Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

Effective July 2024, after-hours assistance for blocked accounts will no longer be available.

Process:
After all credit control actions (SMS, final demand) have been implemented and no response is received from the client, a one-time block for R300.00 will be instituted on arrear accounts. This means that you will only be able to buy electricity for up to R300. You will therefore not be able to call the after-hours number to request assistance for blocked electricity purchases once the R300 limit is reached.

Need to UNBLOCK your prepaid meter? Follow one of the following steps:

• Full payment of your municipal account
• Payment arrangement
• Apply for Indigent Subsidy if you qualify (2 x SASSA)

For assistance, contact the municipality’s debt control section during office hours at 044 801 9111 or email creditcontrol@george.gov.za

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OPENBARE KENNISGEWING: Na-ure bystand vir geblokkeerde rekeninge onbeskikbaar vanaf Julie 2024

Met ingang van Julie 2024 sal na-uurse bystand vir geblokkeerde rekeninge nie meer beskikbaar wees nie.

Proses:
Nadat alle kredietbeheeraksies (SMS, finale aanvraag) geïmplementeer is en geen reaksie van die kliënt ontvang is nie, sal ‘n eenmalige blok vir R300.00 op agterstallige rekeninge ingestel word. Dit beteken dat jy net elektrisiteit vir tot R300 sal kan koop. Jy sal dus nie die na-ure nommer kan skakel om bystand te vra vir geblokkeerde elektrisiteitsaankope sodra die R300 limiet bereik is nie.

Moet u u voorafbetaalde meter ONTLOOP? Volg een van die volgende stappe:

• Volle betaling van u munisipale rekening
• Betalingsreëling
• Doen aansoek om hulpbehoewende subsidie indien u kwalifiseer (2 x SASSA)

Vir bystand, kontak die munisipaliteit se skuldbeheerafdeling gedurende kantoorure by 044 801 9111 of e-pos creditcontrol@george.gov.za

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ISAZISO SIKAWONKE-WONKE: Uncedo lwasemva kweyure zomsebenzi lwee-Akhawunti eziValiweyo Luyekiwe ukususela kweyeKhala 2024

Ukuqala kweyeKhala 2024, uncedo lwasemva kweeyure zomsebenzi kwii-akhawunti ezivaliweyo alusayi kuphinda lufumaneke.

Inkqubo:
Emva kokuba onke amanyathelo olawulo lwamatyala (iSMS, ibango lokugqibela) ephunyeziwe kwaye kungekho mpendulo ifunyenweyo ivela kumxhasi, ukuvulwa kombane ovaliweyo ngenyoba enye yokuthenga umbane ukuya kuma kuma-R300.00 kuya kuqaliswa kwii-akhawunti ezisemva ngentlawulo. Oku kuthetha ukuba uya kuba nako ukuthenga umbane ukuya kutsho kuma-R300 kuphela. Ngoko ke awuyi kuba nako ukutsalela umnxeba kwinombolo yasemva kweeyure zomsebenzi ukuba ucele uncedo lokuthenga umbane ovaliweyo kwakuba kufikelelwe kumyinge wama-R300.

Ngaba ufuna UKUVULA isixhobo sakho sokulinganisa umbane ohlawulelwa kwangaphambili? Landela elinye lala manyathelo alandelayo:

• Hlawula i-akhawunti yakho kamasipala ngokupheleleyo
• Yenza amalungiselelo entlawulo
• Faka isicelo seNkxaso-mali yabangathathintweni ukuba ufanelekile (2 x SASSA)

Malunga noncedo, qhagamshelana necandelo lolawulo lwamatyala kamasipala ngamaxesha omsebenzi ku- 044 801 9111 okanye nge-imeyili ku creditcontrol@george.gov.za

Issued by George Municipality, 11 July 2024 @ 13:00

The George Municipality urges residents to report emergencies using the supplied contact details. Officials are addressing various power outages, fallen trees, and traffic-related incidents. Emergency Services are on high alert with rainfall expected from 13:00 until 18:00. The George Fire Brigade remains on standby and is attending to incidents as they arise. Motorists are requested to drive cautiously as officials continue to clear fallen trees.

