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Author: Debra Sauer

Urgent notice: George Municipality’s overload risk for switch back of electricity at 10h30 this morning is very high.

Urgent notice: George Municipality’s overload risk for switch back of electricity at 10h30 this morning is very high. Switch on will be done rotationally.
Issued by George Municipality 20 April 2023

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 45 minutes before reporting no power AND WHATSAPP ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES ON 067 350 3295. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE: 19 APRIL 2023

*Stage 5 loadshedding is implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 and Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 daily.*

_*George will be affected as follows:*_

 

Wednesday 19/04/2023

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30 **

Thursday 20/04/2023

00:00 – 02:30 **

06:00 – 10:30 **

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30

Friday 21/04/2023

04:00 – 06:30

12:00 – 16:30 **

20:00 – 22:30

 

_*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*_

Wednesday 19/04/2023

17:00 – 19:30

Thursday 20/04/2023

01:00 – 05:30 **

09:00 – 13:30 **

17:00 – 19:30

Friday 21/04/2023

07:00 – 09:30

15:00 – 19:30 **

23:00 – 01:30

 

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding

Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).  The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding

Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages

Please do not phone the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Issued by George Municipal Communication Department

Office of the Municipal Manager

Mayor’s Newsletter for George Herald of 30 March 2023

The spectre of loadshedding has made preparation of the draft budget for the financial year commencing in July 2023 an extreme challenge given the poor state of the South African economy.

The total revenue from the core services of the Municipality was budgeted at R1947m for 2022/23. Collectively the surpluses of revenue less expenditure from Electricity, Water, Sewerage and Refuse is budgeted to supplement revenue generated from Property Rates (collectively, “Total Rates”) to cover the expenditure from the range of services that do not generate revenue directly (the former contributing roughly 40% and Rates 60%). Electricity normally contributes over 20% of this total amount. For 2022/23, the Total Rates was projected at approximately R611m with Electricity contributing its R129m surplus.

The Total Rates covers fixed administrative overheads, streets, stormwater, traffic, law enforcement, fire services, planning, economic development, tourism, street cleaning, parks and social support services to the community.

During the adjustment budget approved in February 2023, it was projected that there would be a shortfall of R160m for the full year due to the impact of loadshedding reducing electricity sales, costs of diesel to power generators, increased overtime and maintenance. The budget for 2023/24 will need to address the future scenario of electricity no longer providing its previously secure revenue stream. In 2022, we already commenced with the introduction of fixed charges to ensure adequate maintenance and operation of the R2,5bn electricity network infrastructure. Consumers therefore need to contribute to the cost of using the network, electricity costs to provide water and waste-water treatment, streetlights and traffic lights, etc. A variable cost for each kilowatt-hour being used by a consumer is also being levied.

With loadshedding expected to continue, it is imperative that municipal revenues are restructured to ensure their sustainability. In future, the distribution network will transport energy to users coming from the municipality’s own generation projects, independent producers, as well as excess electricity generated by domestic and business consumers who have installed their own renewable energy.

Future budgets will be structured to eliminate the current shortfall by curtailing expenditure growth where possible while also seeking a higher contribution from Property Rates to cover the expenditure funded by Total Rates. We are fortunate that property valuations in George have risen in accord with property values elsewhere in the Western Cape. Recent statistics show that real residential property prices in Cape Town are indexed at 130 in comparison to indices of between 90 and 100 for the seven other metropolitan areas in South Africa.

The new municipal valuation roll being implemented is a reflection of the higher property values but will allow for a commensurate reduction in the rate in the Rand on the Property Rates payable by property owners.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) will be closed until further notice

PUBLIC NOTICE: Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) will be closed until further notice

Issued by George Municipality 4 April 2023 for immediate release

Due to technical difficulties, the George Municipality Vehicle Testing Centre (VTS) is closed until further notice. A technician will be available tomorrow (5 April) to work on the problem. We will keep the public up to date of any developments.

The VTS will be closed to the public but the MVR Section next to the VTS in Hibernia Street (next to the train station) is open for business as usual.

For any queries contact the VTS on 044 801 9312.

We apologize for the inconvenience. Vehicle owners needing urgent vehicle testing can contact private companies for this service.

Public Notice: Municipality closed on upcoming Public Holidays

*PUBLIC NOTICE: MUNICIPALITY CLOSED ON UPCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS*

Issued by George Municipality 4 April 2023 for immediate release

 

Please note that the George Municipality offices will be closed over the Easter weekend, Friday, 7 April until and including, Monday, 10 April. All emergency and standby services will operate as usual. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, 11 April 2023.  After-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300. Fire emergencies: 044 801 6311

*REFUSE COLLECTION OVER EASTER HOLIDAYS 7 – 10 APRIL*

*REFUSE COLLECTION OVER EASTER HOLIDAYS 7 – 10 APRIL*

Issued by George Municipality 3 April 2023

 

Refuse (black, green, and blue bags) will be collected as per the normal schedule on public holidays, Good Friday, 7 April 2023 and Easter Monday, 10 April 2023.

