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Author: Nadine Payle

UNPLANNED POWER OUTAGE HOEKWIL DUE TO TREE CUTTING NEAR POWER LINES

Please be advised that an unplanned power outage has occurred in the Hoekwil area after a resident cut down a tree which fell onto the main power line.

Technical teams are attending to the matter and work is underway to restore power as soon as possible.

Residents are kindly reminded to exercise extreme caution when cutting or trimming trees near electrical infrastructure.

SERIOUS DANGER OF CUTTING TREES NEAR POWER LINES
Cutting or trimming trees and shrubs near power lines is extremely dangerous and can lead to extended power outages for your area, fires, and serious safety risks for you and your neighbors.

Do not take any chances. Before starting any tree work or hiring a tree cutting service, always check for overhead electrical lines.

If power lines are in the vicinity of your planned work and could be affected, contact George Municipality Electrotechnical Services immediately during office hours at the numbers below.
An official will come out to inspect the area and determine if it’s safe to proceed. If the tree cutting is considered too risky, the municipality will arrange to shut down the electricity and handle the tree removal safely.

Please contact us at least 48 hours prior. Your call will be logged, and you will receive a reference number.

If you notice any trees or vegetation on municipal property that could pose a risk to electrical lines, report it right away. Provide your name, contact information, and the location of the potential hazard.

Your safety and the safety of others is our top priority. Thank you for taking this matter seriously and for your cooperation.

Contact Information:
Office hours: 044 801 9222 or 044 803 9222
After-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

UPDATE: TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MUNICIPAL FACILITIES

George Municipality advises the public that some municipal facilities and services are temporarily unavailable due to storm-related damage.

CLOSED FACILITIES
• Worker Collection Point – 12 Industrial Street – operating from 4th floor, Main Municipal Building.

REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC
• BLANCO MVR – Open to the public
• Wilderness Tourism Offices
• EPWP Database Offices

INTERMITTENT TELEPHONE/ INTERNET SERVICE
The service provider has resolved all known issues with regard to telephone system.
1) Landfill Site and Social Development Offices -currently no internet or telephone connectivity available.
2. Pacaltsdorp Library – No Internet Access.
3. George Library – No internet or telephone connectivity available.
4. Blanco Library – No internet
5. Touwsranten Library –Intermittent Internet Access
6. Waboomskraal Library – No internet connection.
7. Haarlem Internet – No internet connection.
8. Thembalethu Library – Internet connectivity restored. Telephone lines remain down.

GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45 – 16:30)
General public queries (non-emergency): gmun@george.gov.za

REPORTING MUNICIPAL ISSUES
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal-related issues via the My Smart City – George App or by emailing gmun@george.gov.za which provide a reference for your fault.

My Smart City – George App can be downloaded via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via www.mysmart.city. Residents may also scan the QR code printed on their municipal statement.

George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period.

Thembalethu residents benefitting from new route to Garden Route Mall

All role-players were in high spirits as (from left) GO GEORGE Manager Morné Lakay, George Link Director John Heathcote, and Garden Route District Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Marais Kruger, popped confetti canons to celebrate the launch of Route 11 between Thembalethu and the Garden Route Mall. (The confetti was cleared away immediately afterwards.)

Thembalethu residents celebrated a long awaited milestone on Sunday, 17 May 2026, as GO GEORGE officially launched Route 11 Thembalethu – Garden Route Mall. As the third bus route to serve this community, it marks a major step forward in expanding public transport access.
The route was officially activated by an early morning ride from the Jonga Terminus, joined by Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality, Alderman Marais Kruger, municipal officials and invited guests.

At the Garden Route Mall terminus, Mayor Kruger officially declared the route operational and described the launch as an important moment for mobility and economic access for the residents of Thembalethu. “Today is more than the launch of a new route — it is a step towards greater dignity, opportunity and connection for residents of Thembalethu. They have waited patiently for this direct route, and I am proud that the George Municipality together with the Western Cape Mobility Department can finally deliver this service,” he said.

Reflecting on the milestone, Western Cape Minister of Mobility, MEC Isaac Sileku, highlighted how Route 11 strengthens the province’s commitment to accessible, resident centred mobility. “The GO GEORGE network continues to demonstrate what can be achieved when government, operators and communities work together. Route 11 is another example of public transport development that responds directly to the needs of residents,” he said. “A direct route to the Mall opens doors — to a more dignified way to get to work, access services, and reach new opportunities. I look forward to meeting the commuters who will benefit from this new link. Their experiences guide our decisions, and their needs shape the future of mobility in George.”

