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Author: Debra Sauer

George Municipality have started improving access to homes with steep slopes and soon retaining walls will be built as well

Issued by George Municipality  28 February 2023

 

George Municipality has since 23 November 2022 started improving access to homes with steep slopes in Rosedale, Thembalethu and Touwsranten. Further measures to bring relief to several homes which continuously flood in times of heavy downpour include building channels to re-route run off, as well as installing gutters and down pipes to minimise access rainwater into the yards. A total of 64 houses were identified with stormwater problems in the areas mentioned above and to date 23 houses have been completed. A tender for the installation of retaining walls is still in the procurement process.

 

Captions: Construction in progress improving access to homes with steep slopes in Rosedale, Thembalethu and Touwsranten. Workers are building channels to re-rout run off, installing gutters and down pipes and buffers to bring relief especially during heavy downpours.

First Thursday with Mayor | Youth Sector on the 2nd of March

First Thursday | Youth Sector

Join us for our next First Thursday session on the 2nd of March.

This session is aimed at the youth, aged 18 – 35. In our session this focus will be the following: engaging with and hearing from you. This will allow us to determine the needs you have around business and activities that will benefit you and the municipality you live in.

The motivation for this specific session comes off the back of a discussion the Mayor Leon Van Wyk had with a young accountant, Des-lie Van Wyk, who started SHIFT Entrepreneurs with his Board of Directors.

This Non Profit Organisation (SHIFT) is a dynamic group of young business people committed to creating a sustainable economy in George by giving young and aspiring entrepreneurs optimal opportunities for growth and success.

At this First Thursday engagement, SHIFT will speak more about what they do and how they plan to positively impact the local George community. We welcome you to make any contributions that can further benefit the community.

Ideally, this is a forum that facilitates interaction between accountants, attorneys, businesspersons, farmers, brokers, etc. However, we are opening up this platform to all of you.

If you are interested, please RSVP via email to supportbusiness@george.gov.za Your RSVP secures your link to this meeting. Provide your name, contact number and email address to supportbusiness@george.gov.za

If you have any further questions or queries, contact Melissa Dreyer at 044 801 9129 .

Details again: When: 2nd March 2023 Platform: MS TEAMS Time: 16:30

NELSON MANDELA BOULEVARD: DRONE SURVEY A drone survey of Nelson Mandela Boulevard

NELSON MANDELA BOULEVARD: DRONE SURVEY
 
A drone survey of Nelson Mandela Boulevard (Ngcakani/Tabata Street intersection to the traffic circle in the south) will be conducted that will impact on roads users and pedestrian activity. The survey is required to determine the extent of road, sidewalk and stormwater construction defects. Three dates have been identified as the aerial survey is dependent on weather conditions:
(Note Revised Target Date)
 
DESCRIPTION:
Drone survey of Nelson Mandela Boulevard from Ngcakani/Tabata Street intersection to the traffic circle in the south, approximately 2.6 kms.
 
DATE:
Revised Target date: Monday 27 February 2023 (dependent on weather conditions)
 
SERVICE DISRUPTION:
The road will be closed for about two and a half (2,5) hours during the drone survey. Advance notification of planned temporary disruptions will be sent out via social media and traffic control will assist in diverting road users. Road users will be diverted to Ngcakani Road and Tabata Streets
 
SURVEY HOURS:
The survey process will be carried out between approximately 10h00 and 13h00 on the specific day.
 
IMPACT ON TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY:
NMB, and all side road intersections to NMB (positions indicated by X), will be closed in two separate sections (Fourways to 26th Street; and 26th Street to traffic circle) over the approximate two and a half (2,5) hour period. No vehicles will be allowed in the specific section of the road reserve while it is being surveyed, and pedestrian activity must be limited to the absolute minimum. Informal traders will be required to relocate temporarily during the survey period. Caution needs to be exercised by residents, road users and pedestrians throughout the duration of the drone survey period. Adherence to traffic & law enforcement officials, flag persons and temporary road signage will be required.
 
