Good news for beachgoers in the George area! All beaches, including Gwaing Beach, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness, and Leentjiesklip, will be open to the public starting Friday, September 22, 2023. Heavy construction vehicles are still moving around the beaches and certain beach infrastructure such as benches and walkways have been removed. However, please note that swimming is not advisable due to the absence of lifeguards and debris in the water. Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the heart of the Garden Route!
All Lantana are classified as a Category 1b invasive species which must be removed and destroyed.
Municipal Plant of the Month – Lantana spp: ALL seed-producing species and seed-producing hybrids are considered one of the 10 worst weeds in the world and comes in at number four in South Africa. Not only is Lantana very invasive and classified as a transformer but it is also one of the most common causes of livestock poisoning in South Africa. AllLantanas are classified as a Category 1b invasive species which must be removed and destroyed. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.
Identification: Lantana is easily identified almost all year round by the very pretty clusters of multi-coloured flowers that may vary from pink, red, crimson, orange, yellow or white. The flower head is flat and compact often with many colours in one flower head. The fruits turn black when ripe and is a firm favourite with birds and other animals such as rodents and monkeys and appear to be non-toxic to these animals. These animals act as seed dispersal agents. The leaves are dark green and stiff with serrated margins. When crushed they exude a pungent unpleasant odour. The stems are very thorny.
Not only is Lantana very invasive and classified as a transformer but it is also one of the most common causes of livestock poisoning in South Africa.
Impacts: Lantana is a habitat transformer, forming thick impenetrable stands along forest margins, degraded land, road reserves, etc. Where the plants proliferate, they shade out and outgrow any indigenous plants and in addition, Lantana excretes chemicals which reduce the growth of surrounding plants by inhibiting germination and root elongation thus impacting heavily on biodiversity. Dense stands pose a fire risk as a result of increased biomass and fuel load.
Control: Chop down and treat the stumps and re-growth with a registered herbicide. Caution must be exercised that no cuttings are left behind with a node in contact with the soil as these readily take root and establish new plants. The poisons Chopper or Kaput are recommended as herbicides suitable for stump treatment and re-growth can be sprayed with a 3% mix of “Roundup” or other glyphosate herbicides.
In the photograph from left are: Councillor Khayalethu Lose, Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Zukile Motseki (Resident), Councillor Nosicelo Mbethe (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services), Councillor Thembinkosi Lento (Ward 9 Councillor) and Daniel Greeff (Deputy Director Electro for Planning & Design in the Electrotechnical Services Directorate).
A ray of light shone brightly on the Thembalethu Informal settlements known as ‘Telkom’, on Wednesday, 13 September 2023. It was a day of celebration as the first 100 informal settlement dwellers finally had access to electricity. To mark this momentous occasion, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, officially switched on the electricity, in an event that also signifies the end of illegal connections.
“We are happy to be switching on electricity to informal settlements in this area today,” said Mayor van Wyk. “It’s a whole programme that we are running with this switch-on being the first 100 informal settlements units, and probably another 400 be switched in in the next few weeks. The initiative aims to improve safety by reducing the risk of electrocution from loose wires hanging around. At the same time, it brings electricity to the informal shack dwellers who can now buy it through a prepaid meter system.”
Mayor van Wyk says this switch-on is a significant step towards making life a little easier for our community members living in informal settlements. “We look forward to the positive impact it will have on their daily lives,” he added.
Mayor van Wyk’s entourage consisted of the Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services Nosicelo Mbethe, Ward 9 Councillor Thembinkosi Lento, Councillor Khayalethu Lose who is a resident in the area, officials from the Electrotechnical Services and the contractors. One of the residents, Zukile Motseki who opened his shack for the switch on expressed his joy for finally getting electricity from the Municipality. “This is a special day for us, I’m happy that we are able to have access to electricity and also stop Illegal connections, I’m very much grateful,” he said.
The immense growth in informal settlements has caused damage to the overall electrical infrastructure due to ongoing illegal connections, which in some instances resulted in the loss of lives. The Electrotechnical Department has drafted minimum criteria that will be adhered to for the electrification of informal areas in the future to formalize the provision of electrical services to informal settlements.
Since May 2014, up to April 2023, approximately 1600 informal structures have been added to the network at a cost of around R17 million. The cost per structure for electrification is between R10 000 – R13 000, which includes a prepaid meter. Following Council approval, the Electrotechnical Directorate embarked on the electrification construction work. The construction started at the Telkom informal area and is spreading through the Sityebi-Sityebi Informal area and thereafter Edameni.
In the photograph from left in the front row are: Roland Appels (Sub-Contractor from MTDJ Projects), Councillor Khayalethu Lose, Cllr Nosicelo Mbethe (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services in the George Municipality), Cllr Thembinkosi Lento (Ward 9 Councillor), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Deon Esterhuysen (Manager: Projects Planning and Design), and Joubert Theart (Zutari – Civil Consulting Engineers). Back row: Kevin Grunewald (BDE – Electrical Consulting Engineers), Jandre van Zyl (VE Electrical Contractors) and Daniel Greeff (Deputy Director Electro for Planning & Design in the Electrotechnical Services Directorate).