A direct connection shaped by community need
Route 11 provides a seamless link between Thembalethu and the Garden Route Mall precinct, home to several major shopping centres and employment hubs. Until now, many residents relied on multi transfer journeys via the N2 bridge and Route 16. The new route eliminates that detour entirely.

With Route 11 in place, passengers can also transfer to other routes at the Mall to reach Rosemoor, Loerie Park, Eden, Bergsig, George East, and the CBD, including several schools and major businesses en route. This shift is expected to ease congestion on Route 15 (Parkdene–CBD) and Route 16 (Parkdene–Garden Route Mall), as Thembalethu passengers who previously transferred to these routes can now travel directly to the Mall and further into town.

Supporting passengers with information and digital tools

In the weeks leading up to the launch, the GO GEORGE communication team engaged with Thembalethu residents travelling to the Mall, explaining the new route and helping both current and future users understand their travel options.
Passengers now also have access to GoBot, the GO GEORGE chat assistant, which provides instant help with route planning and system information. Users can chat to GoBot on WhatsApp by saving 078 090 6168, or by scanning the QR codes displayed on pole collars at bus stops.

Additionally, the GO GEORGE website (www.gogeorge.org.za) offers user-friendly tools designed to help passengers plan trips and explore the network.

 

TWO TEMPORARY GREEN WASTE CHIPPING SITES AND EXTENDED LANDFILL HOURS

George Municipality will continue with clean-up operations across the city following the severe weather events experienced over the past two weeks.

Municipal Street Cleansing teams will continue working throughout the weekend together with Parks and Recreation teams, who are actively cutting up and removing felled trees and storm-related debris across affected areas.

TEMPORARY WOOD CHIPPERS
A temporary wood chipper has been placed at the corner of Merriman and Union Streets to assist residents with the disposal of storm-related tree branches and green waste. Residents may bring branches measuring between 6cm and 10cm in diameter for chipping instead of travelling to the landfill site.
In addition, residents may also drop off suitable storm-related green waste and tree material at the George Road sports grounds in Blanco, where material will be collected and chipped on-site. Chipping times at the Blanco site will be the same as the Merriman and Union Street site from tomorrow onwards.

The temporary chipping sites will operate:
Friday: 08h00 – 16h00
Saturday: 08h00 – 16h00
Sunday: 08h00 – 16h00

The temporary chipping sites have been established to assist with the increased volume of green waste resulting from fallen trees and storm damage across the municipality.

SKIPS AT KEY LOCATIONS
To support the wider clean-up effort, skips will be placed at key locations across the municipality and brown refuse bags will be made available to residents where possible.

EXTENDED LANDFILL SITE OPERATING HOURS
Saturday: 07h00 – 17h00
Sunday: 07h00 – 13h00

Residents are requested to cooperate with officials on-site and to ensure that only suitable green waste is brought to the facilities. No general household waste or building rubble will be accepted.
George Municipality thanks all residents, volunteers, businesses, and partner organisations for their continued support and cooperation during the disaster response period.

George Naturally showcases destination at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, joining forces with the Garden Route & Klein Karoo district and neighbouring town, Knysna, are representing the region at one of the continent’s premier tourism trade exhibitions currently taking place at the Durban ICC from 12–14 May 2026. 

This year’s inspiring theme, “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy,” the team joins thousands of tourism professionals, buyers, exhibitors and media representatives from across Africa and international markets to promote the exceptional experiences, natural beauty and investment opportunities that the George region and wider Garden Route & Klein Karoo have to offer.

As a key tourism hub in the Western Cape, George continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for leisure, adventure, golf, nature-based tourism, business events and lifestyle travel. Participation at Africa’s Travel Indaba provides an important platform to engage directly with travel trade partners, build strategic relationships and stimulate future visitor growth to the region.
Snr Tourism Marketer, Sharon House is using the opportunity to showcase the destination’s diverse offerings — from world-class golf courses and scenic mountain landscapes to beaches, forests, culinary experiences and outdoor adventure activities — while reinforcing the area’s reputation as the ideal gateway to the Garden Route.

“Africa’s Travel Indaba remains one of the most significant tourism marketing platforms on the continent, and we are excited to position George, Wilderness and Uniondale prominently among Africa’s leading destinations,” said Joan Shaw, George’s Tourism Manager. “The event allows us to strengthen valuable trade partnerships, increase destination visibility and contribute towards growing tourism opportunities and economic impact for our local communities.”

