwise from left, Estelle Fredericks, Coordinator of the Forum and Project Hope for people living on the Streets, Zelda Barnard(Stop Trafficking), Brian Faul (SAHARA), Freddy Trout (Community Wellness programme), Enrico Tarentaal (Department of Social Development), Asavela Mandongana (Social Worker: George Municipality),Jonathan Gelderbloem (Manager: Kidstop and Chairperson of the Forum), Cllr MelvinRoelfse, MMC for Community Development, Thandabathu Ndamase, (Department of Education), Indiphile Mngcomela (Department of Education, Andries de Swardt (Department of Justice), Asiphe Zanywa (Department of Education) and Leigh-Main Jacobs (Department of Education.

Local author inspires at Funda Mzantzi 2024 Opening Ceremony

Sharon Eland-Lewis, local George author who overcame pain, suffering and lots of trials and tribulations to get her first book, Slegs ‘n enkele kans published, today spoke at the opening ceremony for the 14th Annual Funda Mzantzi competition hosted in George.

Her afrikaans book published by The National Library of South Africa, an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture is selected as the Afrikaans book for the competition. Ms Lewis gifted the Minister for Correctional Services, Dr Groenewald with a signed copy of her book.

Seen here from left are;  Garden Route District Municipality’s Speaker, Alderlady Georlene Wolmarans, Executive Deputy Mayor Raybin-Gibb Figland, National Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald, National Commissioner for the Department of Correctional Services Mr MS Thobakgale and MMC Community Services (Social Development, Sport, Libraries and Customer Care) Cllr Melvin Roelfse.

Background:

Sharon Eland-Lewis was placed on the agenda of a portfolio committee meeting during 2017 when the Library Department announced that the staff of library service, that is Rachel Williams (Manager:George Libraries), Hazel Springfield and Eurogine Carolus  assisted her with the book by typing the whole publication for her when she approached them for assistance. James de Waal assisted with the proofreading of the book. Rachel Williams contacted Zanele Nikani, the Project Facilitator of the Community Programme at the Publishing National Library of South Africa. Ms Nikani arranged publishing (using the Community Publishing Grant), professional editing and proofreading for the publication. Well-known writer and poet Diana Ferrus assisted with further editing and proofreading of the manuscript. As Sharon is deaf, all correspondence to and from the National Library came through the office of the Library Manager. Although Sharon is vulnerable, extremely poor and a shack dweller, she is a very passionate library patron.  Sharon expressed her heartfelt thanks to the George Municipality, the George Library staff and everyone that assisted her on her journey.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 25 September 2024

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height            86,27%

Rainfall for the previous days:                                              76 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 17 – 23 September 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.

Planned power outage: portion of Rosemoor

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF ROSEMOOR
FRANCIS,FOTHERINGHAM AND BEER STREET.

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 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 04 OCTOBER 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN ROSEMOOR
FRANCIS,FOTHERINGHAM EN BEER STRAAT.

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 27 SEPTEMBER 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 04 OCTOBER 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

Public Notice: Contacting George Municipality Telephonically

George Municipality has received complaints regarding the Main Switchboard number 044 801 9111. The switchboard is staffed by two officials during working hours, and we are aware of occasional issues with the Auto Call Attendant system, which can lead to incorrect call transfers or dropped calls when service departments are unavailable. We are working on improving the system to reduce these disruptions. After 16h30, the main switchboard is redirected to the George Fire Department, which also uses an after-hours Auto Attendant to route calls to Emergency Services, Civil, or Electrotechnical Services.

Main Switchboard Hours (044 801 9111): 7:45 am to 16:30 pm.
After-Hours and Emergencies (044 801 6300): The Fire Department’s Auto Call Attendant will handle calls to this number and direct them to emergency or relevant departments (Civils / Electrotechnical Services)
For fire emergencies after hours, please call 044 801 6311.
The Toll-Free Disaster Number (087 152 9999) is for disaster-related emergencies only and should not be used for general after-hours inquiries.


Save time by contacting the relevant department directly:
The main switchboard (044 801 9111) often experiences high call volumes, leading to longer wait times. To avoid this, we encourage residents to contact departments directly for faster service.

  • Civil Engineering Services: 044 801 9262 / 9266
  • Community Services & Environmental Services: 044 802 2900 / 2911
  • Sport Development: 044 801 9488
  • Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 6389
  • Traffic and Driving Licensing: 044 878 2400
  • Fire and Rescue: 044 801 6311 / 044 801 6300
  • Electrotechnical Services Customer Care: 044 803 9222 / 9202 / 9258
  • Electrotechnical Services WhatsApp: 067 350 3295 (Mon-Fri, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm)
  • Financial Services:
  • Human Settlements, Planning & Development:
    • Building Control: 044 801 9370 / 9166 / 9019
    • Town Planning: 044 801 9477
  • Office of the Municipal Manager: 044 801 9069
  • Council Contacts:
    • Executive Mayor: 044 801 9129
    • Deputy Mayor: 044 801 9051
    • Speaker: 044 801 9062

For further assistance or clarification, please contact the Municipality at the updated numbers above or visit our website at www.george.gov.za.

 

Public Notice: Upgrading of Conville Water Reticulation: Planned Water Interruption

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE WATER SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
Conville: Van Rooyen and Steyn Streets
NOTICE is hereby given that the water supply will be interrupted on 23 SEPTEMBER 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 15H00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the water mains.
Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on 25 SEPTEMBER 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 15H00.
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE WATER TOEVOER.
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
Conville: Van Rooyen en Steyn Strate
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die water toevoer onderbreek sal word op 23 SEPTEMBER 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 15H00 met die doel om veranderings aan water hoofleidings te maak.
Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde tydperk, sal die werk gedoen word op 25 SEPTEMBER 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 15H00.

