Author: Debra Sauer

PUBLIC NOTICE: The public should be aware of a Roads Construction Project in the area

Issued by the Western Cape Government February 2022

Under Contract C1148, road construction works will take place from January 2022 to November 2022 in the following places:

The portion of the N2 known as Knysna Lagoon Road from west of White Bridge (km 54.65) to east of Old Cape Road (km 59.30)

The R404 (George Airport Road) through Blanco from the circle near Fancourt (km 4.22) to the R102 intersection (km 9.34) near George Airport

N9/N12 (Outeniqua Pass) between George and Oudtshoorn from Plantation Road intersection (km 2.97) to the R404 intersection to Blanco (km 6.40).

Mayor’s Newsletter for George Herald of 24 February 2022

In recent weeks we have heard the news of how Johannesburg and Tshwane have been taking action against high profile customers who have not paid their municipal accounts. This has included the Sandton City shopping centre and the Silver Lakes residential complex.

It is quite remarkable that the municipalities and the debtors have allowed themselves to land in these situations. These very visible examples sadly illustrate the extent of the decay in many municipalities. Municipalities function in an environment where at least 95% of budgeted revenue needs to be collected to fund budgeted expenditure to leave a surplus of less than 0,1%. There is therefore virtually no room for slippage. Failing municipalities are unable to deliver reliable services and to collect the revenue due to them. It is therefore no wonder that George and the Western Cape is experiencing an influx of semi-grants in search of greater stability.

As we prepare for Council to approve the Adjustment Budget for the period to June 2022 and the multi-year budget for 2022/23 and beyond, the top management team and the councillors closely involved in the budgetary process have become increasingly aware of the areas where increasing levels of expenditure will be required in the near future.

Over the past decade George has been showing levels of growth ahead of the average annual growth rates for the Garden Route region to the extent where earlier on George constituted 35% of the regional economy, this proportion has now grown to 40%. This growth has placed pressure on the existing infrastructure. It has also been evident that the economic growth has outstripped the growth in revenue of the municipality. This has contributed to the pressures of allocating expenditure.

In the forthcoming budget, attention will be given to the interwoven challenges resulting from the migration influx, refurbishment of ageing infrastructure, adding water and wastewater treatment capacity, catering for economic growth and intensifying efforts to reduce reliance on Eskom’s electricity supply. An intensive review is underway to ensure that all revenue is being collected. In addition, tariff structures are being reviewed.

Numerous municipalities have restructured their tariffs to include a basic availability component to help fund fixed charges in addition to charges linked to actual unit usage. It may well be necessary for George to also adopt this methodology. In the case of electricity, a study has been done to examine ways to reduce peak hour usage by shifting power usage over more hours. This is the “time of usage” concept. Innovative ways are being explored to establish if consumers adopting this approach can be offered more attractive pricing options.

Progress on these efforts will be communicated in due course.

Update on unplanned power outage in Noord Street and surrounds

Update on unplanned power outage in Noord Street and surrounds – Estimated time of repair is at 20h00. This is due to further testing as deep digging of trenches were required.

The team will update on the progress at 18h30 should there be a risk of not meeting the estimated time of restoration. Issued by George Mun 21 Feb 2022 at 14h30

Reported “Higher than usual” number of Enteric (Typhoid) Fever cases based on historical data

For Immediate Release – Issued by Garden Route District Municipality 21 February 2022

Though cases of enteric fever (typhoid fever) are reported annually, the recently reported increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Western Cape was interpreted incorrectly as new cases. The cases in the province were reported to be higher than in previous years. However, these reports are based on cumulative historical data as set out below.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) recorded the following annual number of cases:
• 31 in 2020• 48 in 2021• 7 in 2022
Since 2020 to date, three clusters were identified in the province which have now been reported by the NICD. In these clusters:
• 14 cases were recorded in the Metro with the first case reported in November 2020 and the most recent case in January 2022,• 11 in Cape Winelands with the first case reported in July 2020 and the most recent case in May 2021, and• 12 in the Garden Route with the first case reported in August 2020 and the most recent case in December 2021.
“It is important to note that these reported clusters are based on historical data as per 2020 and 2021 data.*

Whole-genome sequencing of enteric fever isolates, as part of the health responses, has identified specific ‘strains’ responsible for separate clusters in these districts, confirming that in those districts cases are linked and there is ongoing local transmission.
These local outbreaks of enteric fever are amidst an annual surge of diarrhea, which occurs annually at this time. Cases of enteric are fever being managed by Department of Health in specific areas, and we urge the public to be assured that there is no cause for panic.

