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Author: Debra Sauer

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.

Planned power outage: Begonia Street, portion of Pacaltsdorp

Planned power outage: Begonia Street, portion of Pacaltsdorp
 
NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
 
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF PACALTSDORP
BEGONIA STREET
 
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 17 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
MONDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00.
 
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.
 
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN PACALTSDORP
BEGONIA STRAAT
 
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 17 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 MAANDAG 20 FEBRUARIE 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00.
 
 
 
 
 

PUBLIC NOTICE: OPERATIONS AT BLANCO MVR DRIVE THROUGH

PUBLIC NOTICE: OPERATIONS AT BLANCO MVR DRIVE THROUGH

Issued by George Municipality, 15 February 2023 for immediate release

 

The gate at the Blanco MVR drive through is currently closed while workers and electricians are trenching to install a generator.

The public should please use the adjacent gate and park vehicles between the Clinic and the MVR Blanco building.

The service will still be rendered at the window for drive through. The work should only last today. The drive through should open for vehicles from tomorrow onwards.

George Municipality thanks the public for their patience.

PUBLIC NOTICE: DLTC NATIS SYSTEM DOWN AT GEORGE TRAFFIC SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICE: DLTC NATIS SYSTEM DOWN  AT GEORGE TRAFFIC SERVICES

Issued George Mun, 15 February 2023

 

Please take note that the Natis system at the George Traffic Department in Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp is currently down due to technical problems.

No appointments or renewals of Licences and Learners licences can be done.

The public can still pick up finished card licenses and those that have appointments can still go ahead with the passing out tests for driving licenses.

We apologise for the inconvenience and regret the situation which is out of our control. For any queries please contact the department on 044 878 2400 or visit the offices in Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp.

Public Notice: VTS will close for extended period

Public Notice: VTS will close for extended period
RE-issued 13 February 2023, George Municipality
 
The Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) located in Hibernia Street (next to the train station) will be closed for equipment upgrading and replacement work from the 15th of February until the 17th of March 2023. The public is urged to use private vehicle testing stations.
The Vehicle Testing station is open weekdays from 08h30 – 15h30 and can be contacted on 044 801 9312.

Eskom loadshedding schedule for 13 – 17 February 2023

Eskom – 12 February 2023: Stage 4 loadshedding will continue to be implemented at 16:00 – 05:00 daily, while Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented at 05:00 – 16:00 daily until further notice.

-Loadshedding times for the rest of the week for George:_

Monday 13/02/2023
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Tuesday 14/02/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Wednesday 15/02/2023
00:00 – 02:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 16/02/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 17/02/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Loadshedding times for the rest of the week for Uniondale:

Monday 13/02/2023
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Tuesday 14/02/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Wednesday 15/02/2023
03:00 – 05:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 16/02/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Friday 17/02/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom

Public Notice: VTS will close for extended period

Public Notice: VTS will close for extended period
Re -Issued 9 February 2023, George Municipality

The Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) located in Hibernia Street (next to the train station) will be closed for equipment upgrading and replacement work from the 15th of February until the 17th of March 2023. The public is urged to use private vehicle testing stations.
The Vehicle Testing station is open weekdays from 08h30 – 15h30 and can be contacted on 044 801 9312.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Paying your municipal accounts made easy!

PUBLIC NOTICE: Paying your municipal accounts made easy!

Issued by George Municipality, 8 February 2023 for immediate release

 

HOW TO ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT
This is a friendly reminder to our ratepayers to please register to receive your account via email.

As of 31 January 2023, George Municipality no longer sends out printed accounts by post ONLY BY EMAIL.

To ensure that you continue to receive your municipal account statement, please register to receive your Municipal account via email.

 

The registration form is available at all Municipal pay offices, area offices and the George Municipality’s website at this link: https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/register-to-receive-your-account-on-email/    Once completed, please return the form to the same office that you have received it from or email it to: accounts@george.gov.za

 

I DON’T HAVE ACCESS TO EMAIL?

