press-release

The Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, is calling all residents of the George Municipal area to participate in the annual City Nature Challenge, which will run from 28 April 2023 to 01 May 2023 for the observation period, and the upload and identification period ending 08 May 2023. It is as easy as downloading a free application from your App Store and starting to snap within the specified dates.

There is nature all around us, and knowing what species are in our city and where they are, helps us to study and protect them, as a community – scientists’ land managers and the public working together to find and document our unique natural environment.
Participating in this event will teach you about your local environment and can also improve the environment for humans and other species that live in this wonderful place.

To date, the Garden Route has joined forces and competed in 6 international biodiversity events as a district, placing within the top 10 every time. The City Nature Challenge draws over 400 entrants worldwide per year and includes other Western Cape cities such as Cape Town, Hermanus, the Theewaterskloof district and more. With the assistance of the residents of George, we can make an even bigger impact in 2023.

Mayor Leon van Wyk says, “Benefit of supporting the challenge is that it provides an excellent opportunity for municipalities to gather biodiversity information that can be used in the management of properties for environmental, tourism and rezoning purposes, assisting George Municipality to make informed decisions about these aspects.”

“Participation will showcase the George area as a tourism destination and develop pride and awareness of the local environment, offering educational opportunities, especially for children, learning to value their natural heritage.”, says Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw.

Planning to spend time in nature over this long weekend period, is the activity to involve friends and family while showcasing the beauty and diversity of our home region in this global event.

Whether you capture nature in your own backyard, or the urban sidewalks, visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden or the Garden Route National Park, climb a mountain, or submerge yourself in a local forest, you are bound to find a varied selection of plants, insects, and animals.

Prepare for the challenge by downloading and familiarising yourself with the iNaturalist application before the end of the month. To find out more about how you can contribute, contact Tourism Manager Joan Shaw at 044 801 9103.

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See TIPS FOR TAKING PHOTOS FOR THE CHALLENGE below:

TIPS FOR TAKING PHOTOS FOR THE CHALLENGE:
The photos you take during the City Nature Challenge are there to provide evidence of the organism you saw and to help confirm the identification of that organism. Therefore, taking good photos is key to participating in the CNC! Here are some tips for taking photos:

• Focus on one species in each observation in a close-up that fills the frame.
• Take several photos in one observation, including the leaves, the bark, flowers, or fruits.
• Discard blurry photographs.
• Get close, especially for small organisms – it will aid identification.
• An ideal observation has a picture showing the full organism and close-ups of important features.
• Remember only one species per observation. The more species, the more observations.

Aerial photographs of the new Water Treatment Works Residuals Handling Facility and construction site.

National Treasury, accompanied by the representatives from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme and Provincial Treasury visited the George Municipality on a two-day programme as part of the Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment for Municipalities.

This included a National Treasury delegation visit to the 20 Ml/d extensions to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW) earlier in March 2023. George Municipality received a Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant to the value of R1.107 billion from the National Treasury in the 2021/22 financial year. The BFI project with its various components has shown significant progress and expenditure to date in the 2022/23 financial year. George Municipality is actively working to keep our economy on the go – by ensuring adequate long-term planning and investment in our resources with the current main focus on water, sewerage, and electricity.

National Treasury praised the Municipality for its well-maintained infrastructure. “Service delivery is clearly visible with well looked after roads networks and cleanliness of the town. This will go a long way in attracting investments into the city.”

The full BFI project is to be completed in the next twenty seven (27) months. George Municipality provides water services to over 212 120 residents from 62 722 households (STATSSA 2017) across 28 wards including the coastal areas of Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay and Gwaing in the city of George area. The objectives of the project are to ensure adequate potable water supply to meet the demand of the current population and to provide security for future development, both social and economic, and to reduce pollution of certain main water courses.

Updates on the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works components funded by BFI
The project consists of 12 components, some of which will be executed in more than one construction phase.

Component 1 and 2
Residuals Handling Facility and the 20 Ml/d extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW).

Status: The first contract, valued at R263 million, was awarded for the civil engineering works and construction is progressing on site. The second contract, for the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation (MEI) works, was awarded for R217 million. Component 2 is the largest single component of the BFI project. The completed earthworks for the Water Treatment Works extension consisted of some 20 000 metric cubes of earth material that has been stockpiled on site for re-use elsewhere on other components of the BFI project as well as other municipal projects. Placing of concrete is progressing well and the structures are now above ground level.

The construction on the 600m long, 900mm diameter, clear water HDPE pipeline commenced towards the end of 2022 and is currently nearing 50% completion. The forestry permit was issued in early January 2023 and the remaining construction through sensitive indigenous forest can now proceed.