NELSON MANDELA BOULEVARD: DRONE SURVEY
A drone survey of Nelson Mandela Boulevard (Ngcakani/Tabata Street intersection to the traffic circle in the south) will be conducted that will impact on roads users and pedestrian activity. The survey is required to determine the extent of road, sidewalk and stormwater construction defects. Three dates have been identified as the aerial survey is dependent on weather conditions:
(Note Revised Target Date)
 
 
ACCESS TO THE SURVEY AREA:
Access to the site will be restricted and strictly controlled.
 
ENQUIRIES: Mr. Adrian van Molendorff, George Municipality – 044 801 9351.
 
The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to all residents to be patient and adhere to traffic and pedestrian control measures during the survey.
Please look out for and co-operate with traffic control personnel.

*Planned power outage: portion of CBD – Hibernia Street – Sunday, 26 FEb 2023*

*Planned power outage: portion of CBD – Hibernia Street – Sunday, 26 FEb 2023*
 
 
NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
 
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF CBD
HIBERNIA STREET
 
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023 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 SUNDAY 05 MARCH 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00.
 
****************************************
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
 
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN SSK
HIBERNIA STRAAT
 
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SONDAG 26 FEBRUARIE 2023 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.

Call to truck, taxi and bus drivers to visit Mobile Bus Clinic in Thembalethu

Issued by George Mun on behalf of the Road Accident Fund 22 February 2023

 

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) will take its Mobile Bus Clinic and Driver Wellness Programme to key sites along the Garden Route from Monday 20 February to Friday 24 February in order to reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue and other health related matters.

RAF’s Driver Wellness Programme focuses on long distance truck drivers as well as those who carry a large number of commuters (e.g., taxis, buses etc). The bus will offer free health checks.

Statistics show commercial truck drivers, taxis and buses (commercial and public transport drivers) pose a greater risk and are prone to mass accidents, which is a liability for the RAF. To mitigate this, the RAF facilitated a wellness bus with the necessary equipment to test vitals like high blood pressure, diabetes,

eyesight, etc. The mobile clinic will have a dispensing nurse and an optometrist to prescribe driving glasses on the spot at no cost to the beneficiaries.

This initiative, which has been funded through RAF Corporate Social Responsibility, is in partnership with a Non-Governmental Organisation, the Health Foundation of South Africa (HFSA). HFSA have co-opted

Africa Mobility Solutions for technology and mobility support in partnership with Guud Mobility. The project will create three temporal jobs for the dispensing nurse, optometrist and testing operator.

The bus schedule along the Garden Route is as follows:

Date Location Time

Thursday – 23 February Thembalethu Taxi Rank (George_ 09h00-16h00

Friday – 24 February Mossel Bay Taxi Rank 09h00-16h00

In the unfortunate event of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, a readily responsive RAF Call Centre is reachable at 0860 23 55 23 from Monday to Friday, 07h45 to 16h00. Assistance is available in any of the 11 official languages. The RAF can also be reached through its offices countrywide, details

of which are available on its website on www.raf.co.za.

For additional information and updates, follow the RAF on social media:

@RAF_SA or Facebook @Road Accident Fund

Issued by the Road Accident Fund

PUBLIC NOTICE: IMPORTANT PREPAID METER SOFTWARE UPDATE (TID Rollover)  – Phase 2 will receive a Token to amend software

PUBLIC NOTICE: IMPORTANT PREPAID METER SOFTWARE UPDATE (TID Rollover)  – Phase 2 will receive a Token to amend software
Issued George Municipality, 20 February 2023 for immediate release.

The George Municipality has embarked on a pre-paid electricity metering software update for its approximately 50 000 prepaid consumers quite a while back. The  current software will expire in November 2024. This will not only impact George consumers but  ALL prepaid meters throughout South Africa. If your meter is not updated before the deadline, you will not be able to recharge your prepaid meter with the new tokens and therefore will not have power.

70% of George Software Updates Completed
George Municipality has already successfully implemented the software update  on close to 70% of its prepaid meter base, through the work done by field staff and contractors on-site while doing a meter change, site inspection, and Amp limit roll-out. These teams will continue to go out weekly to do site inspections and Amp limit roll-out.