This year’s Indaba has placed strong emphasis on tourism’s role in driving economic growth, investment and job creation across Africa, aligning closely with George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism’s ongoing commitment to sustainable destination development and regional collaboration.

For more information contact:
Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager, George Municipality
jshaw@george.gov.za : 081 412 9995

INVITATION FOR SUDS TRAINING COURSE

George Municipality will host a two-day training course on Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS), focusing on practical implementation and technical foundations.

The training forms part of the GIZ Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Water and Wastewater Management Project and supports the Municipality’s Sponge City goals.

The course is open to built environment professionals, consultants, engineers, planners, landscape architects, and members of the public.

Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/5ne8br7v

 

UPDATE: TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MUNICIPAL FACILITIES

George Municipality advises the public that some municipal facilities and services are temporarily unavailable due to storm-related damage.

CLOSED FACILITIES
Worker Collection Point – 12 Industrial Street – operating from 4th floor, Main Municipal Building. Damage assessments will be conducted today

REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC
• BLANCO MVR – Open to the public
• Wilderness Tourism Offices
• EPWP Database Offices

INTERMITTENT TELEPHONE/ INTERNET SERVICE
The service provider has resolved all known issues with regard to telephone system.
1) Landfill Site and Social Development Offices -currently no internet or telephone connectivity available.
2) George Library – currently no internet or telephone connectivity available.
3) Blanco Library – power outage; no public internet access
4) Touwsranten Library – antenna damaged; no public internet access
5) Waboomskraal Library – no internet connection
6) Thembalethu Library – unstable and intermittent connectivity

GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45 – 16:30)
General public queries (non-emergency): gmun@george.gov.za

REPORTING MUNICIPAL ISSUES
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal-related issues via the My Smart City – George App or by emailing gmun@george.gov.za which provide a reference for your fault.

My Smart City – George App can be downloaded via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via www.mysmart.city Residents may also scan the QR code printed on their municipal statement.

George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period.

TEMPORARY GREEN WASTE CHIPPING SITE AND EXTENDED LANDFILL HOURS

George Municipality will continue with clean-up operations across the city following the severe weather events experienced over the past two weeks.

Municipal Street Cleansing teams will continue working throughout the weekend together with Parks and Recreation teams, who are actively cutting up and removing felled trees and storm-related debris across affected areas.

TEMPORARY WOOD CHIPPER
A temporary wood chipper has been placed at the corner of Merriman and Union Streets to assist residents with the disposal of storm-related tree branches and green waste. Residents may bring branches measuring between 6cm and 10cm in diameter for chipping instead of travelling to the landfill site.

The temporary chipping site has been established to assist with the increased volume of green waste resulting from fallen trees and storm damage across the municipality. The wood chipper will operate today from 08:00 to 16:00, Saturday 8:00 to 16:00 and Sunday 8:00 to 16:00.

SKIPS AT KEY LOCATIONS
To support the wider clean-up effort, skips will be placed at key locations across the municipality and brown refuse bags will be made available to residents where possible.

EXTENDED LANDFILL SITE OPERATING HOURS
Saturday: 07h00 – 17h00
Sunday: 07h00 – 13h00

Residents are requested to cooperate with officials on-site and to ensure that only suitable green waste is brought to the facility. No general household waste or building rubble will be accepted.

George Municipality thanks all residents, volunteers, businesses, and partner organisations for their continued support and cooperation during the disaster response period.

UPDATE: TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MUNICIPAL FACILITIES AND SERVICE DISRUPTIONS DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Issued by George Municipality – 14 May 2026 @ 09:52

George Municipality advises the public that some municipal facilities and services are temporarily unavailable due to storm-related damage.

CLOSED FACILITIES
• Worker Collection Point – 12 Industrial Street – operating from 4th floor, Main Municipal Building
• BLANCO MVR Closed

REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC
Wilderness Tourism Offices
EPWP Database Offices

INTERMITTENT TELEPHONE/ INTERNET SERVICE
Various George Municipal offices are currently experiencing intermittent telephone line service due to severe storm damage caused by the extreme high winds on 11 May. Our service provider is actively working to resolve the issues.