Public Communication: Important Notice to Coastal Property Owners

The George Municipality acknowledges the urgency faced by owners of coastal property, particularly in the Wilderness area, to protect their beachfront properties from the immediate impacts of coastal erosion and the uncertainty surrounding the responsible authority for this. It must be clarified that, under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 (NEM: ICMA), the state is not obligated to prevent or address the effects of coastal erosion on private properties. The responsibility for protecting properties from natural coastal processes rests with property owners, and any interventions must comply with legal requirements.

There are increasing incidences of sandbags and gabions being placed outside of property boundaries for erosion control along the coastline. It is important for property owners to understand that sandbags and other coastal defence structures may only be placed within their property boundaries. The Municipality and organs of State are obliged to take legal action against property owners who place sandbags or any other structure outside of their boundaries. Section 15 of the NEM: ICMA states that it is unlawful to erect any structure on coastal public property without the required authorisation. Placing sandbags and other structures outside property boundaries without proper approval not only violates this law but can also result in negative consequences.

While these measures provide immediate relief to the property, improperly placed sandbags and structures can obstruct natural processes that are meant to maintain the integrity of the foredune. This can accelerate erosion on adjacent properties by changing the natural flow of sand along the coast and can lead to increased erosion down shore, endangering neighbouring properties and aggravating coastal erosion.

The George Municipality in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and South African National Parks has prioritised interventions to address coastal encroachments.  These interventions will include raising awareness with affected property owners regarding their obligations in terms of environmental and planning law and enforcement of the legislation.  Affected property owners in the Wilderness area will be issued with contravention notices in this regard and are encouraged to engage with the Municipality regarding rehabilitation efforts.

The Municipality supports the rehabilitation of the foredune, as restoring and maintaining the dune system is an effective way to increase the resilience of the coastline against erosion and storm surges. Before undertaking any such measures, please contact the George Municipality to check compliance with applicable legislation, such as the Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area / Extension Regulations, National Environmental Management Act: Environmental Impacts Assessment Regulations and NEM: ICMA. Please follow the link below to access and review the Erosion Response Guideline for more information: Erosion Response Guideline. Alternatively, you can access it on the George Municipality Website > Documents > Policies, Guidelines, Plans and Guidelines > GM Coastal Erosion Guideline.

Affected property owners in Wilderness will in due course receive notification from the Municipality to partake in joint discussions regarding coastal erosion and encroachments along the Wilderness coastline.

George Municipality Mayoral Outreach to Touwsranten

The Executive Mayor of George Municipality, Ald Jackie von Brandis will be joined by her Mayoral Committee and officials from George Municipality for a Mayoral Outreach in Touwsranten. Residents are invited to join MMC’s and officials who will be at the Touwsranten Community Hall to tend to any service delivery related queries they may have.

Details for Mayoral Outreach as follows:

Date:    30th September 2024

Time:   10h00 – 15h00

Venue: Touwsranten Community Hall

We urge all residents to make use of this opportunity as we endeavour to decentralize services, bringing them closer to you.

Planned power outage: portion of Rosemore (Francis Street)

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
 
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
 
PORTION OF ROSEMORE
FRANCIS STREET.
 
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 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 27 SEPTEMBER 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.
 
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
 
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
 
GEDEELTE VAN ROSEMORE
FRANCIS STRAAT.
 
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 20 SEPTEMBER 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 27 SEPTEMBER 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

Planned power outage: portion of Levallia, Plaatjies Street

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
 
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
 
PORTION OF LEVALLIA
PLAATJIES STREET.
 
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 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 FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00.
 
 
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
 
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
 
GEDEELTE VAN LEVALLIA
PLAATJIES STRAAT.
 
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 19 SEPTEMBER 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 VRYDAG 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 17 September 2024

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 80,27%
Rainfall for the previous days: 2.9 mm (Measured rainfall figures from 10-16 September 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: George Municipal Court closure on Friday, 20 September 2024

Due to scheduled fumigation, the Municipal Court and Legal Offices will close at 13:00, Friday, 20 September 2024 and re-open Monday, 23 September 2024 at 07:45.

Legal Services: 044 801 9082
Municipal Court: 044 801 9400 (access via Civic Centre entrance, York Street)
Court Hours: 7:45 to 9 am Court Administration; 9am to 4pm Court Sittings; Closed 1pm – 1.45pm
Queries on fines and representations: 044 801 9400 or abfelix@george.gov.za
Public Prosecutor Traffic Matters: Public Prosecutor Traffic Matters: 044 801 9313/044 801 9305 or ifelix@george.gov.za/ mhopewell@george.gov.za

Public Notice: Planned construction of the New Pacaltsdorp (East) reservoir

Planned construction of the New Pacaltsdorp (East) reservoir, tower & pump station, initially scheduled for weekdays, will also include 14 & 21 September 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.

Planned power outage: portion of Wilderness Heights

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF WILDERNESS HEIGHTS
REMSKOEN STREET.

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 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 SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN WILDERNIS HOOGTE
REMSKOEN STRAAT.

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SONDAG 15 SEPTEMBER 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 SONDAG 22 SEPTEMBER 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

Planned power outage: Aspeling Street, Portion of Bodorp

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF BODORP
ASPELING STREET.

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 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 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN BODORP
ASPELING STRAAT.

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 13 SEPTEMBER 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 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.