Photo by Herman Pieters, Garden Route District Municipality
Issued George Municipal, 6 May 2024, 9pm
Following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction in Victoria Street this afternoon, multiple Disaster Service personnel including Saps Search and Rescue teams with sniffer dogs are are currently involved in a rescue operation to retrieve 53 trapped construction workers.
The collapse occurred at 14:09 this afternoon with the first emergency call coming in at 14:14. Seventy-five (75) members of construction crew have been confirmed on site at the time of the incident. Twenty-two (22) patients have been retrieved and sent to hospitals or medical centres in George. Sadly two (2) of the twenty-two (22) patients have been declared deceased.
Emergency personnel on their way from the City of Cape Town and Worcester Disaster Services as well as the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Services are expected to be on site before 12pm tonight. At present over 100 emergency and other personnel are on site.
Family and friends of the construction workers involved in the incident are being given space to gather at the foyer of the main municipal building and will be assisted by Department of Social Services and Correctional Services Social Workers.
Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk expressed his sincere condolences on behalf of George Council and the municipal administration to the family and colleagues of the deceased.
“Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected who continue to wait on word of their loved one’s, “ said Ald Van Wyk.
An update will be issued at 12pm tonight South African Time.
Note: Should any member of the public wish to provide drinking water, lucozade, wine gums, or any food for the emergency services while they are on site – kindly deliver to the tent site via Ivy Street at 79 Victoria St, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge.
For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)
George Municipal Disaster Services, together with a number of other stakeholders (GRDM, SAPS, Ambulance Services) are currently busy with a building collapse on Victoria Street which involves multiple patients.
Should any member of the public wish to provide drinking water, lucozade, wine gums, or any food for the services while they are on site – they must please deliver to the tent site at Ivy Street at 79 Victoria St, Delplan Consulting which is being manned by Gift of the Givers and Herman Pienaar of LoveGeorge.
For enquiries to give please contact: Gift of the Givers: Mario Ferreira (082 490 2752) and Herman Pienaar (082 829 6428)
The Municipality has opened the foyer of the main municipal hall to accommodate family members of the construction team who were onsite at the time of the incident.
For their comfort and convenience, they are welcome to wait in the foyer where they will be provided with necessary assistance and support.
Due to the collapse of a Victoria Street building which is adjacent to the Municipality’s main offices that are situated in York Street, the Municipality has closed its main building as a safety precaution until further notice.
For inquiries, please contact the Municipality’s after-hours and emergencies line at 044 801 6300. For disaster-related matters, call the toll-free disaster number at 087 152 9999. For fire emergencies, dial 044 801 6311.
Your cooperation and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated.
Resurfacing of Stander Street, Loerie Park will impact road users from 06 to 31 May 2024.
PLANNED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ON STANDER STREET:
The works comprise the resurfacing of Stander Street, George. The section in question is between First and Van Kervel Streets. Also included are the repair of kerbs. The length of the above road section is approximately 1780 meters.
There is one lane in each direction along this section of the road, with numerous accesses to residential and business properties. The width of the road is approximately 9.5 meters.
PROJECT PERIOD:
06 to 31 May 2024.
SERVICE DISRUPTION:
Traffic congestion can be expected.
TRAFFIC IMPACT:
The remedial work will require the milling and removal of existing bituminous layers as well as the milling and removal of existing gravel base layers. After the milling operations, will follow the placing of new bituminous base layers and surface layers.
The affected section/lane of work for the day will be closed to traffic.
Traffic will be accommodated to flow in an Easterly direction towards George Dam throughout the project.
Work will commence at 8h00 each day and is envisaged to be completed by 17h00 each day.
DRIVING COMFORT:
There will be height differences between the two lanes while milling and asphalt construction work is in progress. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must exercise extreme caution, especially during wet conditions and when visibility is poor and at night. Vehicles with low-profile tyres and motorcyclists must take extra care.
PROJECT ENQUIRIES: Willie Vogel – 082 799 8130
The George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to be patient and exercise caution during the project.
Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and roadworks personnel.
Residents and businesses are advised that there will be construction work taking place along the road reserve parts of Clay Road, as highlighted in red on the aerial photo above. Power interruption will be on Thursday 02 May 2024 or alternatively Friday 03 May 2024 between 08h00 and 17h00.