 

Final 30% software update will be done by receipt of an extra token
To expedite the software update (TID roll-over) and  in order to ensure no consumer is placed at risk of having a non-working meter, the municipality will implement the next phase  – key change process – of its TID roll-over implementation  plan from March 2023 with the issue of a separate, extra token when you make your next purchase.

 

Key Change Token

If your prepaid meter software has already been updated during Phase 1, you will NOT receive an extra token with your first purchase in March 2023. If you do receive a KEY CHANGE Token with your first purchase in March the following is VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE BEFORE you insert the key change:

  1. IMPORTANT – DON’T FORGET TO INSERT ALL old or unused tokens BEFORE you enter the KEY CHANGE  token and ONLY then INSERT the newly bought token,
  2. The meter will NOT accept your old or unused tokens, once you enter the key change token and no reimbursement can be made on these tokens.
  3. The meter will not accept your newly bought token, until the key change token has been inserted.

 

Verification or Queries – If you receive an extra token and you are unsure what to do?

Customers 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 is addressed. Please note that all municipal and/or Ontec officials carry identification cards with a photograph and their ID number as well as a copy of a verification letter explaining the purpose for their visit.

For more information on the TID Rollover (software update) please visit the George Municipality’s website to view frequently asked questions (FAQ):

 

https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/TID-ROLLOVER-FAQ-English-Updated-Version-May-2022.pdf

https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TID-ROLLOVER-FAQ-MvH-Afrikaans-1.pdf

https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/media-documents/other-publications/page/2/

 

TOKEN IDENTIFIER (TID) ROLLOVER  https://www.sts.org.za/tid-rollover SOURCE

The Token Identifier is a 24-bit field, contained in STS compliant tokens, that identifies the date and time of the token generation. It is used to determine if a token has already been used in a payment meter. The TID represents the minutes elapsed since the 1st of January 1993. The incrementing of the 24-bit field means that at some point in time, the TID value will roll over to a zero value.

All STS prepayment meters will be affected by TID roll over on the 24/11/2024. Any tokens generated after this date and utilizing the 24bit TID will be rejected by the meters as being old tokens as the TID value embedded in the token will have reset back to 0.

Public Notice: GIPTN Office Lease

Follow the link to the advert: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GIPTN_George-Herald-Notification-Office-Lease-116_V4-FINAL-COLLAB_FINALupdate-MM-approved.pdf

 

Good news for library users – A FINE FREE amnesty period for library users has started!

Good news for library users – A FINE FREE amnesty period for library users has started!

Issued by George Municipality 20 February 2023 for immediate release

 

George Municipality is happy to announce that all library patrons in our area can now return library books without paying fines during an amnesty period. According to Rachel Williams: Manager: George Libraries, a fine-free amnesty period for public library patrons will be applicable until the Sita Library and Information Management System (SLIMS) is up and running again. Patrons are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of this period to return all overdue books to our libraries.

The SLIMS system managed by SITA has been unavailable to all non-metro libraries across the Western Cape since 15 November 2022. Because of a storage failure, the whole Virtual Machine Operating System collapsed. This system failure had a huge and ongoing impact on the service delivery to all public library users in the Western Cape. Williams said, the recovery period is unknown yet and could take up to 6 months. Please be advised that library services are a function of the WC Provincial Government and therefore, the George Municipality is not able to resolve the current problem.

 

It should be noted that all public libraries in George and surrounding areas remain open and continue to serve the public. All public libraries make use of the standardised form created to capture issues and returns. The number of books issued per patron is limited until SLIMS is back online. The Impala system cannot be used for the purpose of Inter-Library Loans while SLIMS is unavailable.

 

New library memberships are accepted at all public libraries and are added to the OverDrive e-book system. All public libraries remain open to the public for in-house use and recreational activities, literacy, outreach, and other programmes as it is not dependent on SLIMS availability.  Williams thanked all patrons for their patience and support and would like to assure them of their willingness to be of service to them.

For more information, please phone the libraries at:
Blanco 044 870 7047, Conville 044 801 9320 / 3240 / 3241, George 044 801 9288 / 9289 / 9292 / 9393, Haarlem 044 763 1023 / 078 0863 667, Pacaltsdorp 044 803 9340, Thembalethu 044 803 2260, Touwsranten 044 803 9285 and Uniondale 044 7521 024.