We have noted that some calls connect, but staff are unable to hear callers speaking. The public is kindly requested to remain patient and To please report all faults on the SmartCity by visiting www.mysmart.city

George Library – no internet or telephone lines but open to public
• George Library – antenna damaged
• Blanco Library – power outage; no public internet access
• Touwsranten Library – antenna damaged; no public internet access
• Waboomskraal Library – no internet connection
• Thembalethu Library – unstable and intermittent connectivity

GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45 – 16:30)
General public queries (non-emergency): gmun@george.gov.za

REPORTING MUNICIPAL ISSUES
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal-related issues via the My Smart City – George App or by emailing gmun@george.gov.za.
The NEW My Smart City – George App can be downloaded via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via www.mysmart.city. Residents may also scan the QR code printed on their municipal statement.

George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period.

George Municipality Maintains Full Disaster Response Activation Following Severe Weather Events

All technical and operational departments of George Municipality remain on full activation following the severe weather events experienced across George and surrounding areas from Wednesday, 6 May to present.

Civil Engineering Services has mobilised internal teams together with ad hoc emergency contractors to respond to water outages caused by burst pipelines following fallen trees, as well as major repair work required on the Western Bypass 1000mm pipeline and other infrastructure damaged or washed away during the recent storm period, which included severe flooding last week and extreme winds this week.

The Municipality also received generous donations of gunplast sheeting from members of the public and several contractors to assist affected communities, for which we are sincerely appreciative. Special thanks are extended to WJ Civils, Entsha Henra, Babcon, Urhwebo Transand, Phambili Civils and Coastal Armature for their support during this difficult period.

The Community Services Directorate mobilised Parks and Recreation teams to assist with the clearing of fallen trees in collaboration with George Fire and Disaster Services, who responded to numerous emergency incidents throughout the storm period. Additional assistance was provided by Darryl Sauer of Gwaing Trading, who assisted with tree removal operations in Heatherlands. External service providers have also been called in to assist with the large-scale task of clearing roads and public spaces across George and surrounding areas. A significant number of reservists and neighbourhood watch members continue to assist within their respective communities with the removal of fallen trees and support operations.

Humanitarian organisations and community groups, together with Municipal Social Development, also played a valuable role in supporting residents affected by the storms. Love George, Gift of the Givers, as well as various George businesses and individuals, graciously assisted with donations and the supply of essential items to residents severely affected by the flooding and high winds experienced during the past week.

Electrical Engineering Services mobilised both High Voltage and Low Voltage internal teams, together with available service providers, to respond to the large number of electricity-related complaints and outages experienced since Monday. There is still a high volume of power outages being attended to, and we extend our appreciation to the public for their patience and understanding as municipal officials and emergency teams continue working under difficult conditions to restore services as quickly and safely as possible.

Traffic Services, Law Enforcement and Anti-Land Invasion officials were also fully mobilised to monitor road conditions, assess flooding impacts and assist where required. Refuse collection staff and EPWP workers who were unable to continue with normal duties due to weather conditions were redeployed to emergency response operations as directed by the George Disaster Joint Operations Centre (JOC).

The George Disaster JOC continues to monitor the overall situation across George and surrounding areas, including Uniondale, Haarlem and Noll.

George Municipality would like to sincerely thank all of our officials, and every organisation, business, volunteer group, reservist, neighbourhood watch member and individual who stepped forward to assist during this difficult period. The collective support received from across the community has played a significant role in helping restore services, assist affected residents and improve safety conditions as quickly as possible.

George Municipality Maintains Full Disaster Response Activation Following Severe Weather Events

All technical and operational departments of George Municipality remain on full activation following the severe weather events experienced across George and surrounding areas from Wednesday, 6 May to present.

Civil Engineering Services has mobilised internal teams together with ad hoc emergency contractors to respond to water outages caused by burst pipelines following fallen trees, as well as major repair work required on the Western Bypass 1000mm pipeline and other infrastructure damaged or washed away during the recent storm period, which included severe flooding last week and extreme winds this week.

The Municipality also received generous donations of gunplast sheeting from members of the public and several contractors to assist affected communities, for which we are sincerely appreciative. Special thanks are extended to WJ Civils, Entsha Henra, Babcon, Urhwebo Transand, Phambili Civils and Coastal Armature for their support during this difficult period.