Read the full media release here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2022/02/21/21-february-2022-media-release-reported-higher-than-usual-number-of-enteric-typhoid-fever-cases-based-on-historical-data/

PUBLIC NOTICE: Telephone lines down at Environmental Services, 82 Meade Street, George

Issued George Municipality, 18 Feb @ 15h00

All telephone lines including 044 802 2900 are down due to a Telkom fault. The matter has been reported, however we do not have an estimated time of repair at this stage.

Please use 044 801 9111 and request Transfer to the Environmental Services Department – Please inform the switchboard what service you need or official you need to make contact with.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Telephone lines down at Environmental Services, 82 Meade Street, George

George Libraries busy bees with World Read-Aloud Day

George Library joined the world this past week in World Read-aloud day and reached out to schools throughout George, to develop and foster a love for reading and books, especially with children.

World Read-aloud day is a worldwide event. Ms Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries said the Library Service was inundated with requests by schools and crèches who were desperate to participate in the programme on this day. The result was that the programme was rolled out for the rest of the week and will be continued next week at schools. The library service will cover areas and schools that were not covered this week.

Reading and especially the importance of Reading Aloud for entertainment and recreational purposes, is being emphasized during this week. “When you read aloud, especially to children, you are opening doors and windows whereby their horizons are broadened, they hear new words, gain a better understanding of the world that they find themselves in, and it allows people to embrace and stand up for literacy as a foundational Human Right,” Williams said.

The George libraries tried to read as far and wide as possible. Williams said she had feedback from colleagues that libraries across the Western Cape were very busy with read-aloud events.

Williams said she and her library team have been promoting reading that made people relax since the start of Covid-19. People that struggle with any mental related issues, insomnia and more will benefit from reading that relaxes them. “Covid-19 has a negative emotional effect on most people and this is how the libraries can assist our communities. The long isolation periods during Covid had terrible negative consequences on our communities. Many people have mental illness (severe depression) and the need for togetherness, interaction and communication. These events and reading work comfortingly on the human mind,” Williams said.

George Libraries joined in with Nali’bali – a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign to spark children’s potential through storytelling and reading. Nali’Bali is an isiXhosa word that means here is the story. Nali’bali is built on the simple logic that a well-established culture of reading can be a real game-changer for education in South Africa. Literacy skills are a strong predictor of future academic success in all subjects – and children who regularly read and hear engaging stories, in languages they understand, are well equipped and motivated to learn to read and write.

The theme of the story this year was, A party at the park, written by Mabel Mnensa and illustrations by Rico. By means of this story children become aware of music and musical instruments, chanting, singing and dancing and simply to have a great time with friends and family. The emphasis is on joy and happiness, the importance of spending time with loved ones and to join in on fun filled activities and events.

Librarians Shonise Jansen of Haarlem Library, Elmine Vorster from George Library, Rachel Williams, Garelene Muller, Cynthia Nongogo, Anet Kortman, Sylvia Kibido and Sandie Lingani and Malibongwe Luyenge all visited schools this week to roll out the World Read-Aloud programme.

The value of Reading Aloud is that it is a fun activity that allows children to escape into another world, it stimulates and enhance good listening and communication skills and it exposes children to new words and thoughts, which develop cognitive and language skills.

Establishment of Ward Committees (see link for updated schedule for meetings)

Follow the link for the Ward Committees Establishment Schedule –

https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ESTABLISHMENT-SCHEDULE-FINAL-GEORGE-HERALD-FEBRUARY-2022-amended-programme-16-February-2022.pdf

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

NOTICE DPD 16/2022

ESTABLISHMENT OF WARD COMMITTEES

George Municipality started with the process of establishing Ward Committees from

07 February 2022 in all of the 28 wards (see amended schedule below). In order for any member of the community to qualify as a member of a ward committee he/she must:

be a registered voter in the ward;
must reside in the ward;
represent a sector or geographical area (a ward will be divided into geographical blocks) which is actively involved in some formal developmental activity in the ward;
be elected by his or her sector/geographic area to serve on the committee, and remains in good standing as a member of his/her sector/geographic area;
not be indebted to the municipality for a period longer than three months, unless he or she can prove that arrangements for the settlement of the account has been made;
not be an employee of the local or district municipality;
not be a person of unsound mind who has been declared so by a court of law.

