Unplanned water outage: Pipe damaged in Uitspanning Street, Herold’s Bay. Estimated time of repair is approximately 3 hours. Issued by George Municipality 18 September 2023 at 17h00
Eskom load shedding update: Due to improved generation capacity and performance, load shedding will be reduced to Stage 1 from 12:00 today until 16:00, followed by Stage 3 load shedding from 16:00 until 05:00 on Tuesday (previously communicated as Stage 4). Thereafter, load shedding will be implemented as previously communicated where the pattern of Stages 2 and 4 will be implemented until further notice. Eskom will publish another update should any significant changes occur.
Issued by George Municipality 18 September 2023 at 12h15
George will be affected as follows:
Monday 18/09/2023
22:00 – 00:30
Tuesday 19/09/2023
22:00 – 00:30
Wednesday 20/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30
22:00 – 00:30
Thursday 21/09/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30
Friday 22/09/2023
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30
Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Monday 18/09/2023
17:00 – 19:30
Tuesday 19/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
17:00 – 19:30
Wednesday 20/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30
Thursday 21/09/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30
Friday 22/09/2023
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30
Please be advised that the NATIS System and LEU (eye testing machines) are down at the Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) in Pacaltsdorp. The centre cannot process licence renewals and eye testing services now. People can still do tests that are being performed outside the building and pick up licence cards.
The Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) and Vehicle Testing Station are online.
For more information, please contact the department on 044 878 2400.
Liam Tait, a six-year-old grade 1 learner from Holy Cross Primary School, became as far as we could establish, the youngest patron of the George Library, if not George, to publish his first book, _*The Dream of Animals.*_
When asked why he wrote the book, Liam answered that he likes animals. Liam also got a chance to read his book to his classmates at the launch and other patrons.
The youngster, who is only turning 7 in November, wrote the typical entry-level book, as a June holiday project, holidaying with his aunt, Rehelda Williams. Williams was also the one who encouraged Liam to write down his thoughts. She said he specifically used words he could spell and knew.
Liam’s mom, Phyona Tait, smiled from ear to ear with the launch of Liam’s book at George Library during Literacy Month. ”
Phyona Tait said “Liam is our shining light. Thank you to his aunt who encouraged him. Phyona said he used his artwork in the book as well.
“His first words when he saw the book was, I’m an author,” his mom said. “He is also very interested in the sales, she said gleefully.
“We are very proud and blessed to be part of what Liam created. His new interest is gemstones and maybe there is another book on the horizon,” Phyona said.
Liam’s dad, Wendell Tait, passed away from Covid in December 2020. He was a detective at George Saps.
Garelene Muller, Children’s Librarian, Liam is a true inspiration and he’s a beacon of hope to other youngsters. “Through what he’s achieved, others can see nothing is impossible. I always say to the children you can be small but mighty,” Muller said.
The book was self-published and printed by Blending.co.za. It is available on Amazon.com and Kindle.
If you want printed copies, you can phone Phyona Tait on 082 553 0052.
Photograph above:
Liam Tait and his mom, Phyona, hand over copies of his book to George Senior Librarian, Malibongwe Luyenge and his teacher, Sabrina Waters.
Liam lifts his book as proud mom, Phyona Tait (to his right looks on). Next to her is a family member, Rosaline Tait. On the other side of Liam are Zeenat Fortuin, Rehelda Williams (Liam’s aunt in red) and Veronica Tait.
Liam Tait (6) reading from his first published book, _The Dream of Animals_.
Liam Tait (6) reading from his first published book, _The Dream of Animals_.
The cover of the book.
Liam lifts his book as proud mom, Phyona Tait (to his right looks on). Next to her is a family member, Rosaline Tait. On the other side of Liam are Zeenat Fortuin, Rehelda Williams (Liam’s aunt in red) and Veronica Tait.
Everyone attending the book launch at the George Library.
Garelene Muller, Children’s Librarian at George Library with Liam at the launch.
The Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works current upgrade is nearing completion and it involves maximising and upgrading the existing structures’ capacities to increase the design flow capacity from 7.3 megalitres per day to 11 megalitres per day.
The works is located next to the landfill site adjacent to the old airport road, and is already at full capacity. Substantial development has already taken place within the drainage area. The completion for the current phase is expected in October 2023. Proposals for further rapid development in this area are under review, and a process was started in October 2020 to prepare a plan for the incremental upgrade at the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works to cater for current and future development. The provisional capacity extension plan was finalised in 2021 already, and a contractor was appointed in April 2022 for the current Phase 1A for approximately R24 million.
According to Jannie Koegelenberg, Director: Civil Engineering Services, “This current phase will add much needed capacity to address the short-term flow requirements until the next phase of the capacity extension can be implemented.”
He said a master plan for the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works is in process to plan for the incremental expansion of the works to meet the medium term (28Ml/day) and long term (50Ml/day) requirements. This allows the Municipality to plan and budget timeously as demand increases. It is anticipated that the next phase of the upgrading of the works will commence in 2024/25, subject to funding availability.
Photograph above:
New 75kW aerator in operation.