This work is required for changing over the customers from low voltage overhead line to underground cable.
Direct notification will be given in person two days in advance to businesses that will be affected.
The Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and thanks all businesses for their co-operation.
In the photo is Dmitry Reznichenko a Project Engineer at Specialized Solar Systems (front left) showing Alderman Leon van Wyk, the Executive Mayor of George (front right) how the remotely managed technology works. The onlookers are, from left, Cllr Nosicelo Mbethe (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services & Fleet), Phumla Magwebu (Beneficiary) and Cllr Thandiswa Qatana of the George Municipal Council. Standing at the back is Zenande Gubeka from Specialized Solar Systems).
Amidst ongoing challenges with load shedding affecting millions across South Africa, thirteen families residing in informal settlements in Thembalethu, a township in George, now enjoy reliable off-grid solar-powered electricity supply, courtesy of the Specialized Solar Systems’ Solar Electrification Pilot project.
During an official visit to the informal settlements on Thursday, 26 April 2024, Alderman Leon van Wyk, the Executive Mayor of George, inaugurated the Thembalethu Alternating Current (AC) Solar Electrification Pilot Project. “What we’ve now seen is the inauguration of the first pilot project and it is pleasing to see that this has worked. We want to applaud the company for taking this initiative and developing some new novel technology to make this work, so we certainly hope we can take this forward and expand this project to other areas.”
Expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative, Mayor van Wyk emphasised the collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector in transforming lives and improving living conditions. “This project is a remarkable example of groundbreaking technology enhancing dignified living while ensuring safety and affordability,” Mayor van Wyk added.
Andrew Behrens, the projects manager from Specialized Solar Systems (SSS) explained the innovative off-grid system, which utilises remotely managed technology to convert solar energy into usable electricity. Through overhead reticulation and automated switching meters, households receive fair and reliable power, managed remotely. Additionally, residents have the option to choose bundled power packages with Pay-As-You-Go billing, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
The project, initiated following a proposal invitation by George Municipality in 2022, was undertaken by Specialized Solar Systems in 2023 at no cost to the Municipality. Pierre Conradie, a senior electrical engineer at SSS highlighted the project’s goal to provide electricity to residents in informal areas not covered by traditional electrification programs. The Thembalethu project introduces groundbreaking technology, setting a sustainable precedent for future energy solutions.
Phumla Magwebu, a Zone 3 Informal Settlements beneficiary in Thembalethu, expressed gratitude for the project, saying, “The project has brought light into our lives. I’m very grateful, I wish more people could benefit from it.”
The project aims to collect valuable data and feedback to ensure its success and sustainability for future initiatives. “After about 6 months of project pilot evaluation, we will discuss the future of the projects based on the results and data from the pilot, said Daniel Greeff, the acting Director of the George Municipality’s Electrotechnical Services Directorate. George Municipality appreciates all stakeholders, including municipal officials, councillors, and the community, for their contributions to this transformative project.
Front row: Cllr Nosicelo Mbethe (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services & Fleet), Ald Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Cllr Thandiswa Qatana (Proportional Councillor in the George Municipality) and Pierre Conradie (Electrical Engineer) Specialized Solar Systems. Middle row: Phumeza Ndinga (Beneficiary), Phumla Magwebu (Beneficiary), Mayvis Bhoto (Beneficiary), Yonga Giba (Beneficiary), Andrew Behrens (Project Manager, Specialized Solar Systems), and Dmitry Reznichenko (Project Engineer) Specialized Solar Systems. Back row: Melt Loubser (Managing Director MDL), Johan Henning (Senior Technician Specialized Solar Systems), Stiaan Adams (Electrical Engineer CMB), Jonathan Hodgson (CEO, Specialized Solar Systems), Peter Bergs (Managing Director) Specialized Solar Systems, and Zenande Gubeka (CRM Specialized Solar Systems).The project aims to collect valuable data and feedback to ensure its successAndrew Behrens, the senior project manager from SSS explained the project to attendees13 families from Thembalethu informal settlements enjoy reliable off-grid solar
The planned electricity supply interruption originally scheduled for Friday, 26 April 2024, from 09:00 to 16:30, has been postponed. The new date for the power supply interruption is Friday, 3 May 2024, between 09:00 and 16:30.