A South African Police clearance may be performed on all nominated ward committee members. A negative outcome will be reported to the Municipal Council to determine the viability of the nominee to serve on the relevant ward committee, or not.

The following are excluded from being represented on a Ward Committee –

political parties and political organisations;
any organisation that is prohibited in terms of national legislation;
trade unions;
any other structure or organisation that, in the opinion of the Municipal Council, is not advancing the object of Ward Committees;
a serving Municipal Councillor of George Municipality or any other municipality; and
government departments at National and Provincial spheres.

Members of the local community are requested to bring their identity document or valid driver’s license on the voting day.

For enquiries please contact Ms Paulina Saaiman or Ms Siphokazi Maku at tel: 044 801 9439 or e-mail pasaaiman@george.gov.za or smaku@george.gov.za

Please note that access to all venues is subject to Covid-19 protocols which includes thermal scanning, registration, sanitising of hands, wearing a face mask and only the regulated amount of people will be allowed.

M. GRATZ

ACTING MUNICIPAL MANAGER

Civic Centre

York Street

GEORGE

GEORGE MUNISIPALITEIT

KENNISGEWING DPD 16/2022

VESTIGING VAN WYKSKOMITEES

George Munisipaliteit het vanaf 07 Februarie 2022 begin met die vestigingsproses van die wykskomitees in al 28 wyke (sien gewysigde skedule onder). Ten einde vir ‘n lid van die gemeenskap om te kwalifiseer as lid van ‘n wykskomitee, moet hy of sy:

‘n geregistreerde kieser in die wyk wees;
in die wyk woonagtig wees;
‘n sektor of geografiese gebied verteenwoordig (wyk sal verdeel word in geografiese blokke) wat aktief betrokke is in formele ontwikkelings aktiwiteite in die wyk;
gekies word deur sy of haar sektor/geografiese gebied om op die wykskomitee te dien, en hy/sy moet ‘n goeie reputasie as lid van sy/haar sektor/geografiese area behou;
nie ‘n agterstallige munisipale dienste rekening hê vir langer as drie maande nie, tensy hy/sy kan bewys dat reëlings getref is vir die vereffening van die rekening;
nie in diens wees van die plaaslike of distriksmunisipaliteit nie; en
nie geestelik versteurd verklaar wees deur ‘n bevoegde hof nie.

‘n Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens klaring kan uitgevoer word op alle genomineerde wykskomiteelede. ‘n Negatiewe uitkoms sal gerapporteer word aan die Munisipale Raad ten einde vas te stel of die genomineerde bevoegd is om op die betrokke wykskomitee te dien, al dan nie.

Die volgende is uitgesluit om verteenwoordig te word op die wykskomitees –

politieke partye en politieke organisasies;
enige organisasie wat ingevolge Nasionale Wetgewing verbied word;
vakbonde;
enige ander struktuur of organisasie wat, volgens die mening van die Raad, nie die doel van wykskomitees bevorder nie;
‘n dienende Munisipale Raadslid van George Munisipaliteit of enige ander munisipaliteit; en
staatsdepartemente op Nasionale- en Provinsiale vlakke.

Lede van die plaaslike gemeenskap word versoek om hul identiteitsdokument of geldige rybewys op die stemdag saam te bring.

Vir enige navrae kontak Me Paulina Saaiman of Me Siphokazi Maku by tel: 044-801 9439 of

e-pos pasaaiman@george.gov.za of smaku@george.gov.za

Geliewe kennis te neem dat toegang tot alle lokale onderhewig is aan Covid-19 protokolle wat insluit termiese skandering, registrasie, ontsmetting van hande, die dra van ‘n masker en slegs die gereguleerde aantal persone sal toegelaat word.