New Motor Control panel to control new equipment at the plant.
This year we are celebrating the theme ‘Tourism for Good’ with inspiring stories of businesses impacting the local hospitality space. Here are a few:
The Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG), a nonprofit and Public Benefit Organisation, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Approximately 16 hectares in size, the garden showcases and conserves the incredible biodiversity of the district. Indigenous forests, wetlands, fynbos, and coastal dunes support a wide variety of plant and animal species, including those which are threatened and endemic. Scientists and researchers come to the garden to study the ecosystems and species, as well as make use of the herbarium. Educational programs and interpretive materials are offered. Declared a nature reserve, there are many things to see and enjoy such as hiking, markets, guided tours, and medicinal plant lectures. There is also a restaurant, parkrun, and indigenous nursery. The garden is a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous bird species calling it home. Bird hides and viewing platforms are available for bird enthusiasts to observe the local avian wildlife.
The Herold Meander is a secluded rural settlement of cultural and historical significance. From an abandoned and derelict farm, it has been developed into a sustainable Agri-Village. Environmental, water rights and heritage approvals were obtained to ensure a sustainable farming development, primarily focused on proteas, honeybush tea and sheep. The Honeybush shrub is proudly South African and grows naturally in the Garden Route and Tsitsikamma areas. The Khoikhoi used honeybush to make medicinal tea. Slightly sweet and caffeine-free, this herbal tea has high antioxidants and low tannins. The project has resulted in upgrades to the infrastructure, capacity building of workers, repair of historical buildings and the creation of local jobs. Herold Meander offers honeybush tea tasting, donkey cart rides, fishing, and accommodation facilities on a pre-booking basis.
Empower is a George based NPC and PBO. In December 2022, Empower hosted a crowd-funding campaign, Run It Back. Through the efforts of 15 volunteers who ran 5kms every day for 8 days, they raised enough funds to purchase 8 generators. Empower gifted the generators according to set criteria, in partnership with the George Business Chamber, to local businesses. 3 out of the 8 generators went to Explore our Hood, the Garden Route Botanical Garden and George Backpackers.
Explore our Hood is a Thembalethu-based tourism business with awesome, authentic township experiences. George Backpackers offers an affordable overnight accommodation, with dormitories and private rooms. The hosts speak English, Afrikaans, and German.
Discover more about George, Wilderness and Uniondale tourism offerings and destination stories at visitgeorge.co.za.
Pearly Lewis, Leona Witbooi and Ann Smit at the George Municipality’s appreciation day for nutritional centres.
UPGRADING OF SEWER NETWORK: GARCIA STREET TO BADNALL STREET
The upgrade of sewer infrastructure servicing Garcia, Pulser & Badnall Streets in Borcherds will have an impact on residents and road users for the period from 31 August 2023 to 30 October 2023.
DESCRIPTION:
Sections of the existing sewer infrastructure and associated Garcia, Pulser and Badnall Streets will be affected.
PROJECT PERIOD:
31 August 2023 to 30 October 2023
SERVICE DISRUPTION:
Municipal services may be disrupted during construction. Prior notification of planned temporary disruptions will be send out via social media.
WORKING HOURS:
Working hours will be from 07h00 to 17h00 on Mondays to Fridays and 07h00 – 14h00 on Saturdays as needed.
TRAFFIC IMPACT:
Residents, road users and pedestrians need to exercise caution throughout the duration of the construction period. Please adhere to flag persons, temporary road signage and road markings.
ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the site will be strictly controlled. Any member of the public who enters the site will have to comply with the relevant requirements in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
PROJECT ENQUIRIES:
Urhwebo e-Transand Ltd attention Brendon van Rensburg on 044 695 0105.
The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to all residents to be patient and exercise caution during the upgrade. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and construction personnel.
The George Municipality has appointed a new interim service provider for the collection of blue and green bags. HENQUE WASTE is the new service provider that started services on Monday, 28 August 2023. The backlog of green bags will be collected this week, on your collection day as per the Refuse schedule. The service provider did not finish his route yesterday and will continue with collections today (Tuesday) due to the backlog of green bags.
Residents are requested to be patient to allow for a smooth takeover for the new service provider. We apologise for any inconvenience caused during this takeover period. The blue and green bag collection service will continue as scheduled and we thank all residents who participate in the blue bag(recycling), and green bag (green waste) project.
For any information regarding black refuse bag removal please phone the Cleansing department on 044 802 2900.