Affected Areas: Portion Of Loerie Park – First Street
Consumers are advised to treat the installation as live for the full duration as the supply may resume at any time within the notified period.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF LOERIE PARK – SECOND STREET AND NEDERBURG STREET
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on MONDAY 29 APRIL 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 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 MONDAY 06 MAY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.
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BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN LOERIE PARK
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN LOERIE PARK – TWEEDE STRAAT EN NEDERBURG STRAAT
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op MAANDAG 29 APRIL 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 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 06 MEI 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.
An unexpected power outage occurred in parts of Blanco and Heather Park. Electricians are out to investigate. We will keep you updated on any developments.
Luvo Bomvana, Local Economic Development Manager, George Municipality
George Municipality is proud to announce the launch of the Start-Up Tribe Academy, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in the local community. In collaboration with Start-Up Tribe, an esteemed online platform offering free online learning, this initiative seeks to empower aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the business world.
Supported by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the Start-Up Tribe initiative has gained international recognition for its efforts to address unemployment and promote economic growth. With a presence in 27 countries and over 400 cities and municipalities worldwide, Start-Up Tribe has been instrumental in providing valuable resources and educational opportunities to entrepreneurs.
The Start-Up Tribe Academy offers a wide range of free online courses designed to cater to entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. Whether you are a novice exploring business ideas or an experienced entrepreneur seeking to expand your skills, the Academy provides accessible and engaging learning materials tailored to your needs. From introductory courses in the 14-Day Start Course to advanced Growth Courses, participants can benefit from insights shared by successful entrepreneurs and industry experts.
According to Luvo Bomvana, the Economic Development Manager at George Municipality, entrepreneurship plays a vital role in addressing key socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. “By participating in the Start-Up Tribe initiative, George Municipality aims to strengthen the local entrepreneurship ecosystem and provide entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and support to thrive,” Bomvana said.
Access the Start-Up Tribe Academy via a link on the George Municipality website, offering a user-friendly platform for easy access to educational resources. Through periodic data analysis and support from the Start-Up Tribe team, the Municipality will closely monitor progress and measure the impact of the initiative.
Importantly, the implementation of the Start-Up Tribe Academy incurs no financial costs to the Municipality, as it is fully funded by the Start-Up Tribe. With a customised syllabus and comprehensive back-end support, the Academy represents a valuable resource for local entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses.
PROJECT: NEW 40ML RAW WATER BALANCING DAM & ASSOCIATED WORKS
DESCRIPTION:
The construction of the new 40ML raw water balancing dam and associated works as indicated in the figure.
PROJECT PERIOD: April 2024 to July 2025
SERVICE DISRUPTION:
Municipal services may be disrupted during this period due to construction activities. Whenever possible, advance notification of temporary disruptions will be sent out via social media.
WORKING HOURS:
Working hours will be from 07h00 to 18h00 Mondays to Fridays and 07h00 – 14h00 on Saturdays as may be needed from time to time.
TRAFFIC IMPACT:
Residents, road users and pedestrians need to exercise caution throughout the duration of the construction period. Please adhere to flag persons, temporary construction works and road signage.
Londoloza Utility Solutions was appointed as the successful service provider to deliver water meter reading services with effect from Monday, 22 April 2024.
The water meter readers will be wearing the following gear to verify themselves:
• A branded navy blue golf shirt.
• A yellow branded safety vest.
• A unique identification card.
• Grey overall pants with safety boots.
Should a property owner have any questions/enquiries regarding the water meter readers, please call Londoloza on the Telephone number: 012 492 6600 or Cell/WhatsApp line at 081 602 3425.
Self-readings are still allowed and can be submitted by making use of the following methods:
• Submit your water meter reading by email to meterreadings@george.gov.za, including the accountholder’s name, contact details, George Municipal account number, and date of reading.
• Submit your meter reading using the My Smart City – George App
Go to your Apps home screen
Tap on the Municipal Self Meter Readings icon
Tap the Add Account and Complete all relevant fields (Please note that you can only proceed once you have selected your location under your profile.)
Once done, tap Save Details.