  1. A hard copy of your monthly account can be printed at the cash hall of the Municipality’s main building situated at 71 York Street or our Area Offices in BLANCO, CONVILLE, PACALTSDORP, NEW DAWN PARK, ROSEMOOR, PROTEA PARK, TOUWSRANTEN as well as the Thembalethu and Waboomskraal Thusong Centres on request.
  2. Ratepayers can also VIEW and PAY  their accounts by clicking on the Unipay link www.unipay.co.za or by scanning the QR code on their account.
  3. Ratepayers can still VIEW their Account Totals on the George Municipal App at https://george.comunity.me/p/george/  – currently you are not able to Pay or Print via the APP.

 

HOW TO PAY YOUR ACCOUNT

Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), Unipay, by clicking on the QR code on your statement, Checkers, Shoprite, USave, SPAR and Pep.
Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU CAN NO LONGER PAY YOUR ACCOUNT AT PICK ‘N PAY.

Ratepayers in Uniondale can get hard copies of their accounts and pay at the Uniondale Post Office, Pep Stores and Uniondale Municipal Office, 39 Voortrekker Steet. To register you can email accounts@george.gov.za or phone 044 752 1024 for more information. In Haarlem ratepayers can get hard copies and pay their accounts at the Haarlem Municipal Office, 99 Berg Street, to register you can email accounts@george.gov.za  or phone 044 763 1013.

Bank details for electronic payment:
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment is to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

 

DUE DATE FOR PAYMENT
Payment is due by the 15th of the following month. If you haven’t received a statement by the 15th, it is suggested you pay an average amount, request an account via email or check your account totals on the George Municipality Mobile Application (App). A duplicate statement can also be requested at accounts@george.gov.za. Please provide your GRG account number on request.

 

UPDATING YOUR DETAILS
Please ensure that your details are always up to date – complete this registration form and email to us on accounts@george.go.za OR update at your nearest Area Office or at the Finance Cashier Hall  https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/register-to-receive-your-account-on-email/

 

Phone in on 044 801 9009/4/17 or 044 801 9135 or 044 801 9518
Please provide your GRG account number and contact details (email address, telephone number) with all enquiries.

 

Public Notice: VTS will close for extended period

Public Notice: VTS will close for extended period
Re-issued 8 February 2023, George Municipality

The Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) located in Hibernia Street (next to the train station) will be closed for equipment upgrading and replacement work from the 15th of February until the 17th of March 2023. The public is urged to use private vehicle testing stations.
The Vehicle Testing station is open weekdays from 08h30 – 15h30 and can be contacted on 044 801 9312.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place
Issued 6 February 2023,  George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height              63,82%
Rainfall for last 7 days:                                                               2.9mm (Measured up to and including  6 February 2023)

The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477. Fines will apply and/or six months imprisonment.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

 

Public Notice: SMS Updates to Residents

Public Notice: SMS Updates to Residents

George residents should please note that the Municipality sends out a monthly SMS to all account holders to inform the ratepayer of the updated balance on their account. The SMS is issued +_ 7 days after the accounts have been issued. This is a courtesy SMS.

A second REMINDER SMS is sent out around the 12th or 13th of the month, as a reminder to account holders that payment is due by the 15th of each month. All account holders who have paid their accounts and then receive the second SMS should PLEASE IGNORE THE ALERT. The second SMS should not be seen as a reprimand.

We appeal to all ratepayers when contacting the George Finance Directorate, to please make sure you insert your GRG account number in the email or have it readily available when phoning in to save time and money. Just as important is to have a pen and paper ready before phoning the Municipality.

George Municipality would like to thank our residents for their cooperation.

