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Author: Debra Sauer

PUBLIC NOTICE: FALSE INFORMATION REGARDING TAP WATER

George Municipality would like to inform residents of false and malicious information currently being circulated regarding alleged poisoning of tap water.
The Civil Engineering Services: Water Department has confirmed, in the strongest possible terms, that there is no truth to these claims. There has been no incident involving contamination or poisoning at any George Municipality water source.
The message being circulated, reportedly featuring a male voice speaking English, does not identify any specific water source, nor does it indicate where in the country such an incident is alleged to have occurred. Claims made in the message, including references to foreigners allegedly poisoning water, are completely unfounded and false.
George Municipality’s water is continuously tested in accordance with regulatory standards. The latest results confirm that the water is clean and safe for human consumption.
Residents are urged not to share unverified messages and to rely only on official communication from George Municipality.

OPENBARE KENNISGEWING: VALS INLIGTING RAKENDE KRAANWATER
Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit: 24 Januarie 2026

George Munisipaliteit wil inwoners in kennis stel van vals en kwaadwillige inligting wat tans versprei word rakende die beweerde vergiftiging van drinkwater.
Die Watersuiwering afdeling van die Siviele Ingenieursdienste verwerp die bewerings ten sterktes en het bevestig dat daar geen waarheid in hierdie bewerings is nie. Daar was geen voorval van die tipe besoedeling of vergiftiging by enige George Munisipaliteit-se waterbronne nie.
Die boodskap van ’n manlike stem wat Engels praat wat tans versprei word, wat die bewerings maak , vermeld geen spesifieke waterbron -of dui ook nie eers waar in die land die ’n voorval glo plaasgevind het nie. Die bewerings in die boodskap, insluitend verwysings na buitelanders wat na bewering water vergiftig, is heeltemal ongegrond en vals.
George Munisipaliteit se water word voortdurend getoets in ooreenstemming met Nasionale standaarde. Die huidige toetsresultate bevestig dat die drink water skoon en veilig is vir menslike gebruik.
Inwoners word versoek om nie ongeverifieerde boodskappe te versprei nie en om slegs op amptelike kommunikasie van George Munisipaliteit te reageer en te versprei.

Public Notice – Municipal Billing for January 2026

George Municipality would like to inform all residents that you will receive an SMS or email containing a secure link to access your municipal account statement.

Please note that the statement will not be attached as a PDF and must be downloaded via the dedicated link provided. This communication is not spam. The use of a password and secure download link forms part of the Municipality’s measures to protect residents’ personal information in compliance with the POPIA Act.

PASSWORD INFORMATION

The password required to view your statement is the new account number, which is clearly indicated in the SMS and in the subject line of the email issued by the Municipality.

The Municipality is currently experiencing a technical issue with the download server, which is being addressed. We thank residents for their patience and understanding and assure you that all technical issues are being attended to in real time. A further notice will be issued once all technical issues have been fully resolved.

Should you have any queries regarding account access or billing, please contact our offices during office hours (Monday to Friday, 07:45 – 16:30) in person, via 044 801 9111 or  accounts@george.gov.za_

 

Openbare Kennisgewing – Munisipale Rekeninge vir Januarie 2026

Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit 24 Januarie 2026

George Munisipaliteit wil alle inwoners in kennis stel dat u ’n SMS of e-pos sal ontvang met ’n veilige skakel om toegang tot u munisipale rekeningstaat te verkry.

Neem asseblief kennis dat die rekeningstaat nie as ’n PDF aangeheg sal wees nie en via die toegewyde skakel afgelaai moet word. Hierdie kommunikasie is nie strooipos (SPAM) nie. Die gebruik van ’n wagwoord en veilige aflaaiskakel vorm deel van die Munisipaliteit se maatreëls om inwoners se persoonlike inligting te beskerm ingevolge die POPIA-wetgewing.

