Author: Debra Sauer

Public Notice: Incidents at Victoria Bay and Wilderness Beach

Issued by George Municipality 28 December 2022

George municipal lifeguards at Wilderness main beach responded to an incident yesterday where three family members from George were caught in rip currents.

Lifeguards reached a 10-year-old girl in the mid breakers finding her unresponsive. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts to resuscitate her, she was sadly declared deceased. Lifeguards were able to assist a young teenage male to shore and he was unharmed. A 16-year-old girl was resuscitated and stabilised and was released into the care of emergency services.

A search is continuing for a 26-year-old male that went missing at Victoria Bay beach.

In all incidents the George Municipality lifeguards, NSRI, Western Cape Government Health EMS paramedics and George Municipal Law Enforcement officers worked together to manage the incidents.

George Municipality rescue craft jet-rib and two NSRI rescue crafts were activated during the incidents.

Dr Michele Gratz, Municipal Manager of George Municipality, extended her heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.

Dr Gratz and the NSRI commended members of the public at Wilderness beach for their assistance and support on the scene.

NATIS SYSTEM DOWN AT MVR Hibernia Street and very slow in Blanco

Issued by George Municipality 23 December 2022 at 09h00

Please be advised that the NATIS System is currently down at the Motor Vehicle Registration (next to the train station) and is very slow at the Blanco satellite office. No transactions can be done at MVR in Hibernia Street office currently.

No transactions can be done at the MVR currently. Technicians are working on the problem. We thank the public for their patience in this regard.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) operational again

Issued by George Municipality 22 December 2022 for immediate release

The George Municipality Vehicle Testing Centre (VTS) is open again after brake rollers that broke down because of the continuous loadshedding was restored. The VTS is open for business as usual in Hibernia Street (next to the train station).

For any queries contact the VTS on 044 801 9312.

FREE 10-POINT HOLIDAY CHECK FOR YOUR CAR!

The George Municipal Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) is again offering a FREE 10-Point Check for your vehicle on 10 to 13 January 2023 (08h30 -15h30). Note first come first served rule will apply.

The 10 Point inspection includes:

• Identification of vehicle
• Lights
• Equipment and Body structure
• Braking Systems
• Wheels and Tyres
• Suspension and undercarriage
• Steering
• Oil leaks
• Exhaust System
• Transmission

The full inspection will take approximately 10 minutes and you will be free to go with a clean bill of health – or know that something needs to be repaired before you leave for that long drive.

Safety is our priority – make use of the opportunity to ensure you and your family travel safely this festive season.

SAFETY TIPS
Check that vehicle is roadworthy before you start your journey
Carry the necessary equipment and tools to assist you on the road in case of a breakdown
Have enough rest before you start your journey and take a rest every 2 hours
Adhere to all road signs and rules of the road
Maintain a safe following distance
Adhere to and stay within the speed limits
Follow instructions that are given by Law enforcement or Traffic Officials
No overloading of passengers because it affects the braking system of the vehicle
Have the necessary contact numbers in case of emergency
Be patient towards other road users

Public Notice: Gwaiing Landfill site times for Public Holidays and regular days
Issued by George Municipality 22 December 2022

The Gwaiing Landfill site is open weekdays from 07h00 to 18h00 and on Saturdays from 07h00 to 18h00.
Public Holidays it is open from 07h00 to 15h00, this includes 26, 27 December 2022 and 2 January 2023.
The landfill site is closed on Sundays. The site is situated next to the George Showgrounds on the R102 (Old Airport Road). For enquiries contact the landfill site directly on 044 803 9287/97 or the Cleansing department in Meade Street on 044 802 2900.

Dogs on beaches(sand area) detrimental to Blue Flag status – we request your co-operation!

George Municipality wishes to inform all dog owners that in order to adhere to the Blue Flag international standards at all of our beaches, it is imperative to enforce strict rules of NO DOGS ON BEACHES (SAND AREAS) that is in line with the Municipality’s By-law, Keeping of dogs, cats and animals.