Public Notice: Warning of Damaging Waves

Public Notice: Warning of Damaging Waves

Issued by the South African Weather Service 20 Feb 2023

 

Warning of damaging waves at George and surrounding areas from 20/02/23 to 21/02/23.

According to the Weather Service, strong to near gale force north-westerly winds (50-60 km/h, gusting 70-80 km/h) are expected between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas ahead of a cold front making landfall on Monday morning, reaching gale force (60-70 km/h, gusting 80-90 km/h) between Gansbaai and Struisbaai. It will become west to south-westerly from late morning, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the afternoon and will be accompanied by wave heights of 4.0 to 4.5m, reaching 5.0m near Cape Agulhas. The winds will moderate, and waves subside from the west during Tuesday morning.

Impact: Difficulty in navigating at sea due to strong winds and quick successive steep waves can be expected. Small vessels and personal watercraft (e.g., kayaks) are at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality as well as localised disruption to beach front activities are possible.

Instruction: Small boats and personal watercraft are advised to stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay. The public, especially the tourists that are not familiar with the coastal routes where built-up of sand are expected are advised to seek alternatives routes beforehand.

George Municipality apologises to residents of Pacaltsdorp for odours coming from the Outeniqua wastewater treatment works

George Municipality apologises to residents of Pacaltsdorp for odours coming from the
Outeniqua wastewater treatment works due to the works that cannot work to its full extent during loadshedding
Issued by George Municipality 19 February 2022 for immediate release

George Municipality apologises to residents of Pacaltsdorp for odours coming from the
Outeniqua wastewater treatment works due to the works that cannot function to its full extent during loadshedding.

The Outeniqua wastewater treatment works is being upgraded and the capacity of the works extended to accommodate additional developments. The project is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

Unfortunately, the Eskom loadshedding has had a detrimental effect on the treatment process. The main use of electricity in a treatment process is to provide oxygen for the bacteria. Without oxygen, the bacteria cannot digest the sewage and odours are generated.

The George Municipality received grant funding to install a very large generator to provide electricity for the remainder of the works.

This generator is in the procurement process and will only be installed later in the year.

Currently, the Municipality is looking at installing short-term generator rental options to bridge the delivery period of the permanent solution. Due to the nature and size of the generator required limited options exist.

Loadshedding has placed a major physical and financial burden on the Municipality. The Municipality is working hard and as quickly as possible to overcome the challenges.

Eskom Loadshedding Update 18 February 2023

*#Eskom #LoadsheddingUpdate In order to create space to replenish the emergency generation reserves, Eskom will implement Stage 6 loadshedding from 20:00 tonight until 05:00 tomorrow morning. Thereafter Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented until further notice, with the possibility that Stage 6 loadshedding might again be implemented during Sunday night.*

_Issued by George Mun 18 Feb 2023 on behalf of Eskom_

_*George will be affected as follows:*_

Saturday 18/02/2023

22:00 – 00:30 **

Sunday 19/02/2023

00:00 – 02:30 **

06:00 – 08:30

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30

Monday 20/02/2023

06:00 – 08:30

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30

 

_*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*_

Saturday 18/02/2023

17:00 – 19:30

20:00 – 21:30

Sunday 19/02/2023

01:00 – 05:30 **

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

Monday 20/02/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

Public Notice: George Mun Emergency Services appeal to the public to be extra careful in the misty weather

Public Notice: George Municipality Emergency Services appeal to the public in the greater George area, especially motorists and pedestrians, to be extra careful in the misty weather conditions that we are experiencing currently. Visibility is usually poor during these conditions and we appeal to motorists to drive slowly. Issued by George Municipality 17 February 2023 at 16h00

Eskom loadshedding update – 17 Feb 2023

*Eskom loadshedding stage 4 to be implemented from 16:00 17/02/2023 to 05:00 18/02/2023. Loadshedding stage 3 to be implemented from 05:00 18/02/2023 to 16:00 18/02/2023.

_Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom_

_*George will be affected as follows:*_

Friday 17/02/2023

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30

Saturday 18/02/2023

06:00 – 08:30

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30

 

_*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*_

Friday 17/02/2023

17:00 – 19:30

Saturday 18/02/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

George Municipality warns of ‘discounted’ electricity units being sold online

George Municipality warns of ‘discounted’ electricity units being sold online
Issued by George Municipality 17 February 2023 for immediate release

George Residents who choose to purchase prepaid electricity from a scammer cannot hold the Municipality responsible for that money that is wasted.

George Municipality cannot refund residents in these situations. The Municipality or Ontec, the municipality’s service provider, can verify vendors. If you as a resident are unsure of the validity of a vendor, please check with the Municipality or Ontec.

George Municipality’s Electrotechnical Directorate is aware of fraudulent prepaid electricity units being offered online by scammers and warned residents that only units purchased from approved vendors would be accepted by your prepaid meters. Those selling the units are reportedly offering them at a discounted price – this is a scam.

Ontec can assist in vending verification and confirmation. Usually, all Ontec needs is a token indicating the Service provider (that sells prepaid electricity) and the agent number linked to it. If however nothing is available Ontec urges the public to contact their office to verify and if necessary Ontec will inspect the specific point(s).
The telephone number for Ontec is 044 873 5474.

Debt collection and credit control, as well as sales and distribution of Free Basic Electricity (FBE) rely on the vending foundation, and it is essential that we make use of trustworthy partners in this regard.

Here are the approved directly managed vending outlets below:
Albert Motors, 42 Albert Street, George South,
Denneoord Multisave, corner of Wellington and 8th Avenue, Denneoord ,
Engen Eco Stop corner of Witfontein and CJ Langenhoven,Heather Park,
Total Courtenay, 57 Courtenay Street, George Central,
Total Sandkraal, 48A Sandkraal Road, Borcherds,
Caltex Fourway Motors, corner of York and Discovery Streets, Pacaltsdorp Industria,
Poor Man’s Friend, Fiscal Street, Conville,
Shell Kraaibosch, Knysna Road, Kraaibosch,
Caltex The Waves, 2242 South Street, Wilderness East,
Caltex Wilderness, George Road ,Wilderness,
Uniondale Motors, 62 Voortrekker Street, Uniondale
Royal Uniondale, Lang Straat, Lyonsville,Uniondale
Yorkers Superette, 16 York Street, George South
George Municipality, 69 York Street, George
Ontec George, Progress Street, George
Please be advised that Pick n Pay, Shoprite and the Spars are major retail outlets also included to sell prepaid electricity.

Transgressing vendors and even networks have been switched off before as no transgressions will be tolerated. Vendors are also not allowed to sell electrical units at inflated amounts. Small shops or spaza shops may also not sell electricity to residents on the premise that they should buy other goods first.

Residents who struggle with the cost of electricity are encouraged to reach out to the George Municipality to see if they qualify for assistance. You may also phone 044 801 9029 for assistance.

Call Centre for queries regarding prepaid meter issues – 044 801 9218/9229 or after hours to 063 699 5998 and have your Municipal Account Number and Prepaid Meter Number handy. You can also email your query to elec.applications@george.gov.za and or accounts@george.gov.za

Planned power outage: portion of Blanco

Planned power outage: portion of Blanco
 
NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
 
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF BLANCO
GEORGE STREET
 
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on TUESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2023 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
WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00.
 
 
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
 
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN BLANCO
GEORGE STRAAT
 
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DINSDAG 21 FEBRUARIE 2023 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 WOENSDAG 22 FEBRUARIE 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00.

MAYOR’S NEWSLETTER FOR GEORGE HERALD OF 16 FEBRUARY 2023

There was much expectation that the State President would reveal a pathway to tackle the electricity crisis during his State of the Nation Address last Thursday. The purpose of declaring a disaster should be to provide the mechanisms to rapidly unblock the red-tape within the highly regulated electricity industry. Due to the unreliability of Eskom’s generating fleet, the electricity supply market needs to be urgently opened up to implement the introduction of electricity generated from private producers of wind, solar PV, battery energy storage, etc.