Video: Clean-Up Operations Underway in Herolds Bay
Issued by George Municipality, 19 September 2023 @13:10
George Municipality is working hard to ensure the safety of its residents following the high spring tides that hit the coastal areas of George over the past weekend. Clean-up efforts are in full swing, and damage assessments have been focused on water pipes for potable water supply and electrical components. Below, we give an overview of the damages at the various beaches in George.
Herold’s Bay suffered extensive damage to Municipal infrastructure and private properties. The value of the damages is still being determined as clean-up operations continue. The sewerage pump station was affected, stand-by generators flooded and bridges, roadways, sidewalks and retaining walls were damaged. Sand deposits in the roadway are making access difficult and are being dealt with. Alternative Sewerage arrangements are already done to ensure and prevent a breach.
Vitoria Bay Beach suffered moderate damages to Municipal infrastructure and private properties. Ablution buildings were flooded and retaining walls and sidewalks were damaged. Residential buildings have damage to gates and garage doors and some water flooding. Steps to the beach have been destroyed. The public should be cautious.
Gwaing River’s Lifeguard tower was damaged and concrete pillars were unearthed.
Wilderness had some infrastructure damage to the Leentjies Braai area/recreational sites, some sand deposits on the N2 bridge, and minor damage to private properties. Also, damage to signage and wood structures
All the above beaches are still closed to the public for recreational use to allow for clean-up and damage assessments. The municipality is doing everything possible to ensure that residents and visitors have access to the area as soon as possible.
PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY – PORTION OF MODDERRIVIER
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF MODDERRIVIER
(STEENKAMP)VAN RENSBURG LINE US 12
NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.
Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30
*** BEPLANDE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER – GEDEELTE VAN MODDERRIVIER
DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN MODDERRIVIER
(STEENKAMP)VAN RENSBURG LYN US12
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 22 SEPTEMBER 2023 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 25 SEPTEMBER 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30
The George Municipality’s service and technical departments this morning have begun mop-up operations and damage assessments following the high spring tides that hit the area over the past weekend.
Community Services, Electrotechnical Services, and Civil Engineering Services are working together to assess the damage to municipal properties and infrastructure. The municipality is unable to provide an estimate of the rand value of the damages at this stage, but it is believed to be in the millions of rands.
The George beaches, Herolds Bay, Victoria Bay, Leentjies, and Wilderness remain closed until further notice and access is currently restricted by law enforcement teams. The municipality is working hard to resolve the situation and will keep the public informed of any updates as they become available.
Issued by George Municipality, 17 September 2023 @18:50
The high tide predicted for this afternoon appeared to be much calmer with no threat to people, property, and infrastructure. While minor incidents were reported, the Municipality of George worked tirelessly to protect infrastructure while also saving lives. Dr Michele Gratz, the Municipal Manager of George, thanked the Municipal teams for their dedication and hard work this weekend.
Our hearts go out to the family of the elderly lady who passed away and those injured after a huge wave hit them at Leentjiesklip in Wilderness yesterday. “My condolences to the family who lost a loved one. My thoughts also go out to everyone along the coast who was affected by the storm surge. We appreciate the cooperation of the public during the very difficult weekend,” said the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk.
The George beaches remain closed until further notice. The Municipality will commence with the mop-up operations on Monday, 18 September 2023, while also continuing to assess damages caused by the high tide over the weekend.
We encourage everyone to report any incidents to the AFTER HOURS AND EMERGENCIES contact numbers: 044 801 6300 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311. Stay tuned for further updates.
The power supply was restored in parts of George following emergency repairs
The power supply to Kraaibosch, Victoria Bay, and part of Wilderness had to be switched off for emergency repairs. We are pleased to inform you that the power supply has been restored in these areas. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Issued by George Municipality
17/9/2023 @17:45
***
Power outage in parts of George due to Emergency repairs
Kraaibosch, Victoria Bay, and part of Wilderness are to be switched off for emergency repairs. The estimated time of repair is 2 hours.
Due to further improvement in generation capacity, Stage 2 loadshedding (previously communicated Stage 3 loadshedding) will be implemented from 16:00 today until 16:00 on Monday.
Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 on Monday until 05:00 on Tuesday, followed by Stage 2 loadshedding from 05:00 until 16:00.
This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.
George will be affected as follows:
Sunday 17/09/2023
none
Monday 18/09/2023
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30
Tuesday 19/09/2023
22:00 – 00:30
Wednesday 20/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30
22:00 – 00:30
Thursday 21/09/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30
Friday 22/09/2023
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30
Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Sunday 17/09/2023
17:00 – 19:30
Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly after power returns. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding.
Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/
The George Municipality notes with concern that there seem to be people approaching the beaches in George. We would like to issue a stern warning that high seas are expected from 2 pm in anticipation of the high tides increasing at about 4:45 pm.
All beaches remain closed to the public due to the very high tides and rough sea conditions. The George Municipal Disaster Management and Service teams are on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation.
We will continue to keep you updated on any related incidents. If you witness any incidents, please report them to the AFTER HOURS AND EMERGENCIES contact numbers: 044 801 6300 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311.