Wilderness Beach, Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay have full Blue Flag status and Leeintjiesklip has Pilot status for the 2023 festive season. Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services. In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA). The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2023 to 31 January 2024.

Dog excrement can contaminate the water and jeopardise the Blue Flag status of our beaches – even if the dog poop is picked up. Dog owners are therefore warned to keep dogs on a leash and off the sandy areas at the beaches. Law Enforcement officers will not hesitate to act against those that do not adhere to the By-law.

Further to this By-Law no dog or other animal may be in any public street or public space (any open public space the public has access to which falls under the George Municipal jurisdiction for example beachfronts, parks, sport fields and sidewalks) except on a leash and under control. This is unless the animal is in an area designated by the George Municipality as a free-running area.

A person is not allowed to walk a dog other than a guide dog, ON A BEACHFRONT, a public street, public place, without carrying enough plastic or paper bags or wrappers, to place the excrement into, in the event of the dog defecating. Please note that dogs are allowed on the sidewalk areas, (tarred, brick-paved etc.) of beachfronts, if these conditions are adhered to.

The beach areas under the control of the George Municipality include Herold’s Bay, Gwaiing River Mouth Beach, Victoria Bay and the Leentjiesklip and Wildnerness beach areas up until the NSRI (Salina’s Restaurant). The area to the left of Salina’s Restaurant (facing the sea) falls under Sanparks. The attached map indicates the areas on Wilderness Beach where dogs MAY be walked on the beach.
The George Municipal By-Law may differ from that of other municipalities. Please humanely muzzle and or more can and will be imposed.

Animal owners leaving on vacation should please ensure that they have their animals cared for by a reliable person or at an animal boarding facility such as kennels or catteries.
We ask dog owners to familiarise themselves with a map of Sanparks attached, to see where dogs are allowed on beaches and where not.

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Honde op strande (sandgebied) is nadelig vir Blouvlagstatus – ons versoek u samewerking!

George Munisipaliteit wil alle honde-eienaars in kennis stel dat om aan die Blouvlag internasionale standaarde by al ons strande te voldoen, dit noodsaaklik is om streng reëls van GEEN HONDE OP STRANDE (SANDGEBIEDE) af te dwing wat in lyn is met die Munisipaliteit se Bywet, Aanhou van honde, katte en diere.

Wildernisstrand, Heroldsbaai en Victoriabaai het volle Blouvlagstatus en Leeintjiesklip het status vir die 2023-feesseisoen. Blouvlag is ‘n internasionale kusbestuursprogram wat strande akkrediteer wat aan standaarde van uitnemendheid in watergehalte, omgewingsbestuur, omgewingsopvoeding en inligting sowel as veiligheid en dienste voldoen. In Suid-Afrika word die program deur die Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) geïmplementeer. Die Blouvlagseisoen strek van 1 Desember 2023 tot 31 Januarie 2024.

Honde-ontlasting kan die water besoedel en die Blouvlagstatus van ons strande in gedrang bring – selfs al word die honde-afval opgetel. Honde-eienaars word dus gewaarsku om honde aan ‘n leiband en van die sanderige gebiede by die strande af weg te hou. Wetstoepassingsbeamptes sal nie huiwer om op te tree teen diegene wat nie by die Verordening hou nie.

Ingevolge hierdie Verordening mag geen hond of ander dier in enige openbare straat of openbare ruimte wees (enige oop openbare ruimte waartoe die publiek toegang het en wat onder die George Munisipale jurisdiksie val, byvoorbeeld strandfronte, parke, sportvelde en sypaadjies) behalwe aan ‘n leiband en onder beheer. Dit is tensy die dier in ‘n gebied is wat deur die George Munisipaliteit as ‘n vrylopende gebied aangewys is.