From a George perspective, we have engaged Premier Winde on questions that range from the technical issues of connecting battery energy storage systems into the grid at the appropriate sub-stations to the relaxation of the regulatory hurdles and rapid environmental approvals. Local government legislation also prescribes when and how budgets can be approved as well as the funding arrangements that are permitted. In partnership with the Western Cape Government, these issues are being escalated to champion the reduction of red-tape to fast-track the necessary approvals. It is hoped that the disaster declaration will fast-track such approvals to introduce renewable energy much faster. With draft budgets due to be tabled by the end of March there is additional urgency.

Loadshedding is placing huge pressures on industry and agriculture who need reliability of electricity supply to plan production runs and irrigation respectively. The regular changes to Stages of loadshedding and in daily schedules add to the uncertainties experienced by business. The costs of diesel to power generators also adds to the expense of doing business. Solutions will need to be found to overcome existing structural limitations within the distribution grid and the technicalities for the integration of renewable energy into the grid.

George’s Electro-tech Directorate has just hosted a Wheeling symposium to share the experience gained from pilot project that’s the wheels electricity privately produced to consumers acquiring that power through the municipal grid. This requires specialised metering of the flows. It is expected that additional private producers will over time enter this market to sell their excess electricity produced to users located elsewhere within the municipal network.

The municipality’s approach to the electricity supply crisis is firstly to secure renewable energy for its water, waste-water and pump infrastructure and own buildings. This will comprise solar PV and battery energy storage with the aim for George to avoid Stage 1 and 2 of loadshedding over the next 12 to 18 months. Additional projects being planned will extend own generation so that Stages 3 and 4 can be avoided within three years.

The urgent objective is therefore to advance the timeline for the introduction of renewable energy to alleviate the disruption to business and households caused by loadshedding.

Public Notice: THE CONVILLE PUBLIC SWIMMING IS CLOSED FOR A GALA

Please note the Conville Swimming pool will be closed from Friday, 17 February to Saturday 18 February 2023, for the Eden Aquatics LC5 Gala.
The swimming pool will be open on Sunday again from 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 with 2 lifeguards on duty.
For enquiries/bookings: Conville Swimming Pool
Tel: 044 801 9488
Contact persons:
Mr G de Villiers Email: gbdevilliers@george.gov.za – Sport Development Assistant
Ms LY Botha Email lybotha@george.gov.za – Sport Development Officer
Mr R Swart Email rswart@george.gov.za
Ms S Velembo Email svelembo@george.gov.za

Public Notice: Calling for inspection of general valuation roll and lodging of objections

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

NOTICE NUMBER FIN 4 OF 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE CALLING FOR INSPECTION OF GENERAL VALUATION ROLL AND LODGING OF OBJECTIONS

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 49(1)(a)(i)(c) of the Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Act, 2004 (Act No. 6 of 2004), hereinafter referred to as the “Act”, that the valuation roll for the financial years 01/07/2023 – 30/06/2027 is open for public inspection at the following venues from

09 February 2023 to 31 March 2023:

 

*Follow the link to the notice calling for inspection of the general Valuation Roll and lodging of objections*

https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/VALUATION-ROLL-NOTICE-NUMBER-FIN-4-OF-2023-1.pdf

*Follow the link for frequently asked questions on the Valuation Roll*
https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/GV2023_24-Detail-for-Website_FAQ.pdf

 

NEW GENERAL VALUATION ROLE INSPECTION AND OBJECTION PROCESS COMMENCES

The General Valuation Roll is a document containing the municipal valuations of all the registered properties within the boundaries of the Greater George municipal area and is used to calculate the rates that property owners are required to pay.

The General Valuation Roll gives the market value of a property on a certain date. It applies to residential, agricultural, business and commercial properties and is used to calculate the monthly rates that property owners are required to pay for services such as street lighting, parks, libraries, fire services, etc.

The George Municipality uses a service provider, DDP Valuers (Pty) Ltd. The process to compile the General Valuation Roll of an estimated 54 000 properties in the greater George area, is completed.