The Community Services Directorate mobilised Parks and Recreation teams to assist with the clearing of fallen trees in collaboration with George Fire and Disaster Services, who responded to numerous emergency incidents throughout the storm period. Additional assistance was provided by Darryl Sauer of Gwaing Trading, who assisted with tree removal operations in Heatherlands. External service providers have also been called in to assist with the large-scale task of clearing roads and public spaces across George and surrounding areas. A significant number of reservists and neighbourhood watch members continue to assist within their respective communities with the removal of fallen trees and support operations.

Humanitarian organisations and community groups, together with Municipal Social Development, also played a valuable role in supporting residents affected by the storms. Love George, Gift of the Givers, as well as various George businesses and individuals, graciously assisted with donations and the supply of essential items to residents severely affected by the flooding and high winds experienced during the past week.

Electrical Engineering Services mobilised both High Voltage and Low Voltage internal teams, together with available service providers, to respond to the large number of electricity-related complaints and outages experienced since Monday. There is still a high volume of power outages being attended to, and we extend our appreciation to the public for their patience and understanding as municipal officials and emergency teams continue working under difficult conditions to restore services as quickly and safely as possible.

Traffic Services, Law Enforcement and Anti-Land Invasion officials were also fully mobilised to monitor road conditions, assess flooding impacts and assist where required. Refuse collection staff and EPWP workers who were unable to continue with normal duties due to weather conditions were redeployed to emergency response operations as directed by the George Disaster Joint Operations Centre (JOC).

The George Disaster JOC continues to monitor the overall situation across George and surrounding areas, including Uniondale, Haarlem and Noll.

George Municipality would like to sincerely thank all of our officials, and every organisation, business, volunteer group, reservist, neighbourhood watch member and individual who stepped forward to assist during this difficult period. The collective support received from across the community has played a significant role in helping restore services, assist affected residents and improve safety conditions as quickly as possible.

PROPERTY VALUATION DATA COLLECTION & STREET VIEW IMAGERY

George Municipality hereby notifies residents that data collection for the compilation and maintenance of the General Valuation Roll and supplementary valuation rolls, will be implemented across the greater George area from mid-April 2026. This process includes the collection of property data and street view imagery for approximately 50 000 properties and forms a critical part of determining property values for municipal rating purposes.

The appointed service provider, DDP Property Valuers Pty (Ltd) will be conducting:
• Site visits to properties,
• Driving through neighbourhoods,
• Capturing street-facing photographs only using mobile applications and related technology,
• Residents are advised that photographs will be limited to external, street-facing views only and that No access to private homes is required unless arranged by appointment,
• Inspections may take place between 07:30 and 19:00, excluding Sundays and Public Holidays,
• Data collection will take place across multiple areas.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING INDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION
• Fieldworkers will carry official identification cards at all times.
• They will not wear branded clothing, but will be able to identify themselves on request.
• An official municipal authorisation letter with relevant contact numbers will be available on request to support this process.
• Residents are encouraged to request identification if unsure and/or contact the numbers provided below.

ACCESS TO ESTATES AND COMPLEXES
Residents, body corporates, and management of security estates and gated complexes are kindly requested to cooperate and facilitate access to authorised data collection teams. This is a municipal process applicable to all properties, including those within estates. The Municipality will engage directly with estate management structures; however, cooperation at security access points is essential to ensure the successful completion of this process.

Areas to be visited include Herolds Bay, Le Grand, Residential Estates in George, Pacaltsdorp and Blanco, Langvlei Dunes, Wilderness, George, Thembalethu, Victoria Bay, Hoekwil, Uniondale and surrounding small farms.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR VERIFICATION AND/OR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES
Municipal officials A Scheepers or J Smith on 044 801 9111 / 9109 for any queries or to verify fieldworkers 07:45 – 16:30, Monday to Friday.

George Municipality appreciates the community’s cooperation and assistance in facilitating this important process.

Road Closure Update: 07 May 2026

⚠️ Garden Route District road closure update as at 3pm
✅ TR31/5 is open.

⚠️ Central Karoo District road closure update as at 3pm
✅ TR34/2 is open.

⚠️ Overberg District road closure update as at 3pm.

FAKE NEWS ALERT

Please take note of this fake message currently circulating.

Any official opportunities relating to this region will ONLY be published on this WhatsApp Channel ✅ or groups/channels of Local Municipalities in the Garden Route (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland).

Please verify information before sharing and help us stop the spread of false information.