POWER OUTAGES

• Parts of George are experiencing power outages in different areas due to the bad weather conditions. Electrical teams are dispatched to various areas.
• A portion of Michell Street has been switched off to replace a broken pole. The estimated time of repair (ETR) is 16:00 today.
• Farmlands in Geelhoutboom are to be switched off for repair work. ETR is 1 hour.
• Fairy Knowe power line from Ebb and Flow is off.
• Portion of Denneoord (St. Pauls, Wellington, 9th Avenue, 10th Avenue).
• Power outage in De Waal Drive, Wilderness. Electricians have been dispatched.
• Power outage at Woltemade Street, Rosemore. The ETR will be communicated soon.
• Power outage at Bukenhoud Street, Hoekwil. The vegetation team will begin removing trees on our electrical lines. ETR is 17:00 today.
• Electrical lines have fallen on Erica Road, Heatherlands.
• Power outage at George Street, Blanco. The vegetation team will begin removing the trees that have fallen on our electrical lines.
• Power outage in Saasveld. Electricians have been dispatched.
• Power outages in Wilderness and Kleinkrantz are due to an Eskom trip. Further communication will be provided as soon as we receive updates.

RESTORED POWER OUTAGES

• Snake Park (Victoria Bay) power has been restored.

PLANNED POWER OUTAGES

All planned power outages in the following areas have been cancelled. Any power outages occurring are due to bad weather and infrastructure damage:
• Thembalethu
• Victoria Street

TREE ACTION LIST

Officials are attending to fallen trees in the following areas:
• Wilderness Heights
• Bergsig
• Denneoord
• George CBD and surrounds (Knysna Road completed, Kerk Street cleared on the roadway)
• 7 Passes
• Darling Street, Railway line
• R404 toward Herolds Bay – Completed
• Glenwood

REPORTING OF INCIDENTS

For emergencies, please use the following contact details:
• After-Hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999
• Fire and Rescue: 044 801 6311 or 044 801 6300
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89

The George Municipality will continue to provide updates as incidents occur. Stay safe and take necessary precautions during this period.

Permanent Closure of Victoria Street Entry Gate to George Municipality Main Building

The public is hereby informed that, following continued concerns regarding reckless driving by motorists accessing the Municipal Gate at the Victoria Street entrance and to ensure the safety of pedestrians and employees, a decision has been made to permanently close the Victoria Street entrance to the George Municipality Main Building.

The Victoria Street entry gate to the George Municipality Main Building will be permanently closed, effective 1 August 2024

This action has been taken to address the issue of reckless driving in the parking area.

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Permanente sluiting van Victoriastraat-toegangshek na George-munisipaliteit se hoofgebou

Die publiek word hiermee ingelig dat, na aanleiding van voortgesette kommer oor roekelose bestuur deur motoriste wat toegang tot die Munisipale Hek by die Victoriastraat-ingang verkry en om die veiligheid van voetgangers en werknemers te verseker, ‘n besluit geneem is om die Victoriastraat-ingang na die George Munisipaliteit permanent te sluit. Hoofgebou.

Die Victoriastraat-toegangshek na die George-munisipaliteit se hoofgebou sal permanent gesluit wees, effektief 1 Augustus 2024

Hierdie aksie is geneem om die kwessie van roekelose bestuur in die parkeerarea aan te spreek.

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Ukuvalwa ngokusisiGxina kweSango lokuNgena eVictoria Street kwiSakhiwo esiKhulu sikaMasipala waseGeorge

UluNtu luyaziswa ukuba, kulandela inkxalabo eqhubekayo malunga nokuqhuba ngokungakhathali kwabaqhubi abangena kwiSango likaMasipala kwisango eliseVictoria Street nokuqinisekisa ukhuseleko lwabahambi ngeenyawo nabasebenzi isigqibo sithathiwe sokuvala ngokusisigxina isango laseVictoria Street eliya kwiSakhiwo esiKhulu sikaMasipala waseGeorge.

Isango lokungena laseVictoria eliya kwiSakhiwo esiKhulu sikaMasipala waseGeorge liya kuvalwa ngokusisigxina, ukususela ngomhla woku-1 kweyeThupha 2024

Eli nyathelo lithatyathwe ukuze kukhawulelwane nomba wokuqhuba ngokungenankathalo kwindawo yokumisa iimoto.

Issued by George Municipality, 6 July @ 20:20

The pipe repair will be complete by 21:00.

Tankers will be withdrawn from Thembalethu at 21:00.

Residents are to note that the water will not be fully restored at 21:00 as Thembalethu network, Tower and Reservoir are empty. The network, Tower and Reservoir will fill through the night.