Enquiries regarding water meter readings may be directed to: accounts@george.gov.za or george@meterman.co.za
Londoloza meter reader with a safety vest and unique identification car – BackLondoloza meter reader with a safety vest and unique identification car – front
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
Portion of George Industrial
Foundry Street, Brick Road and Clay Road
A planned electricity supply interruption which was scheduled to take place on FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2024 FROM 08H00 TO 15H00, will no longer take place as planned. It has been moved to the alternative date of MONDAY 22 APRIL 2024 FROM 08H00 TO 15H00.
The construction of the New Thembalethu (East) reservoir, tower & pump station will have an impact on residents and road users from April 2024 to July 2025. The estimated construction duration is 16 months.
PROJECT:
NEW THEMBALETHU (EAST) RESERVOIR, WATER TOWER, PUMP STATION & ASSOCIATED WORKS
DESCRIPTION:
The construction works consist of the construction of a new reservoir, water tower, pump station as well as other required associated works.
PROJECT PERIOD: April 2024 to July 2025.
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.
WORKING HOURS:
07h00 to 17h00 Mondays to Fridays. Work may also take place on Saturdays from 07h00 to 14h00.
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.
The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to the public to be patient and exercise caution throughout the construction period.
EMERGENCY INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: PORTION OF GEORGE INDUSTRIAL
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF GEORGE INDUSTRIAL
FOUNDRY STREET, BRICK ROAD AND CLAY ROAD
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2024 FROM 08H00 TO 15H00 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 MONDAY 22 APRIL 2024 FROM 08H00 TO 15H00.
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NOOD ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE INDUSTRIAL
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE INDUSTRIAL
FOUNDRY STRAAT, BRICK WEG EN CLAY WEG
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 19 APRIL 2024 VANAF 08H00 TOT 15H00 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 22 APRIL 2024 VANAF 08H00 TOT 15H00.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF DENNEOORD
CATHCART STREET, ENT STREET & KERSOUT STREET
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SATURDAY 20 APRIL 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 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 SATURDAY 27 APRIL 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.
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BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN DENNEOORD
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN DENNEOORD
CATHCARSTRAAT, ENTSTRAAT & KERSOUTSTRAAT
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SATERDAG 20 APRIL 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 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 SATERDAG 27 APRIL 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.
A variety of equipment has been mobilised, including a JCB loader, two tractors, two 4×4 vehicles, four trailers, and an ATV trailer.
In the wake of last week’s heavy rainfall, the George Municipality’s Community Services Department has been hard at work, embarking on a thorough clean-up operation throughout the affected areas. Beginning on Friday, 12 April, ongoing diligent efforts have been made to restore cleanliness and orderliness, particularly in Wilderness, Kleinkrantz, and the areas west of Touwsriver up to Leentjiesklip.
A convoy of trucks has been deployed to these areas, tirelessly removing refuse to reinstate the pristine beauty of George’s beaches. Approximately 50 truckloads of waste and debris have been collected, reflecting the aftermath of the much-needed rainfall that has filled the water dams in the area. Additionally, around 800 to 1000 black bags of waste were removed from George’s beaches.
To facilitate the clean-up process, a variety of equipment has been mobilised, including a JCB loader, two tractors, two 4×4 vehicles, four trailers, and an ATV trailer. This concerted effort involves the dedication of approximately 80 workers who are diligently contributing to the restoration of cleanliness and environmental integrity.
The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, has expressed commendation for the tireless efforts of the working teams involved in the clean-up operations. ‘Their dedication and hard work are instrumental in preserving the beauty and environmental health of George for residents and visitors alike’.
Around 800 to 1000 black bags of waste were removed from George’s beachesOngoing diligent efforts have been made to restore cleanliness and orderliness, particularly in Wilderness, Kleinkrantz, and the areas west of Touwsriver up to Leentjiesklip.The George Municipality tirelessly removing refuse to reinstate the pristine beauty of George’s beaches.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF HEATHER PARK – CLUSTER ROAD.
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 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 being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on FRIDAY 26 APRIL 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.
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BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN HEATHER PARK – CLUSTER ROAD
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN HEATHER PARK – CLUSTER ROAD
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 19 APRIL 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 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 26 APRIL 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.
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