Garden Route Multi-Agency Command Centre Alert 7 on 7 May 2026 at 13h00

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Residents are urged to remain cautious as flooding is still ongoing across several areas. Dams continue to spill, with the Stompdrift Dam currently at 139%, while the Meiringspoort River remains in flood as it passes through Oudtshoorn, passing Calitzdorp Hot Springs via the Olifant’s River and down to the Gourits. The route from Oudtshoorn via Calitzdorp Hot Springs to Gourits has been severely affected, with multiple farms cut off and many residents impacted.

Meiringspoort Pass is expected to remain closed for an extended period. The N9 also remains closed and is accessible only for emergency services. Road users can alternatively travel via the R341 through De Rust to Oudtshoorn. From Oudtshoorn, motorists can continue towards George via the N12, or travel along the R62 towards Calitzdorp, Ladismith and beyond.

AREAS INACCESSIBLE

The following areas remain inaccessible due to flooding and infrastructure damage:
Oudtshoorn Municipal area
– Middelplaas
– Volmoed
– Cango Bergoord
– De Oude Meul
– Moeras River
– Proefplaas
– Meiringspoort.

Kannaland Municipal area
– Paardebont (close to Van Wyksdorp)
– Middelpad at Calitzdorp Hot Springs
– Gamka-Oos

George Municipal area
– Mount Hope (past Zebra)
– De Vlugt
– Kammanassie

Bitou Municipal area
– SNK & Fisantehoek
– Wittedrift

Humanitarian assistance has been requested from Gift of the Givers, Al Imdaad and NGO’s with five-day food parcels being prepared for delivery. Air support may be utilised where possible. Authorities have attempted to reach a school group at Cango Bergoord, consisting of 64 people, but the area remains inaccessible.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES

– The Uplands Water Works on the R340 has been severely affected. The facility supplies approximately 80% of Bitou Municipality’s water and repairs are critical.
– The Bitou Municipality currently has sufficient water in reservoirs for at least today.
– The Bitou Municipality’s Roodefontein Pump Station has also been flooded.
– Access to the Nature’s Valley Pump Station has also been compromised.
– In Uniondale, a water pipeline was washed away and water tankers provided by GRDM are currently supplying affected communities.

Only follow municipal Facebook pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:
Garden Route District Municipality
www.facebook.com/gardenroutedistrictmunicipality

STATUS OF ROADS

Oudtshoorn Area
DR1707 – Middelplaas (closed)
MR369 – Swartberg Pass (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale Poort (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale town approaches (closed)
MR399 – Avontuur (closed)

Kannaland Area

DR1706 – Groenfontein (closed)
MR309 – Seweweekspoort (closed)

George / Knysna / Bitou Area

DR1615 – Swart Rivier (closed)
MR346 – Buffelsbaai (closed)
DR1888 – Keurboomstrand (closed)
MR390 – Kruisvallei / Uplands intersection (closed)
DR1613 – Phantom Pass (closed)
DR1602 – Kleinplaas (closed)
DR1633 – Jonkersberg (closed)
DR1604 – Haelkraal (closed)

Trunk Roads

TR33/4 – Meiringspoort (closed)
TR44/1 – Avontuur to Eastern Cape boundary (closed)
TR1/2 – Noll to Harold (closed)
TR2/12 – Nature’s Valley to N2 (closed)
TR16/10 – Murraysburg to Graaff-Reinet (closed)
TR58/1 – Molteno Pass (Beaufort West to Loxton) (closed)
TR1/2 – N9 section near Uniondale (closed)
TR33/2 – Oudtshoorn flooded section (closed)

Roads Open / Partially Open

Oudtshoorn Area

DR1640 – Montagu Pass — one lane open
George / Knysna Area
MR390 – Kruisvallei (km 0–1.44) — open
MR355 – Seven Passes Road — open after tree removal
MR351 – Barrington — open
MR394 – Keurboomstrand — open

Trunk Roads

TR34/2 – Prince Albert to Klaarstroom — open
TR31/5 – Huisrivier Pass — stop-and-go system in place

Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions may change rapidly due to ongoing rainfall, flooding rivers, falling trees, and damaged road infrastructure.

Hessequa Municpality
www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality

Mossel Bay Municipality
www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d

George Municipality
www.facebook.com/george.municipality
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k

Knysna Municipality
www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V

Bitou Municipality
www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M

Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
www.facebook.com/oudtmun
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N

Kannaland Municipality
www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑅𝐷𝑀 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑀𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑-𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 24/7 𝐸𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑅𝑀, 044 805 5071 𝑜𝑟 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑠𝐴𝑝𝑝 081 709 5193

UPDATE 13: Storm Warning 7 May – Travel Advisory @11:30

Issued George Municipality, 7 May @ 11:30

Reports of flooding on N2 Kaaimans – please note the water has subsided already.
Motorists must please reduce speed and travel cautiously in the rain at ALL times.