‘n Persoon word nie toegelaat om met ‘n ander hond behalwe ‘n gidshond, OP ‘N STRAND, ‘n openbare straat, openbare plek, te loop sonder om genoeg plastiek- of papiersakke of omhulsels te dra, om die ontlasting in te plaas, in die geval die hond ontlas nie. Neem asseblief kennis dat honde op die sypaadjie-gebiede, (geteer, baksteen geplaveide ens.) van strandfronte toegelaat word, indien hierdie voorwaardes nagekom word.
Die strandgebiede onder beheer van die George-munisipaliteit sluit in Heroldsbaai, Gwaiingriviermondstrand, Victoriabaai en die Leentjiesklip- en Wildnerness-strandgebiede tot by die NSRI (Salina’s Restaurant). Die gebied links van Salina’s Restaurant (wat na die see kyk) val onder Sanparke.

Die George Munisipale Verordening kan verskil van dié van ander munisipaliteite. Snoer asseblief jou hond op ‘n menslike manier,om die hond onder beheer te hou, indien die dier as gevaarlik, boosaardig of wreed beskou word. Geen diere moet in ‘n onbewaakte en/of toe voertuig of oop bakkie in enige openbare straat of ruimte gelaat word nie. Indien hierdie verordening nie nagekom word nie, kan en sal ‘n boete van R500 en hoër opgelê word.

Diere-eienaars wat met vakansie vertrek, moet asseblief seker maak dat hulle hul diere deur ‘n betroubare persoon of by ‘n diere-instapfasiliteit soos honde-herberg of katte-herberg versorg word.
Ons vra honde-eienaars om hulself te vergewis van ‘n kaart van Sanparke wat aangeheg is, om te sien waar honde op strande toegelaat word en waar nie.

Public Notice: No Fireworks Allowed in George and surrounds

Issued George Mun,  20 December 2022

George Municipality reminds the public that due to the high fire risk, the setting off, and possession of fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area is not allowed.

Strict Fireworks Legislation

George has strict firework legislation and according to the Bylaw on Community Safety, Section 58 (13) No person may discharge fireworks outside of a designated Fire Works Area. No Fire Works area has been made available in George and should someone be caught discharging a firework, a flare or lighting a Chinese lantern an immediate fine of R1000 is applicable as well as a potential charge of arson.

Confiscation Notices

Law Enforcement Services together with other Role players would start with the compliance campaign by doing continuous inspections at shops in all areas.  Confiscation notices and Fines will be issued to non-compliant shops and confiscated fireworks will handed over to the SAPS Explosives unit for disposal.

Marine Flares

Setting off marine rocket flares for fun is hugely dangerous and irresponsible. NSRI is compelled to log and investigate each and every incident in case it is a real emergency which of course takes up their time and valuable resources and, more seriously, could detract from genuine flare sightings. It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, which, as they are quite costly, we suspect are also probably out of date. Marine guidance notes explain that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly.

Rocket flares degrade with time and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute and you are left with an uncontrolled flare which then comes back down and hits the person who has fired it off.

Enforcement

George Municipality will firmly enforce the applicable by-laws and Law Enforcement officials will be deployed at various areas and beaches throughout the season to attend to fireworks complaints.

Pets and fireworks

This will hopefully assist in reducing the noise levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for “noisy” periods thus allowing for a quieter, safer environment for all concerned. For some pets, especially dogs and cats with particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses. Some pets will go to extremes to hide, others get startled and run away, and general anxiety caused by unexpected loud sounds can have long-lasting effects on animals.

Other impacts of fireworks- did you know?

Bees become so disorientated they don’t go back to their hives.

Birds have panic attacks at night causing mass deaths.

Fish and other animals perish after ingesting fireworks debris.

Companion animals have anxiety and panic attacks.

Fireworks can also trigger Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in people.

Please report the illegal setting off of fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.

Please report the illegal trade in fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.

FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

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Openbare Kennisgewing: Geen vuurwerke word in George en omgewing toegelaat nie

Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit vir onmiddellike vrystelling

George Munisipaliteit herinner die publiek daaraan dat weens die hoë brandrisiko, die afvuur, en besit van vuurwerke, klappers, fakkels, papierlanterns en ander sulke toebehore in die George munisipale gebied nie toegelaat word nie.