 

Businesses ARE REQUESTED TO PLEASE ONLY put REFUSE BAGS OUT on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays AND only at designated spots, not on the sidewalk.

*REFUSE REMOVAL: GENERAL*

All refuse bags; black, green, and blue, must be put out by 07:00 am on the removal day ONLY.

Only 4 green bags are allowed, and unlimited blue bags.

All black bags will be collected on the Public Holidays and can also be substituted or combined with bundles of branches/ garden waste.
Bundles must not be too big for one person to pick up OR more than 1m in length.

Broken glass should be wrapped in a newspaper when thrown into bags to prevent injuries to workers.

Gwaiing Landfill Site on R102
Bulky waste must be disposed of at the Gwaiing Landfill Site on R102. The Gwaiing landfill site is usually open Monday to Friday from 7:00 until 19:00, Saturdays and Public Holidays from 7:00 until 15:00. On Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday the landfill site will be open from 7:00 until 15:00.

*CONTACT*

George Municipality Environmental Services

82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

Black bag-related enquiries: 044 802 2900

Blue and green bag enquiries: LGE Waste, 044 878 0688/ lgewaste@gmail.com

 

Public Notice: Contacting the George Municipality – Telecommunications System Transfer

Public Notice: Contacting the George Municipality – Telecommunications System Transfer

George Municipality is currently migrating its existing telecommunications system onto a new system.  All incoming calls from the public made to George Municipal offices (main building and external offices)  will be transferred to our switchboard. From the switchboard,  the calls will be transferred to the relevant departments. This arrangement will be in place for today (3 April) and will unfortunately create delays. Please take note of our emergency details listed below for urgent matters. The telephone lines will be back to normal from tomorrow onwards.

If the public experience any municipal-related emergencies please contact our emergency number on 044 801 6300 or for specific fire-related emergencies on 044 801 6311. The George Municipality switchboard number 044 801 9111 is operational but there are currently delays due to the high volume of calls. If your matter can be addressed via email please send details to gmun@george.gov.za

We call on the public to please be patient during this transition and apologise for any inconvenience.

Issued by George Mun 3 April at 09h45.

Eskom load shedding update – Sunday, 2 April 2023

Eskom Load shedding update Sunday, 02 April 2023: On Monday, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00, while Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 to 05:00 on Tuesday. This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.
Issued by George Mun on behalf of Eskom

George will be affected as follows:

Sunday 02/04/2023
22:00 – 00:30

Monday 03/04/2023
06:00 – 08:30
22:00 – 00:30

Tuesday 04/04/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Wednesday 05/04/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Thursday 06/04/2023
04:00 – 05:00
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Friday 07/04/2023
04:00 – 06:30
20:00 – 22:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Sunday 02/04/2023
17:00 – 19:30

Monday 03/04/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Tuesday 04/04/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Wednesday 05/04/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Thursday 06/04/2023
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Friday 07/04/2023
07:00 – 09:30
23:00 – 01:30

Eskom load shedding update schedule – 1 April 2023

*Updated Eskom Load shedding schedule. Due to higher than anticipated demand and failure of some generating units, Stage 4 Loadshedding will be implemented until further notice.*
_*Issued by George Mun on behalf of Eskom 1 April 2023*_
*George will be affected as follows:*
Saturday 01/04/2023
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30
Sunday 02/04/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30
Monday 03/04/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30
*Uniondale will be affected as follows:Uniondale will be affected as follows:*
Saturday 01/04/2023
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30
Sunday 02/04/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30
Monday 03/04/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

*Eskom load shedding update, 31 March 2023

*Eskom load shedding update, 31 March 2023: Stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Saturday. Thereafter, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Saturday followed by Stage 4 loadshedding until 05:00 on Sunday. At 05:00 on Sunday, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented until 16:00. Then Stage 3 loadshedding will implemented from 16:00 on Sunday until 16:00 on Monday.*

_Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom – 31 March 2023_

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

*George will be affected as follows:*

Friday 31/03/2023

16:00 – 18:30

Saturday 01/04/2023

06:00 – 08:30

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30

Sunday 02/04/2023

22:00 – 00:30

Monday 03/04/2023

06:00 – 08:30

22:00 – 00:30

 

*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*

Friday 31/03/2023

19:00 – 21:30

Saturday 01/04/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

Sunday 02/04/2023

01:00 – 03:30

17:00 – 19:30

Monday 03/04/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

 

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding.

Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality.

Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.

Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages

Please do not phone the after hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

Planned power outage: portion of Thembalethu

Planned power outage: portion of Thembalethu
 
NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
 
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
 
PORTION OF THEMBALETHU
AFRICA SKILLS AND SEWER PUMP STATION
 
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 31 MARCH 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 to do 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
MONDAY 03 APRIL 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.
******************************************************************************
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
 
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
 
GEDEELTE VANTHEMBALETHU AFRICA SKILLS EN RIOOL POMSTASIE
 
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 31 MAART 2023 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 MAANDAG 03 APRIL 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

Promoting George at World Travel Market Africa 2023

PROMOTING GEORGE AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET AFRICA 2023

Issued by George Municipality 30 March 2023 for immediate release

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism are representing the destination at the World Travel Market Africa tourism trade show in Cape Town next week from 3-5 April, under the new Garden Route stand.

According to Sharon House from George Municipality’s tourism office who focuses on destination promotion, the purpose of going to the show is to meet with the Tourism Trade, and particularly Tourism Buyers, who are interested in exploring and experiencing South Africa – to showcase everything our spectacular region has to offer local and international tourists. In previous years Garden Route towns exhibited on the provincial stand but this year the towns collaborated with the district to form one stand dedicated to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo area to promote the region more effectively.  The collaboration includes major hubs George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Hessequa and Oudtshoorn.  The stand was greatly subsidised by the district and this made booking a desk space considerably more affordable for local businesses to showcase their product.  From the George area, popular strawberry agritourism attraction Redberry Farm, as well as Woodlands Villa, a new luxury accommodation in the Geelhoutboom area, applied and were approved on the stand.

The annual World Travel Market Africa exhibition is a tourism event that puts the spotlight on Africa, promoting the continent to the world, and is part of a global powerhouse of shows which take place in London, Dubai and other strategic locations.  The Cape Town show, started in 2013, represents over 100 countries, with Hosted Buyers flying in from all corners of the globe to learn more about what our continent has to offer.  Companies and product owners attending the exhibition are serious about meeting the right people, conducting productive meetings and getting a return on their investment.  In addition, WTM provides a holistic travel and tourism show that benefits travel professionals from a wide spectrum.

On the Garden Route stand, George’s tourism representative has a dedicated, destination branded desk to meet with Buyers in back-to-back meetings which take place every 25 minutes.  During this time, the destination is showcased through an inspiring presentation and video to sell our region and tourism experiences.  The aim is to educate and entice the Buyer – to show them what the greater George area offers and inspire them to include greater George in future itineraries.  During this time the Buyer can ask questions about the destination, request information on specific tourism experiences they are interested in and be matched to businesses in the destination.  They are also provided with a flash stick which gives them the destination’s digital brochure, media resources and tourism lists.  Meetings have been confirmed with a range of Buyers from Germany, South Africa, Poland, India, Denmark, UK, Nigeria, Malaysia, Netherlands, Canada, Romania, Belgium, Norway and France.

House said they are enthusiastic about the new stand, which will shine a brighter light on the region, to attract Buyers out of Cape Town. “We will fly the flag high for George, Wilderness and Uniondale, and wish all participants well in their endeavors next week..”  Any tourism experiences and products interested in sponsoring a prize which will be randomly awarded to Buyers on the stand, can contact Sharon House on shouse@george.gov.za by Friday, 31 March 2023.

Captions:

 

Paragliding at Wilderness Beach.

Hiking in the Outeniqua mountains.

Public Notice: Contacting the George Municipality – Telecommunications System Transfer

Public Notice: Contacting the George Municipality – Telecommunications System Transfer

George Municipality is currently migrating its existing telecommunications system onto a new system.  All incoming calls from the public made to George Municipal offices (main building and external offices)  will be transferred to our switchboard. From the switchboard,  the calls will be transferred to the relevant departments. This arrangement will be in place for today and will unfortunately create delays. Please take note of our emergency details listed below for urgent matters. The telephone lines will be back to normal from tomorrow onwards.

If the public experience any municipal-related emergencies please contact our emergency number on 044 801 6300 or for specific fire-related emergencies on 044 801 6311. The George Municipality switchboard number 044 801 9111 is operational but there are currently delays due to the high volume of calls. If your matter can be addressed via email please send details to gmun@george.gov.za

We call on the public to please be patient during this transition and apologise for any inconvenience.

Issued by George Mun 30 March at 09h40.