Outeniqua Pass all cleared till Waboomskraal.

Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay
Foam and high seas remain present. Not advisable to try and access.

Confirmed Road Closures
* Meiringspoort, between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn closed
* Swartberg Pass, between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn closed
* Uniondale Poort Open
* R62 first crossing open between Haarlem and Avontuur, waiting on details for second crossing.
* First entrance to Uniondale from George still closed.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Municipality’s social media platforms, website, and local media for regular updates.

Emergency Contact Numbers:
George:
• Switchboard (07:45–16:30): 044 801 9111
• After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
• Fire Department: 044 801 6311
• Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
• Civil Engineering Customer Services: 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30) for stormwater-related complaints
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 044 801 6389

Uniondale:
• Fire: 044 752 1225
• Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024

Update 12: Storm Warning, 7 May @10:00

Issued George Municipality, 7 May @ 10.00

SAWS warning downgraded to Level 6 for Thursday 7 May, rainfall expected to dissipate and be limited to ad hoc showers,

Beach Areas
Victoria Bay and Herold’s Bay – roads are accessible. Seas and foam remain high.

Municipal Buildings/Facilities closed 7 May
Pacaltsdorp Thusong Centre
Landfill Site
Vehicle Testing Station

Water Outage
Uniondale currently running low on water supply in reservoir due to ESKOM power outage. Vehicles en-route to Uniondale to supplement Water Treatment Works.

Power Outages Still in Place
* Uniondale Eskom Outage
* Thembalethu Zone 9 and Zone 6, Tabata and Zabalaza Street Illegal Connections still present

Confirmed Road Closures
* Meiringspoort, between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn, remains closed due to flooding and dangerous conditions.
* Swartberg Pass, between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn, remains closed due to dangerous conditions following severe weather.
* Uniondale Poort Closed
* R62 between Haarlem and Avontuur Closed
* N9 from Kykoe, Noll’s Halt to George is open
* Road between Avontuur and Kareedouw closed.
* Outeniqua Pass – some damage but not closed, motorists are warned to proceed with caution and reduce speed at all times in wet weather.
* Access in to Haarlem closed from both sides by District Roads Engineer. Emergency Services remain on standby for evacuations/medical emergencies.

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Municipality’s social media platforms, website, and local media for regular updates.

Emergency Contact Numbers:
George:
• Switchboard (07:45–16:30): 044 801 9111
• After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
• Fire Department: 044 801 6311
• Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
• Civil Engineering Customer Services: 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30) for stormwater-related complaints
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 044 801 6389

Uniondale:
• Fire: 044 752 1225
• Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024

Update 8: Storm Warning, 6 May

Measured Rainfall as at 8.30am, 6 May
Uniondale 136mm
Waboomskraal 117mm
Wilderness 73mm
Witfontein 76mm

Service Delivery Challenges
The public is advised that due to the inclement weather NO refuse collection will take place today.

Municipal Offices / Facilities Closed to Public
Wilderness Tourism
MVR Blanco and Hibernia Street

Power Outages Confirmed
Uniondale – power restored
Haarlem and Avontuur currently without power. (ESKOM)
Thembalethu, Zone 9 (George Municipal)

Flooding/Waterlogged – proceed with caution
George CBD – Courtenay Street, Knysna Road, Merriman Road, Wellington Street, Albert Street
Uniondale – Voortrekker Street, Hospital Street, Gray Street, Cathcart Street, Rose Street, Berkley Street, St George’s Street, Lang Street

Confirmed Road Closures
Please take note that Meiringspoort, between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn, remains closed due to flooding and dangerous conditions.
Please take note that the Swartberg Pass, between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn, remains closed due to dangerous conditions following severe weather.

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Municipality’s social media platforms, website, and local media for regular updates.

Emergency Contact Numbers:
George:
• Switchboard (07:45–16:30): 044 801 9111
• After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
• Fire Department: 044 801 6311
• Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
• Civil Engineering Customer Services: 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30) for stormwater-related complaints
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 044 801 6389

Uniondale:
• Fire: 044 752 1225
• Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024