As the network fills, pressure will be restored to low-pressure areas.

Residents are urged to use water sparingly to allow the network and reservoirs to fill.

Residents experiencing water outages should contact the After Hours Call Centre on 044 801 6300.

George Municipality thanks residents for their understanding and patience while the water is restored

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Update 3: Burst Water Pipeline Affecting Multiple Areas in George
Issued by George Municipality, 06 July 2024 @17:40

• A tanker will be stationed at the corner of Tabata and 29th Street in 50 minutes. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JhZ1cCKg3mcZCFVZA
• A large water tanker will be stationed at Fourways at the Fire Station in Thembalethu
• The repair should be complete by 21.00.

Residents experiencing water outages should contact the After Hours Call Centre on 044 801 6300.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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UPDATE 2: Burst Water Pipeline Affecting Multiple Areas in George
Issued by George Municipality, 6 July 2024 @16:40

A pipe burst has negatively impacted reservoirs supplying George with water. Municipal teams and a Municipal Contractor are working to repair the pipeline. The repair should be complete by 21.00.

Residents of Kraaibosch, Blue Mountain, Levallia, Rosemore, Parkdene, and Conville are expected to have water, at low pressure.

George municipality is aware that residents of Thembalethu have no water. A large water tanker will be stationed at Fourways at the Fire Station

The tanker will stand here for Zone 6 in 30 minutes https://maps.app.goo.gl/D2pe4WmFgvU1QdhR8

The tanker will stand here for Zone 9 in 30 minutes. By Thembalethu High School https://maps.app.goo.gl/MSzuCntw84YeRMaU9

Residents who are experiencing water outages should contact the After Hours Call Centre on 044 801 6300.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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Issued by George Municipality, 6 July 2024@10:45

The pipe has been confirmed as an 800mm bulk water pipeline which supplies Kraaibosch, Blue Mountain, Levallia, Rosemore, Parkdene, Conville and Thembalethu. The burst has negatively impacted the reservoirs supplying George with water. Municipal teams and a Municipal Contractor are working to repair the pipeline. The estimated repair time is 6-8 hours. This may be extended should the material to repair the pipe be unavailable.

Residents of Kraaibosch, Blue Mountain, Levallia, Rosemore, Parkdene, and Conville are expected to have water, at low pressure.

Residents of Thembalethu, especially Zone 9, may experience no water. A large water tanker will be stationed at Fourways at the Fire Station, with a smaller tanker roaming the streets.

ALL residents are urged to use water very sparingly due to low reservoir levels.

Residents who are without water should contact the After Hours Call Centre on 044 801 6300.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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Issued by George Municipality, 5 July 2024@08:00

A 600mm bulk water pipeline supplying Kraaibosch, Blue Mountain, Levallia, Rosemore, Parkdene, Conville and Thembalethu has burst and negatively impacted the reservoirs feeding George. Municipal teams are working to repair the pipeline. Repair time will be confirmed as more information is available.

All residents are expected to have water. Residents are urged to use water very sparingly due to low reservoir levels.

Residents who are without water or experiencing low pressure should contact the After Hours Call Centre on 044 801 6300.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Western Cape Disaster Management Centre prepares for a series of cold fronts hitting the province from Sunday until Friday next week.
05 July 2024

The Western Cape can expect a series of cold fronts with adverse weather conditions starting this weekend and continuing into most of next week, Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said today. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) was briefed this morning by the South African Weather Services (SAWS) on the approaching weather systems.

The following weather warnings have been issued by SAWS:
• A Level 4 for heavy rain and potential flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape on Sunday.
• A Level 6 warning for high winds of between 80 and 90km/h over the western and south-western parts of the Western Cape on Sunday.
• A level 4 warning for winds of between 50 and 70km/h for the Namakwa district as well as the central and eastern parts of the Western Cape.
• A Level 6 warning for waves between 6 and 8 metres along the coastline between Alexander Bay and Cape Agulhas from Sunday, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the afternoon.
• A Level 4 warning for disruptive snowfall over the mountains of the Western Cape as well as southern high ground of the Namakwa District on Sunday.