Streng vuurwerkwetgewing

George het streng vuurwerkwetgewing en volgens die Verordening op Gemeenskapsveiligheid, Artikel 58 (13) mag geen persoon vuurwerke buite ‘n aangewese Vuurwerkgebied afvuur nie. Daar is geen vuurwerkgebied  in George beskikbaar gestel nie en sou iemand gevang word wat ‘n vuurwerk, ‘n fakkel of ‘n Chinese lantern aansteek, is ‘n onmiddellike boete van R1000 van toepassing asook ‘n moontlike klag van brandstigting.

Beslagleggingskennisgewings

Wetstoepassingsdienste sal saam met ander rolspelers met die nakomingsveldtog begin deur deurlopende inspeksies by winkels in alle gebiede te doen. Beslagleggingskennisgewings en boetes sal uitgereik word aan winkels wat nie aan die vereistes voldoen nie en gekonfiskeerde vuurwerke sal aan die SAPD se plofstofeenheid oorhandig word vir vernietiging.

Mariene vuurpylfakkels

Dit is uiters gevaarlik en onverantwoordelik om mariene vuurpylfakkels vir die pret te laat afgaan. NSRI is verplig om elke voorval aan te teken en te ondersoek ingeval dit ‘n werklike noodgeval is, wat natuurlik hul tyd en waardevolle hulpbronne in beslag neem en nog ernstiger, afbreuk kan doen aan werklike fakkelwaarnemings. Dit is ook uiters gevaarlik vir diegene wat die fakkels afvuur aangesien dit redelik duur is en waarskynlik verouderd. Luidens Mariene handleidingnotas moet alle ou fakkels korrek vernietig word.  Vuurpylfakkels versleg mettertyd en daar was al gevalle waar die vuurpyldryfmiddel van die valskerm skei en jy sit met ‘n onbeheerde fakkel wat dan terugkom en die persoon wat dit afgevuur het, tref.

Handhawing

George Munisipaliteit sal die toepaslike verordeninge streng toepas en Wetstoepassingsbeamptes sal deur die seisoen by verskeie gebiede en strande ontplooi word om aandag te gee aan vuurwerkklagtes.

Troeteldiere en vuurwerke

Hierdie sal hopelik help om die geraasvlakke te verminder en mense (en hul troeteldiere) in staat stel om te beplan vir “geraas” periodes en sodoende ‘n stiller, veiliger omgewing vir alle betrokkenes, moontlik te maak. Vir sommige troeteldiere, veral honde en katte met besonder geraas-sensitiewe ore, kan die geluid van vuurwerke intense vreesreaksies veroorsaak. Sommige troeteldiere gaan tot uiterstes om weg te kruip, ander skrik en hardloop weg, en algemene angs wat deur onverwagte harde geluide veroorsaak word, kan langdurige uitwerking op diere hê.

Ander impakte van vuurwerke – het jy geweet?

Bye raak so gedisoriënteerd dat hulle nie teruggaan na hul korwe nie.

Voëls ondergaan paniekaanvalle in die nag wat massa-vrektes veroorsaak.

Visse en ander diere vergaan nadat hulle vuurwerkrommel ingeneem het.

Geselskapsdiere het angs- en paniekaanvalle.

Vuurwerke kan ook posttraumatiese stresversteuring by mense veroorsaak.

Rapporteer asseblief die onwettige afvuur van vuurwerke by 044 801 6350 of na-ure by 044 801 6300.

Meld asseblief die onwettige handel in vuurwerke by 044 801 6350 of na-ure by 044 801 6300 aan.

BRANDNOODGEVALLE: 044 801 6311

REFUSE REMOVAL ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON
Refuse removal for the public holidays of 26 and 27 December, as well as 2 January, will take place as per the normal schedule.

Black bag-related enquiries: 044 802 2900
Blue and green bag enquiries: LGE Waste, 044 630 0279.

REFUSE REMOVAL DAYS
MONDAY: Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Rondevlei area (George side) and certain businesses as arranged.

