Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

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.

Issued by George Municipality
17/9/2023 @16:00

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

Monday 18/09/2023
17:00 – 19:30

Tuesday 19/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
17:00 – 19:30

Wednesday 20/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Thursday 21/09/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30

Friday 22/09/2023
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

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

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

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

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.

George will be affected as follows:

Saturday 16/09/2023
none

Sunday 17/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Saturday 16/09/2023
none

Sunday 17/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
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/

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

Saturday 16/09/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Sunday 17/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 15/09/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Saturday 16/09/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Sunday 17/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
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/

📣 REMINDER: PUBLIC ALERT ‼️

ESKOM INTERRUPTION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: Wilderness Town👇
Date: 14 September 2023
Time: 06:00 to 18:00
AFFECTED AREAS:
• Wilderness town,
Enquiries: 08600 37566
*******************
ONDERBREKING VAN ELEKTRISITEITSTOEVOER : Wilderness Dorp
Datum: 14 September 2023
Tyd: 06:00 to 18:00
AREAS GEAFFEKTEER:
• Wilderness dorp
Navrae: 08600 37566

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.

Issued by George Municipality, 13 September 2023 @19:00

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly when power returns after a 4-hour loadshedding slot tonight, 13 September 2023. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.

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.

Parts of Thembalethu were experiencing unplanned outages this afternoon. Our electricians went out to investigate. Repairs were done and the network is being normalized. All power supply should per restored after loadshedding (Load shedding is currently in progress from 16:00 until 20:30 tonight).

The Liebenstraum Reservoir serving Wilderness Heights and surrounding area is under immense pressure after unplanned power outages and extended periods of loadshedding during the day.

Two water trucks have been dispatched from George to 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).

We request that water be used sparingly during this period and allowance be made for the reservoir level to stabilize after loadshedding

⚠️ Power Alert: Tuesday, 12 September 2023: The anticipated return to service of a generating unit each at Kendal, Matla and Matimba power stations has been delayed, necessitating the continuous implementation of Stage 6 loadshedding until further notice. Eskom will publish another update should any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:
Wednesday 13/09/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 12:30 **
16:00 – 20:30 **

Thursday 14/09/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 20:30 **

Friday 15/09/2023
00:00 – 04:30 **
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 12/09/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Wednesday 13/09/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 15:30 **
19:00 – 23:30 **

Thursday 14/09/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 23:30 **

Friday 15/09/2023
03:00 – 07:30 **
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE use electricity sparingly when power returns after a 4-hour loadshedding slot. Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.

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/