Minister Bredell said the PDMC is on standby, and the various municipal district disaster centres are ready to be activated if needed. Emergency, rescue and social services are prepared to respond to any eventualities. Provincial departments are represented at the PDMC and will be ready to provide support if needed.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said catchments and dam levels are being monitored closely and regular updates will be made to the PDMC as the weather systems develop.
Residents are urged to stay warm and safe. “With the end of the school holidays many people may be travelling home. We ask residents to please be extremely cautious on the roads. Due to the combination of high winds, heavy rain, and snow falls over high mountains expected, we urge residents to please reconsider travel and outdoor activities next week and avoid unnecessary travel. Strong winds, combined with rain saturated soil increases the risks for trees and tall structures being toppled,” Minister Bredell cautioned.

Various government services may be affected by the inclement weather and residents are asked to please stay informed by monitoring the latest weather reports through trusted local news platforms, radio alerts, and your local municipality’s social media pages. Services are also being activated to support the vulnerable and those impacted by the inclement weather,” the Minister concluded.

ENDS

Contact:
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: PORTION OF THEMBALETHU

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF THEMBALETHU
LWANDLE STREET , KHWEZI AND JERIKO STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 11 JULY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 20H00 to do 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 from being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on FRIDAY 12 JULY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 20H00.

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UKUPHAZAMISEKO OLUCWANGCISIWEYO LOBONELELO LOMBANE: KWI-NXALENYE YE-THEMBALETHU

KUYA KUCHAPHAZELEKA EZINGINGQI ZILANDELAYO:
INXALENYE YE-THEMBALETHU
LWANDLE STREET, KHWEZI AND JERIKO STREET

ISAZISO siyanikezelwa ukuba ubonelelo lombane luya kuphazamiseka ngoLWESINE umhla we-11 JULY 2024 UKUSUKA NGO-09H00 UKUYA KU-20H00 ukuze kwenziwe utshintsho kubuxhaka-xhaka bombane. Abathengi bayalunyukiswa ukuba baluphathe olufakelo njengoluhlala lukho lonke ixesha njengoko unikezelo lunokuqaliswa kwakhona nangaliphi na ixesha phakathi kwexesha elaziswa ngalo.

Ukuba iimeko zithintele ukwenziwa komsebenzi ngeli xesha likhankanywe ngasentla; umsebenzi uya kwenziwa ngoLWESIHLANU umhla WE-12 JULY 2024 UKUSUKA NGE-09H00 UKUYA KU-20H00.

Issued by George Municipality, 4 July 2024 @ 11:30

A portion of Hoekwil is experiencing a power outage due to a broken pole on the Hoekwil line (Pole 59). Electricians are on site and attending to the problem, rebuilding the structure of the fractured pole. The estimated time of repair is 18:00 this evening.

The affected streets are a portion of Kerk Street, Olifantshoek Road, Loerie Avenue, and Kamassie Street.

We appreciate your patience as we work to restore power.

UPDATE WATER OUTAGE – Herold’s Bay and Oubaai
Issued George Municipality, 2 July 2024 @ 16:25

Water was restored to Oubaai, Breakwater Bay and Herolds Bay. George Municipality is aware of a few houses in Slaapplek which remain without water and a team is en route to investigate further.

Further water outages must be reported to the After Hours Call Centre at 0448016300. George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and apologises for the inconvenience.

Please be informed that the Western Cape Minister of Mobility has published the increased registration and licence fee tariffs in the attached Provincial Gazette Extraordinary 8924 dated 20 May 2024.

These new tariffs are effective from 1 July 2024, and applicable to motor vehicle licences that must be renewed from 1 July 2024 (those licences with a current expiry date of 30 June 2024) onwards.

Your attention is drawn to item 6 in the schedule of fees in the attached Provincial Gazette, which contains the increased fees for the certification of roadworthiness of motor vehicles.

Please refer to the link below for detailed information:
[Provincial Gazette Extraordinary 8924 – 20 May 2024] https://www.george.gov.za/finances-docs/wc-registration-licence-fees-2024/

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF WILDERNESS
LAKE ROAD

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 04 JULY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00 to do 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 from being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on FRIDAY 05 JULY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00.

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BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN WILDERNIS

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN WILDERNIS
LAKE ROAD

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 04 JULIE 2024 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 VRYDAG 05 JULIE 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00.

The George Municipality wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all citizens, and organisations that donated to the Thembalethu informal settlements fire victims.

The Municipality kindly requests the public to halt further donations for the Thembalethu Fire Victims. The items are sufficient to meet their needs and have been distributed to the affected families.

We have received clothing items, including school clothing and shoes for women, men, children, and babies. The Community Development Division of the George Municipality, which coordinated the receipt and distribution of donations, also received diapers, non-perishable food, bread, blankets, fleece blankets, and numerous towels.