Eskom load shedding update – Wednesday, 29 March at 19h00

Eskom Stage 3 load shedding was implemented at 18:11 due to a higher than anticipated demand experienced tonight. This will continue until 16:00 when previously communicated load shedding schedules will resume.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

_Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom Wednesday,  29 March 2023 at 19h00_

*George will be affected as follows:*

Wednesday 29/03/2023

None

Thursday 30/03/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Friday 31/03/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Saturday 01/04/2023

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30

Sunday 02/04/2023

22:00 – 00:30

 

*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*

Wednesday 29/03/2023

None

Thursday 30/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Friday 31/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Saturday 01/04/2023

17:00 – 19:30

Sunday 02/04/2023

01:00 – 03:30

 

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding.

Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.

Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages

Please do not phone the after hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

*#Eskom load shedding update – Wednesday, 29 March 2023

*#Eskom load shedding update – Wednesday, 29 March 2023: Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented as previously communicated from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Thursday. Thereafter, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Thursday followed by Stage 4 loadshedding until 05:00 on Friday. Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Friday until 05:00 on Saturday. Then Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Saturday until 05:00 on Sunday.*

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

_Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom_

 

*George will be affected as follows:*

Wednesday 29/03/2023

None

Thursday 30/03/2023

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Friday 31/03/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Saturday 01/04/2023

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30

Sunday 02/04/2023

22:00 – 00:30

 

*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*

Wednesday 29/03/2023

None

Thursday 30/03/2023

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Friday 31/03/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Saturday 01/04/2023

17:00 – 19:30

Sunday 02/04/2023

01:00 – 03:30

 

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding.

Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.

Consumers are therefore urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages

Please do not phone the after hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on, and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.

 

Updated Public Notice: Municipality migrating telephone system – access to landlines might be compromised until 14h00 today (29 March 2023)

Update Public Notice: George Municipality is currently migrating its existing telecommunications system onto a new system. Technicians are busy merging the different telephone lines into the new system and the public may have difficulty reaching certain telephone numbers at the organisation for today (29 March 2023).

According to the technicians, all lines should be up and running by 14h00 today. If the public experience any municipal-related emergencies please contact our emergency number on 044 801 6300 or for specific fire-related emergencies on 044 801 6311. The George Municipality switchboard number 044 801 9111 is operational but very busy putting calls through to Directorates. We call on the public to please be patient during this transition and apologise for any inconvenience. Issued by George Mun 29 March at 12h30.

Unplanned power outage: Portion of Uniondale

Unplanned power outage: Our Electrotechnical Directorate had to cut electrical supply to a portion of Uniondale because of an emergency electrical repair due to a faulty low-voltage cable. Areas affected include Skou, Van Riebeeck, Schoeman and a portion of Voortrekker Streets. The estimated time of repair is 16h00. Issued by George Municipality 29 March 2023 at 10h45

GEORGE TRAFFIC SERVICES – EASTER HOLIDAY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Re-issued 29 March 2023 for immediate release

 

The Western Cape Province’s first school term comes to an end on March 31st, 2023 with a week of school holidays and an Easter long weekend and George Traffic department will be on high alert.

Many citizens take this opportunity to embark on long-distance travelling to neighbouring districts or provinces to spend time with family or friends.

 

Janine Wells, George Traffic Chief said, George would see an increase in traffic volumes on all major routes as travellers will visit our beautiful area. The N2 will also carry heavy volumes of traffic over this period.

“Traffic law enforcement will be on high alert and will ensure high visibility and deal appropriately with offenders. Increased activities are aimed at reducing fatalities during this Easter holiday period.

The local traffic department in conjunction with other enforcement entities, will set up vehicle checkpoints and focus on vehicles that are overloaded, driver and vehicle fitness, driving under the influence of alcohol and the wearing of safety belts by all occupants.

According to Wells, one element of this year’s campaign is the impact alcohol has on road users and its contribution to road carnages. The random screening of drivers will be conducted daily. Further focussing will be on long-distance public transport such as taxis, midi-buses, and bigger buses to ensure compliance with the various acts and the safety of commuters and other road users.

Many accidents also occur due to jaywalking and pedestrians crossing roads at unsafe locations. George Traffic Department will also focus on pedestrian safety by conducting awareness campaigns on the N2 highway and provincial roads within the George area.

Enforcement agencies will be strategically placed to monitor people who make themselves guilty of moving offences and speed enforcement will be conducted.

Members of the public are urged to join the campaign to reduce road carnage by reporting reckless and negligent drivers at the George Municipality emergency number 044 801 6300.

Wells wished all residents and visitors to our beautiful City a safe journey over the holidays and the Easter period.