Issued by George Municipality, 17 September 2023 @13:00
Issued by George Municipality, 17 September 2023 @08:50
Assessments are being conducted to ascertain the nature of damages to infrastructure
All beaches remain closed to pedestrians and vehicles due to the very high tides and rough water conditions. The George Municipal Disaster Management and Service teams are on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation.
More high tide surges, predicted to swell up to 2.9 meters, are forecasted for this afternoon. Therefore, all-out cleaning and mop-up operations are not being conducted for the day. However, the Municipal Community Services will clear the debris.
Assessments are being conducted to ascertain the nature of damages to infrastructure. A number of structural damages have been noted, with power outages in some areas lying on the beaches of George. While the tide is low, the Municipal technical teams will go on-site to assess the issues.
We will continue to keep you updated on any related incidents. If you witness any incidents, please report them to the AFTER HOURS AND EMERGENCIES contact numbers: 044 801 6300 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311.
Due to lower-than-anticipated demand, loadshedding will be suspended from 22:00 tonight. Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 on Sunday until 05:00 on Monday.
George will be affected as follows:
Saturday 16/09/2023
None
Sunday 17/09/2023
none
Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Saturday 16/09/2023
None
Sunday 17/09/2023
17:00 – 19:30
Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly after power returns. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding.
Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/
Issued by George Municipality, 16 September 2023 @19:15
All beaches and access remain closed to pedestrians and vehicles due to the very high tides and rough water conditions. The George Municipal Disaster Management teams are on high alert and have made necessary arrangements to react to any emergencies overnight. The next surge is predicted to take place on Sunday morning at approximately 4 a.m. We will continue to keep you updated on any related incidents. If you witness any incidents, please report to the AFTER HOURS AND EMERGENCIES contact numbers: 044 801 6300 FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311.
Issued by George Municipality, 16 September 2023 at 17:15
Saltwater is flooding the N2 at Touws River near Salina’s in Wilderness, causing water to be in the road surface. Traffic has been reduced to one lane opening in each direction. Motorists are requested to approach with caution
UPDATE 1: Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay beaches closed due to high tide Issued by George Municipality,16 September 2023 at 16:00
All beaches are closed. We urge members of the community to stay away from all beaches. It is not safe due to the very high tides and rough water conditions. Please take this warning seriously and avoid any unnecessary risks. Updates will be provided as to when the beaches will reopen.
***
URGENT NOTICE: Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay beaches are currently closed due to high tide 16 September 2023 @15:00
The roads to Herolds Bay and Victoria Bay beaches have been temporarily closed due to the incoming high tide. People are warned not to visit the two beaches, as well as all other beaches, due to the high tide that is predicted. Our emergency teams are busy evacuating affected residents at Herolds Bay and Victoria Bay. We will keep you updated as we receive more information about when the beaches will reopen.
Due to further improvement in generation capacity, loadshedding will be suspended from 11:00 today until 16:00. Stage 3 loadshedding will resume from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Sunday. Thereafter, loadshedding will continue to be implemented as previously communicated.
Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly after power returns. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding.
Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/
Stage 4 loadshedding was implemented at 14:00 this afternoon and will continue until 05:00 on Saturday. Thereafter, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Saturday until 16:00, followed by Stage 4 until 05:00 on Sunday. This pattern will be repeated on Sunday.
George will be affected as follows:
Friday 15/09/2023
16:00 – 18:30
Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly after power returns. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding.
Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical Directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/
On the photo from the Left: Robin-lee Hector, Zanele Norawana, Ilané Huyser, Robert Janse van Rensburg and Fakazile Vava (all from the Town Planning Department).
George Municipality launched a Health and Safety Treasure Hunt Competition on 06 June 2023, which aimed to identify hazards in the workplace and come up with suggestions on how to address them. We are happy to announce that the competition was a success, with two teams from Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Properties and Civil Engineering Services participating.
The hard work and dedication of all participants in ensuring the safety of our employees and visitors to George Municipality are appreciated. In the Central Health and Safety meeting held on 29 August 2023, the committee members voted for the winning entry and unanimously voted for the Planning team as the winners of this competition.
The Winners are:
– Fakazile Vava
– Ilané Huyser
– Robert Janse van Rensburg
– Robin-lee Hector
– Zanele Norawana
Their winning suggestion, amongst others, addressed the access road along Victoria Street onto the main building’s parking area, which is also used by the public. They proposed the installation of speed reduction signs and speed humps to reduce speed. We’re grateful for their contribution to ensuring the safety of all who visit and work at George Municipality.
The Boardwalk Pumpstation in Wilderness is experiencing power outages. According to Emergency Services, there are still a few houses and the pump station without power supply.
The Wilderness Heights Reservoir is empty, due to the inability to pump water as a result of no electricity supply. This affects Wilderness Heights and surrounding areas. Two water trucks have been dispatched from 5:00 this morning to temporarily provide water to residents. One truck will be parked at Bundu Supersave, while another one will be roaming the outer-lying areas (Remskoen Rd, Erica Rd, etc.).
Once power is restored, we request that water be used sparingly during this period and allowance be made for the reservoir level to stabilize in between load-shedding.
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