The final General Valuation Roll will be published for public inspection from 9 February 2023 until 31 March 2023.  At the same time, stakeholders will be given the opportunity to lodge objections, if deemed necessary.  The objection process is followed by a valuation appeal process. The General Valuation Roll will be implemented on 1 July 2023.

Ratepayers must verify their valuations, as it would affect the rates they pay on their own properties as well as the overall rate calculations for the city. It is a great opportunity for citizens to engage with the Municipality to ensure that their properties are correctly valued.

What is a valid objection?

There are various reasons that allow owners (or their authorised representatives) to submit an objection against a specific property on the Municipality’s General Valuation Roll.  According to the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA) Section 50 (1)(c) an objection with the municipal manager against any matter reflected in, or omitted from, the roll can be lodged against a single/specific property (Section 50 (2) of the MPRA).

Legitimate reasons for lodging an objection include:
• Town Allotment • Suburb • Sectional Title Scheme Name • Erf No • Portion • Section • Unit • Owner Name • Category • Physical Address • Extent • Market Value • Omitted • Farm Name

What are non-valid reasons/objections and will not be considered:

  • No Services • I am a pensioner (refer to rates policy regarding rebaits) • My rates are too high (refer to rates policy for cent in the rand) • Comparing to similar properties in the valuation roll (objection must be lodged against the property with the incorrect value and using market sales for comparison) • Comparing current value with previous valuation • Various erven on one objection form, (every erf must have own objection form).

For more information contact: George Municipality: Valuations on 044 801 9111, e-mail: valuations@george.gov.za or visit the Website www.george.gov.za

 

 

George Municipality Thusong outreach in Blanco with other stakeholders

Taking services to the people

George Municipality’s Thusong outreach to the Blanco community with key sector departments was very well received and more outreaches will be rolled out once a month to other communities in the George jurisdiction.

Last week, the George Municipality together with key sector departments, as well as businesses kicked off their planned Thusong Service outreach to raise awareness of the integrated services available to communities at their doorstep. It took place in the Blanco Community Hall.

The George Municipality Community Development section, the George Municipality Youth Development subsection, the George Municipality Thusong Programme, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department Employment and Labour, IEC, SEDA, the Department of Social Development, SARS and Cell C attended the outreach.

The stakeholders supplied the community in Blanco with important government information and services. The Government Communication and Information System Department (GGCIS) provided the necessary communication support, through mobilisation, profiling the campaign and getting key sector departments to participate. The Thusong outreach assisted 136 community members from rural Blanco.

According to Adam Lewie from Waboomskraal Thusong Centre who was involved with the outreach, community members who attended the outreach were excited for the opportunities they were exposed to that can lead to jobs, an economic boost and further education and training opportunities. The Department of Employment and Labour officials registered unemployed people attending, for job opportunities when it becomes available.

Cell C presented self-employment opportunities to the community involving Rica and the selling of airtime and data.

SEDA presented their non-financial business skills training, while the IEC registered community members on the voters’ roll. Home Affairs assisted with identity and birth certificate applications, while GCIS distributed information on various important issues like anti-corruption campaigns, gender-based violence, vaccination boosters, cervical cancer and much more. They also spoke to the community members about the topics.

The Youth Development office spoke to the youth on how the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) can assist young people with non-financial and financial support to start their own small businesses, the SA Youth Mobi, where young people can register their CV’s without using data, for possible work opportunities. They were also informed of how to use the system to apply for bursaries and to further their education.

 

Dates for the next Thusong Outreach is 10 March at New Dawn Park Hall, 14 April at Thembalethu Hall, 12 May at Outeniqua Primary School, 9 June at Thembalethu Zone 9 Hall and 14 July at Rosemoor Community Hall. All of the outreaches will start at 10h00 but the time can change due to loadshedding.

 

Captions:

Jonel Kerspuy, Coordinator of the George Municipal Youth Office, assists a member of the public at the Thusong Outreach in Blanco.

Willbedine Jordaan, Coordinator of the George Municipal HIV/Aids Office assists members of the public at the outreach.

Cell C took part in the Thusong Outreach in Blanco.

The IEC registered members of the Blanco community on the voters’ roll.