SLEUTELWOORDINLIGTING

Die sleutelwoord wat benodig word om die rekeningstaat te besigtig, is die nuwe rekeningnommer, wat duidelik aangedui word in die SMS en in die onderwerp­reël van die e-pos wat deur die Munisipaliteit gestuur is.

Die Munisipaliteit ondervind tans ’n tegniese probleem met die aflaaibediener, wat aangespreek word. Ons bedank inwoners vir hul geduld en begrip en verseker u dat alle tegniese kwessies hanteer word. ‘n Verdere kennisgewing sal uitgereik word sodra alle tegniese probleme ten volle opgelos is.

Indien u enige navrae het rakende toegang tot u rekening of fakturering, kontak asseblief ons kantore gedurende kantoorure (Maandag tot Vrydag, 07:45 – 16:30) in persoon of 044 801 9111 of accounts@george.gov.za

 

George Municipality mourns the passing of official Arno Barnard

George Municipality mourns the recent passing of official Arno Barnard, a valued employee within the Directorate: Community Services.

Barnard was appointed on 1 July 2024 as a Foreman: Refuse Removal in the Department Refuse Removal, Collections and Minimisation. According to his manager, Frank Tamboer, during his tenure Barnard was known as a dedicated and hardworking employee who remained committed to the objectives of his department and directorate. He contributed meaningfully to the goal of maintaining a clean and healthy city.

Barnard fell ill in March 2025 and was thereafter on sick leave, during which time he was frequently in and out of hospital in his hometown of Vredendal.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at the Parkdene Community Hall from 14:00 to 16:30. The funeral will take place in Vredendal.

George Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, on behalf of George Municipality, extends sincere condolences to Barnard’s wife, Sue-Nay, his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Barnard will be remembered for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL AND HAARLEM DAM LEVEL

Garden Route Dam Level

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height                 45,36 %

Rainfall for the previous days:                                                   57.5 mm (Measured from 13 – 19 January 2026)

Haarlem Dam Level

Percentage storage                                                                              29,00 %

Rainfall for the previous days:                                                  23 mm (Measured from 13 – 19 January 2026)

Please see the link to 2D water demand management measures being implemented currently: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7

The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Temporary Closure of Conville Swimming Pool

George Municipality hereby informs the public that the Conville Swimming Pool will be closed to the public on Saturday, 24 January 2026, due to the hosting of the EDEN AQUATICS Gala.
The facility will reopen to the public as per normal operating hours thereafter.

Public Notice: Introduction of new Whatsapp line for reporting electrical faults

George Municipality hereby informs residents that a new WhatsApp line has been introduced for the reporting of electrical faults ONLY.

WhatsApp Number: 067 553 1728
Operating Hours: Working hours only (07h45 – 16h30)

Members of the public are encouraged to make use of this WhatsApp service to report electrical-related issues timeously, to assist the Municipality in improving response times and overall service delivery.

Please note, this WhatsApp service is only operational during normal working hours and also services Uniondale and all other areas under the jurisdiction of the George Municipality..

Alternative Reporting Channels

Office Hours (07h45 – 16h30):
• 044 801 9222 / 044 801 9202 / 044 801 9258
• 044 803 9222

After Hours:
• 044 801 6300

Uniondale Electrical Fault Reporting

Office Hours (07h45 – 16h30):
• 044 752 1024

After Hours:
• 044 801 6300

PUBLIC NOTICE: TEMPORARY CLOSURE – UNIONDALE SWIMMING POOL

The Uniondale Swimming Pool will be temporarily closed from today until Thursday, 15 January 2026, to allow for routine maintenance work.
The facility will reopen on Friday, 16 January 2026.
The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks residents for their understanding.