Planned construction activity of the New Pacaltsdorp (West) reservoir, tower & pump station, initially scheduled to take place on weekdays, will also include tomorrow, Saturday, 22 June 2024 between 07:00 and 14:00.

SERVICE DISRUPTION:
Minor operational interruptions can be expected during the construction works. Advance notification of planned temporary disruptions and the effects thereof will be issued via social media.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:
Residents, road users and pedestrians need to exercise caution throughout the construction period. Please adhere to flag persons, temporary construction works and road signage.

ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the site will be strictly controlled. No member of the public will be allowed access to the construction area, in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
PROJECT ENQUIRIES : Mr Andre Scheepers – 044 801 9492 (Technical)
: Mr Alewijn Dippenaar – 082 457 5675 (Public Liaison Officer)

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to the public to be patient and exercise caution throughout the construction period. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Key activity: Raw water supply cross-connection pipework installation

PROJECT:
UPGRADING OF THE GARDEN ROUTE DAM PUMPSTATIONS SUCTION PIPEWORK AND ASSOCIATED WORKS

DESCRIPTION:
The Contractor will cut into the pipes feeding the Garden Route dam raw water pump stations to install the cross-connection pipework of the two raw water main supply lines.

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD:
18 – 21 June 2024

POTENTIAL RISK OF SERVICE DISRUPTION:
Potable water distribution is not expected to be affected during the construction period stated above, but George residents are urged to use water sparingly to minimise possible disruptions.

IMPACT:
The supply of potable water to the residents of George Municipality should not be disrupted while the construction work is carried out during the period above. Further communication will follow should circumstances change.

ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the construction site will be strictly controlled. No member of the public will be allowed access to the construction area, in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to the public to be patient and use water sparingly.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: MR ANDRE SCHEEPERS TEL: 044 801 9492

George Municipality is sensitive to the problems our residents experience because of the baboon population in the northern areas of town, but it is also important that all stakeholders work together to find solutions to this complex situation. Residents need to learn to co-exist with the baboons, as we as humans have encroached on the natural habitat of the primates. Baboons are protected under Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.

According to primatologist Dave Gaynor, baboons have been in the fynbos ecosystem for millions of years and have been a major population in terms of biomass. If they are removed, it is 100% sure to affect the fynbos. Baboons play a significant role in plant dispersal and reproduction”. The primates also keep scorpions, snakes, and rats out of the areas where they roam. Research done in Pringle Bay showed that it is clear that baboons play an important role in the ecosystem and that we need them to forage in the fynbos. However, the residential areas and villages can be a tempting alternative with the possibility of high-calorie foods. For example, just half a loaf of brown bread is equal to four hours of foraging in the fynbos for a female baboon, making up her daily nutritional supplement.

There is no option but to deter them as much as possible, because baboons will not be captured, relocated, or put down unless there is reasonable cause for this. Translocations and elimination of problem animals have sometimes yielded satisfying short-term results but rarely solved the problem. This will still not solve any problem as a male leader will just be replaced by another rival. Further, aggressive responses to problem animals (i.e. shooting, threatening) often result in transferring the problem to neighbours. It has also been reported to increase aggressive behaviours from wildlife towards humans (and between humans), worsening the situation.

It is therefore of vital importance that all involved must keep the baboons from consuming human food by denying them access to refuse and using baboon-proof bins. Residents can even go further and baboon-proof their homes so they don’t raid fridges. When it comes to gardens, preserve the fynbos and cage as far as possible from vegetable gardens and fruit trees. And never feed the baboons directly.

What else can you do?
Living and holidaying in the natural surroundings of the Garden Route means sharing space with wildlife such as baboons and monkeys. When winter sets in and natural food sources become scarcer, baboons and monkeys are more likely to forage in residential areas.

Please review the standard tips around the handling of refuse, food, and other tips.
Residents and visitors can assist greatly by reducing access to potential food sources:
Keep your dustbins closed, sliding doors bolted and windows and doors shut, especially when leaving the
house and/or when troops are in the vicinity.
If you want to keep windows open, install burglar bars with gaps smaller than 8 cm.
Do not leave pet food outside.
Do not feed wild birds and animals on the property, as this often attracts baboons.
Do not plant fruit trees, or vegetable gardens or make compost heaps unless they can be caged in or surrounded by electric fencing.