For queries regarding blue or green bags please contact Henque Waste:
Contact Person Name: Douw Bezuidenhout
Contact Number Office: 064 905 8180 (also WhatsApp)
Complaints Number: 072 592 6212
General Contact Email Address: admin@henquewaste.co.za
Complaints Contact Email Address: douw@henquewaste.co.za
Factory Address: 27 Rand St, George Industria, George, 6536
Website Address: www.henquewaste.co.za
George will be affected as follows:
Friday 25/08/2023
None
Saturday 26/08/2023
02:00 – 04:30
18:00 – 20:30
Sunday 27/08/2023
18:00 – 20:30
Monday 28/08/2023
02:00 – 04:30
18:00 – 20:30
Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 25/08/2023
None
Saturday 26/08/2023
21:00 – 23:30
Sunday 27/08/2023
21:00 – 23:30
Monday 28/08/2023
05:00 – 07:00
21:00 – 23:30
*Planned power outage: portion of Wilderness*
*Issued by George Municipality*
NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF WILDERNESS
DUMBLETON CRESCENT, FAIRY KNOWE LINE
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY 30 AUGUST 2023 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 THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKINGVAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN WILDERNIS
DUMBLETON CRESCENT, FAIRY KNOWE LYN
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op WOENSDAG 30 AUGUSTUS 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 DONDERDAG 31 AUGUSTUS 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.
*Planned power outage: portion of Hoekwil*
*Issued by George Municipality*
NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF HOEKWIL
DUIWERIVIER ROAD
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on MONDAY 28 AUGUST 2023 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 TUESDAY 29 AUGUST 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN HOEKWIL
DUIWERIVIER WEG
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op MAANDAG 28 AUGUSTUS 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 DINSDAG 29 AUGUSTUS 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.
George Municipality confirms that the legal march is almost at the entrance to the Main Building, Cashier Hall off Progress Street, where the Memorandum is scheduled to be handed over to the Executive Mayor for George, Leon Van Wyk.
George Law Enforcement, Traffic Officials and SAPS continue to monitor proceedings.
Parking at Civic Centre, York Street – Progress Street – Victoria Street
George Municipality would like to advise residents and all Eisteddfod participants that parking around the Municipal Civic Centre has been cordoned off due to the legal march being held today.
Progress Street, York Street (front of Civic Centre) and Victoria Street parking will not be available until after the march disperses. The expected duration of the march is from 09h00 – 15h00.
Eisteddfod parents are requested to make use of on street parking further away from the main municipal building (along York Street) and George Municipal Traffic Wardens will be on hand to direct parents and learners to the main entrance of the Civic Centre.
Municipal Switchboard 044 801 9111
After Hours Emergency Number 044 801 6300
Dedicated Fire Only Number 044 801 6311
George Municipality confirms that the legal march scheduled for today is en-route to the Main Municipal Building. Participants have turned into Cradock Street from Nelson Mandela Boulevard at present.
The march will end at the entrance to the Main Building, Cashier Hall off Progress Street, where the Memorandum is scheduled to be handed over to a political representative for the Office of the Mayor at 12h30.
Please be advised that traffic delays can be expected, and it is suggested that alternate routes are used where feasible. The march is being monitored by George Law Enforcement, Traffic Officials and SAPS until dispersed.
The expected duration of the march is from 09h00 – 15h00.
Roads/ Streets affected along the planned route include:
Cradock Street (Intersection with NMB)
Hibernia Street (Intersection with Cradock St)
Victoria Street (Intersection with Cradock St)
Market Street (Intersection with Cradock St)
Hibernia Street (Intersection with Meade Street)
York Street (Intersection with Hibernia St)
Progress Street
Road Closures
No road closures are planned. Traffic Officials will monitor and redirect traffic as the group proceeds. Updates will be posted to keep residents informed.
Parking at Civic Centre, York Street – Progress Street – Victoria Street
George Municipality would like to advise residents and all Eisteddfod participants that parking around the Municipal Civic Centre has been cordoned off due to the legal march being held today.
Progress Street, York Street (front of Civic Centre) and Victoria Street parking will not be available until after the march disperses. The expected duration of the march is from 09h00 – 15h00.
Eisteddfod parents are requested to make use of on street parking further away from the main municipal building (along York Street) and George Municipal Traffic Wardens will be on hand to direct parents and learners to the main entrance of the Civic Centre.
Municipal Switchboard 044 801 9111
After Hours Emergency Number 044 801 6300
Dedicated Fire Only Number 044 801 6311
Unplanned power outage: Our Electrotechnical team had to switch off the power to Plantation Road, Heatherlands due to emergency repairs. Estimated time of repair is 2 hours. Issued by George Municipality 23 August 2023 at 13h45
NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF ROSEMORE
BEER STREET
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 24 AUGUST 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.
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN ROSEMORE
BEER STRAAT
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 24 AUGUSTUS 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.
Stage 3 load shedding will resume at 16:00 today until 05:00 on Tuesday. Thereafter, Stage 1 load shedding will be implemented until 16:00, followed by Stage 3 load shedding until 05:00 on Wednesday. This pattern will be implemented daily until further notice.
George will be affected as follows:
Monday 21/08/2023
None
Tuesday 22/08/2023
04:00 – 05:00
20:00 – 22:30
Wednesday 23/07/2023
20:00 – 22:30
Thursday 24/07/2023
04:00 – 06:30
20:00 – 22:30
Friday 25/07/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Monday 21/08/2023
16:00 – 17:30
Tuesday 22/08/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30
Wednesday 23/07/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30
Thursday 24/07/2023
07:00 – 09:30
23:00 – 01:30
Friday 25/07/2023
13:00 – 15:30