Public Notice: Delay in refuse removal

George Municipality hereby informs residents that there will be a delay in refuse collection today (Wednesday) due to operational challenges.
Residents are kindly requested to keep their refuse bags/bins outside, as municipal teams will continue working and all scheduled refuse collection for today will be completed.
George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Public Notice:Waboomskraal library closed for asset verification (Stocktake)

 

Please take note that Waboomskraal library will be closed to the public on Tuesday, 10 February and Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to allow for an asset verification (stocktake) to be conducted.
This process forms part of mandatory asset verification planning by the Provincial Library Service, as required in terms of Section 14 of Regulations PK.689/1980, which stipulates that a full asset verification must be undertaken at all libraries affiliated with the Provincial Library Service, Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
Unfortunately, no checking in or checking out of library material will be permitted during this period, as it may compromise the accuracy and outcome of the stocktake.
The library will reopen to the public on Thursday, 12 February 2026.
For further enquiries, please contact the Main George Library at 044 801 9288.

Garden Route Dam Level and Haarlem Dam Level

Garden Route Dam Level

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 43,48 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 7.5 mm (Measured from 6 – 12 January 2026)

Haarlem Dam Level
Percentage storage 30,42 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 2 mm (Measured from 6 – 12 January 2026)

Please see the link to 2D water demand management measures being implemented currently: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Public Notice: Delay in refuse removal

George Municipality hereby informs residents that there will be a delay in refuse collection today due to operational challenges.
Residents are kindly requested to keep their refuse bags/bins outside, as municipal teams will continue working and all scheduled refuse collection for today will be completed.
George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation.

George Municipality Integrated Human Settlements Departement: Housing progress update for the last quarter of 2025

   In photo above, Mayor Browen Johnson takes a delightful “group selfie” with beneficiaries at the Metroground housing development.

George Municipality’s Integrated Human Settlements Department continues to make steady progress in providing safe and dignified housing to qualifying residents across the municipal area. Even as the year drew to a close, meaningful progress was achieved on several housing projects, with many families receiving the keys to their new homes during December 2025, just in time for Christmas.

The Metro Grounds housing development, which will ultimately deliver 632 units, saw the handover of 61 houses in December 2025. Since the start of the project, 497 homes have been completed and handed over. A total of 275 houses were delivered during the October to December 2025 quarter alone.

Speaking at a recent handover at Metro Grounds, Executive Mayor of George, Ald Browen Johnson, highlighted the significance of these milestones, saying: “The handover of these houses is about far more than numbers. Each home represents a family whose life is changing forever. These houses are symbols of dignity, hope and new beginnings.”

The Erf 325 East, Syferfontein project includes 57 houses for persons with disabilities as well as an additional 217 units. All 57 houses allocated to people with disabilities have been completed and handed over. In December 2025, 144 of the 217 units were handed over, and the municipality is currently continuing with the handover of the remaining houses.

The Thembalethu Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) consists of 100 units. During December 2025, 25 houses were handed over. This is an in-situ upgrading project, meaning beneficiaries receive new homes in the areas where they have been residing, helping to preserve community ties and minimise disruption.

Construction is continuing on the remaining top structures at the following projects:

  • Thembalethu UISP: 75 houses still to be completed
  • Metro Grounds: 135 houses outstanding
  • Erf 325 East, Syferfontein: 73 houses outstanding

Housing beneficiaries were selected from informal settlements, surrounding farms, backyard dwellers and applicants on the municipal housing waiting list, in line with approved housing policies and procedures.

Addressing new homeowners, the Executive Mayor emphasised the long-term value of homeownership, stating: “Becoming a homeowner is one of the most important milestones in a person’s life. These homes are not only places of safety and belonging, but also a legacy that families can pass on to future generations.”

 

184: Simnikiwe Mbekushe, Deputy Director: Integrated Human Settlements, Planning and Development address the crowd at Metrogrounds housing development.

Mayor Browen Johnson comforts one of the beneficiaries at the Metrogrounds when she became emotionally overwhelmed.

 Councillors and officials hands keys over to beneficiaries of houses at Metrogrounds.

 Councillors and officials hands keys over to beneficiaries of houses at Metrogrounds.