M. GRATZ

WNDE. MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER

Burgersentrum

Yorkstraat

GEORGE

UMASIPALA WASEGEORGE

ISAZISO DPD 16/2022

UKUMISELWA KWEEKOMITI ZEEWADI

uMasipala waseGeorge uza kuqalisa inkqubo yokumiselwa kweeKomiti zeeWadi ukususela ngomhla wesi- 07 eyoMdumba 2022 kuzo zonke iiwadi ezingama-28 (khangela uludwe lwenkqubo elungisiweyo ngezantsi). Ukuze naliphina ilungu loluNtu libe nokulungela njengelungu lekomiti yewadi kumele li:

be ngumvoti obhalisiweyo kwiwadi;
hlale kwiwadi;
limele icandelo okanye ummandla wejografi (iwadi iyakwahlulelwa kwiindawo zejografi ezinezakhiwo nezitrato macala onke) osebenza ngokukhutheleyo kwimisebenzi ethile yophuhliso esesikweni kwiwadi;
lonyulwe licandelo/ ngummandla walo wejografi ukuba lisebenze kwikomiti, kwaye lihlale njengelungu elaziwa ngesimo esilungileyo lecandelo/ lommandla walo wejografi;
lingabi natyala kwamasipala lexesha eligqithileyo kwiinyanga ezintathu, ngaphandle kokuba lingabonisa ngobungqina bokuba amalungiselelo okuhlawula ityala enziwe;
lingabi ngumsebenzi kamasipala wasekhaya okanye wesiThili;
lingabi ngumntu ungaphilanga ngengqondo uye waziswa ngolo hlobo yinkundla efanelekileyo.

Ucoceko kumaPolisa oMzantsi Afrika lungakhangelwa kuwo onke amalungu ekomiti yewadi onyuliweyo. Isiphumo esingamkelekanga siya kuchazwa kwiBhunga likaMasipala ukuze kumiswe ukuba nokwenzeka kokuba umgqatswa asebenze kwikomiti yewadi enxulumene noko okanye hayi.

Aba balandelayo ababandakanywanga ukuba bamelwe Kwikomiti yeWadi, –

Amaqela epolitiki kunye nemibutho yepolitiki;
Nawuphina umbutho othintelweyo ngokowiso -mthetho lwesizwe;
Iimanyano zabasebenzi;
Nasiphina esinye isakhiwo okanye umbutho ngokoluvo lweBhunga likaMasipala, ongayiqhubeli phambili injongo yeeKomiti zeWadi;
uCeba osebenzela uMasipala waseGeorge okanye nawuphina omnye umasipala; kunye
namaSebe kaRhulumente kumaSebe eSizwe nePhondo.

Amalungu oluNtu lwasekhaya ayacelwa ukuba eze neSazisi okanye nephepha-mvume lokuqhuba elisemthethweni ngomhla wokuvota.

Malunga nemibuzo qhagamshelana noNksk Paulina Saaiman okanye uNksk Siphokazi Maku kulo mnxeba: 044 801 9439 okanye nge-imeyili pasaaiman@george.gov.za okanye smaku@george.gov.za

Nceda qaphela ukuba ukufikelela kuzo zonke iindawo zendibano kuxhomekeke kwimithetho yokuziphatha yeCovid-19 equka ukuskenwa kobushushu, ubhaliso, ukucocwa kwezandla, ukunxitywa kwemaski yobuso kwaye linani elimiselweyo labantu kuphela eliya kuvunyelwa.

GQR M GRATZ

UMPHATHI KAMASIPALA OBAMBELEYO

Civic Centre

York Street

GEORGE

MEDIA RELEASE: Water reservoirs under pressure

Issued George Municipality, 6 Feb @ 12h30

George Municipality remains concerned about the main drinking water reservoirs which are still under severe pressure.

Repeated requests to the public to use water sparingly is not being reflected in the daily consumption figures.

Water consumption is now being monitored hourly for all areas.

Water Restrictions have been implemented. Any person who contravenes these restrictions is guilty of an offence and is, upon conviction, liable to a fine as published in the annual tariffs list, or six months imprisonment. Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477 and will be followed up by George Municipal Law Enforcement.

Flow to the system will be restricted today and on an ongoing basis, to force a reduction in daily consumption.

This will result in low water pressure being experienced. Please do not report incidents of low water pressure.

The public is requested to only report if they have no water.

We thank those residents who have heeded our call and implemented measures to reduce household consumption.

Report all water leaks to our Civil Engineering Department on 044 801 9262/66 or after hours 044 801 6300