Please contact the following numbers in Finance for account queries, 044 801 9004/9017/9518/9135/9009 or email accounts@george.gov.za

************************************************

Openbare kennisgewing: SMS-opdaterings aan inwoners

Inwoners van George moet asseblief daarop let dat die Munisipaliteit ‘n maandelikse SMS aan alle rekeninghouers uitstuur om u in kennis te stel van die nuwe opgedateerde saldo op u rekening. Die SMS word uitgereik +_ 7 dae nadat die rekeninge uitgereik is. Dit is ‘n hoflikheids-SMS.

‘N Tweede HERINNERING-SMS word rondom die 12de of 13de van die maand uitgestuur as ‘n herinnering aan rekeninghouers dat betaling teen die 15de van elke maand betaalbaar is. Alle rekeninghouers wat hul rekeninge reeds betaal het en dan die tweede SMS ontvang, MOET ASSEBLIEF DIE BOODSKAP IGNOREER. Die tweede SMS moet nie as ‘n berisping gesien word nie.

Ons doen ‘n beroep op alle belastingbetalers wanneer die George Finansiële Direktoraat kontak word, om asseblief seker te maak dat die GRG rekening nommer voorsien word om tyd en geld te bespaar. Net so belangrik is dit om ‘n pen en papier gereed te hê voordat u die Munisipaliteit skakel.

George Munisipaliteit wil graag ons inwoners bedank vir hul samewerking.

Kontak asseblief die volgende nommers in Finansies vir rekeningnavrae, 044 801 9004 /9017/9518/9135/9009 of e-pos accounts@george.gov.za

 

 

POWER OUTAGE, 3 February @ 13h10

POWER OUTAGE, 3 February @ 13h10. 4 seperate faults have been located on the feeder cable in Gloxina Street, Pacaltsdorp. Damage caused by a fibre contractor. Trenching is in progress. The ETR is currently 22h30 if no further faults are found. The municipality apologizes for the inconvenience due to circumstances out of our control.

*Eskom loadshedding update – Sunday, 29 January 2023

*Eskom loadshedding, Sunday, 29 January 2023: Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented continuously until further notice. Eskom will publish a further update as soon as any significant changes occur*

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

_Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom – 29 January 2023 at 19h45_

*George will be affected as follows:*

Monday 30/01/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Tuesday 31/01/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Wednesday 01/02/2023

06:00 – 08:30

14:00 – 16:30

22:00 – 00:30

 

*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*

Sunday 29/01/2023

19:00 – 21:30

Monday 30/01/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Tuesday 31/01/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Wednesday 01/02/2023

01:00 – 03:30

09:00 – 11:30

17:00 – 19:30

*VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE*

*ONLY USE ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES WHEN POWER IS RESTORED*

*Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly especially when power returns after load shedding.  This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network. Consumers are requested to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after loadshedding.*

Update: Eskom loadshedding schedule for the weekend

*Eskom Loadshedding: Stage 4 loadshedding is currently being implemented until 05:00 on Saturday morning, whereafter loadshedding will be reduced to Stage 3. Stage 4 nightly loadshedding will be implemented at 16:00 – 05:00 during Saturday and Sunday, while Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented at 05:00 – 16:00 on Sunday.*

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

_Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom – 27 January 2023 at 15h45_

_*George will be affected as follows:*_

Friday 27/01/2023

18:00 – 20:30

Saturday 28/01/2023

02:00 – 04:30

18:00 – 20:30

Sunday 29/01/2023

00:00 – 02:30

08:00 – 10:30

16:00 – 18:30

Monday 30/01/2023

00:00 – 02:30

stages for the rest of the week to be announced

 

_*Uniondale will be affected as follows:*_

Friday 27/01/2023

21:00 – 23:20

Saturday 28/01/2023

05:00 – 07:20

21:00 – 23:30

Sunday 29/01/2023

03:00 – 05:30

11:00 – 13:30

19:00 – 21:30

Monday 30/01/2023

03:00 – 05:30

stages for the rest of the week to be announced

 

*VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE*

*ONLY USE ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES WHEN POWER IS RESTORED

Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly especially when power returns after load shedding.  This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network. Consumers are requested to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding.*