TUESDAY: Levallia, Rosemoor, Conville, Protea Park, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borchards, Lawaaikamp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Constantia Kloof, Kleinkrantz

Issued by George Municipality 20 December 2022

Public Notice: George Municipality appeals to residents in the Kraaibosch, Groenkloof and Welgelegen areas to please urgently reduce or limit their water usage in the kitchen and bathrooms. Unfortunately we’ve had a sewage pumpstation failure at Kraaibosch. Both pumps failed and are estimated to take a week to repair. Tankers are in operation but will not be able to meet the inflow. For emergencies please phone our emergency number 044 801 6300. Issued by George Mun 18 Dec 2022 at 13h50.

Urgent Public Notice: George Municipality Emergency Services appeals to the public and motorists to exercise extra caution when driving on the roads while it is raining heavily. Certain Streets are already flooded and can become impassable while downpours continue. PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY. ISSUED BY GEORGE MUN 17 DECEMBER 2022 AT 8h00

URGENT Public Notice: Alternative Cellphone Emergency Numbers

George Municipality’s official emergency and after hours number is 044 801 6300 and a dedicated fire emergency number 044 801 6311.
We have added additional cellphone numbers to the emergency room which the public can also make use of:
1. 074 621 8737 or
2. 074 423 8635

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY SMS’s, WHATSAPP MESSAGES, TELEGRAM MESSAGES OR ANY OTHER MESSAGES TO THE CELLPHONE NUMBERS. THE NUMBERS ARE ONLY FOR EMERGENCY PHONE CALLS. Issued by George Mun 16 December 2022 at 16h25

*Eskom Stage 6 loadshedding was implemented. This was necessary due to the failure of 8 generating units overnight and the excessive reliance on OCGTs and pumped storage generation that is rapidly depleting these reserves.*

_*George will be affected as follows:*_

Friday 16/12/2022
08:00 – 12:30 **
16:00 – 18:30

Saturday 17/12/2022
06:00 – 10:30 **
14:00 – 18:30 **
22:00 – 00:30

Sunday 18/12/2022
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 18:30 **
22:00 – 00:30

_*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*_

Friday 16/12/2022
11:00 – 15:30 **
19:00 – 21:30

Saturday 17/12/2022
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 13:30 **
17:00 – 21:30 **

Sunday 18/12/2022
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 21:30 **

Issued by George Mun on behalf of Eskom – 16 Dec 2022 at 09h20

Stage 6 loadshedding was implemented. This was necessary due to the failure of 8 generating units overnight and the excessive reliance on OCGTs and pumped storage generation that is rapidly depleting these reserves.

Eskom will give a full update in due course.(Eskom)
Please note that this morning’s slot in George has now been extended to 12:30 due to the implementation of stage 6. Issued by George Municipality 16 Dec 2022 at 09h00

Weather Warning: 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀

Issued by George Mun on behalf of the South African Weather Service for immediate release

The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of level 6 severe thunderstorms from Friday, 16 December until Saturday, 17 December along the Garden Route District, including George.

Orange level 6 warnings for Severe Thunderstorms can result in flooding and sometimes large amounts of small hail. Storms will dominate over the western parts by Friday morning  according to the Weather Service before moving eastwards to the central and eastern parts during the afternoon and evening.

According to the Service, flash flooding of roads and susceptible settlements as well as danger to life in the crossing of fast-flowing streams may occur. Large amounts of small hail/large hail can cause damage to vehicles and cause difficult driving conditions, especially where heavy downpours are present. These conditions can lead to major travel disruptions and can be aggravated by possible falling trees that could block major roads. Loss of agricultural production is also likely together with disruptions to essential services.

We ask the public to please stay indoors away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or golfing as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are a good conductor of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail strong winds and or heavy downpours can accompany the storms.

Please note Facebook, George Municipal App or Twitter are not formal channels for logging complaints.

Emergencies (24/7)

1. All municipal related emergencies control centre – 044 801 6300
2. Dedicated fire emergencies – 044 801 6311