The dewatering facility for the water treatment process residuals is also progressing well and the concrete wall of two of the three tanks was cast while the third tank will be done shortly. This facility will eliminate the abrasive residuals from being discharged to the sewer system and therefore reduce the load on the sewage conveyance system and pumpstations, reduce the abrasive effect on pumpstation mechanical equipment as well as reduce the load on the wastewater treatment processes and the main sludge dewatering facility. The aim of this facility is to free up capacity that is currently being utilized by residuals discharged to the Eden, Meul and Schaapkop sewage pump station system as well as the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works.

Component 3
The refurbishment of the existing Sludge Discharge System Phases 1 and 2 commenced at the Eden, Meul and Schaapkop Pumpstations.

Status: Construction of the first phase is progressing well at the Meul and Eden Pump Stations

Phase 1: The first phase of the upgrading and refurbishment of the Meul Sewage pumpstation is well progressed and certain components have been completed, including a standby generator and new motor control center panels. The new Motor Control Centre at the Eden Sewage pumpstation has been completed. Civil construction on the Meul Sewage Pumpstation is progressing well and over-pumping is currently taking place, involving a temporary pumping installation to allow work to be done in the pump sump and in the pump room.  Phase 1 of the Schaapkop Sewage Pumpstation implementation was delayed, and the design process is now under way to incorporate both phases 1 and 2 to be implemented as a single project.

Phase 2: Consultants have been appointed for the design of the second phase of the pump station upgrades of the Meul and Eden sewage pump stations.

Component 4
The upgrading of the Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply project includes the replacement of the existing 600 mm diameter raw water pipeline from the intake tower at the Garden Route Dam to the raw water pumpstations, with a new 800 mm diameter stainless steel pipeline to accommodate a higher flowrate in accordance with the future raw water flow requirements.

Status: Tenders were requested and have closed, with construction planned to commence in June 2023.

Component 5
2 x 1250 kVA generators are being installed at the Garden Route Dam raw water pumpstation. Once completed, it will ensure that during loadshedding or any other power outage, raw water can continue to be pumped uninterrupted to the Water Treatment Works for processing for drinking water supply.

Status: Construction is well progressed, the generators and associated equipment are currently being installed, and full operation of the generators is scheduled for the end of June 2023.

Component 6
An additional approximately 30 mega litre raw water storage balancing dam, including a 340m long 800mm diameter raw water pipeline, will be constructed to secure sufficient raw water storage capacity to supply the 20Ml/day extension to the Water Treatment Works. The new raw water dam will supplement the 60Ml provided by the two existing storage dams that provide raw water to the two water treatment plants.

Status: The preliminary design process has been completed with consideration of two alternative positions in order to select the most cost-effective solution. Final designs are nearing completion, to be followed by the procurement of a Contractor to construct the works.

Component 7
The rehabilitation of the Old Water Treatment Works, located at 9th Avenue in Denneoord includes the refurbishment of the 25 Ml/d treatment plant which is currently rated at only 20.5 Ml/ per day.

Status: This component consists of four separate contracts and the tenders. Construction is under way at the Old WTW and some condition assessments of the existing infrastructure necessitated design changes at the start of the contract, causing unforeseen delays. The air extraction from the filter galleries was completed and the emergency chlorine scrubbers have been ordered, and delivery is scheduled for July 2023, but with a possible further slight delay due to shipping from the United States. Both shipments of filter media have been delivered and fencing construction is practically complete.

A temporary package water treatment plant was installed and commissioned in mid-December 2022 to facilitate scheduled plant shutdowns to enable work to proceed uninterrupted. This temporary plant also increased the volume of potable water available to meet the peak holiday season demand. Partial plant shutdowns will take place at the old WTW during April 2023. Remedial works is scheduled to be done at the Old WTW and the existing New WTW, and water demand will have to be very carefully managed during any of the planned partial shutdowns to ensure that potable water demand can be met.

Component 8
Refurbishment of the Kaaiman’s River Pumpstation equipment will include the installation of six (6) new submersible vortex impeller pumps in the sump, a strainer system and six (6) new high lift centrifugal pumps, with the replacement of the electrical control equipment also included in the upgrade. The Kaaiman’s Pumpstation discharges raw water into the Garden Route Dam and contributes significantly to the George raw water resource requirements.

Status: Tenders have been requested and closed, and construction is planned to commence in May 2023.

Component 9 and 10
The new 14,5 Ml Pacaltsdorp West Reservoir; 3 Ml Pacaltsdorp East Reservoir, 300 kl Tower and pumpstation will address the inadequate emergency and balancing storage in this suburb.

Status: The designs are in process for both sites, to be followed by the procurement of a contractor for the construction of the works. The detailed design process will be aligned with the environmental and town planning processes.

Component 11 and 12
A new pumpstation and control valves will be provided at the existing Thembalethu West reservoir and tower; a new 8 Ml Thembalethu East Reservoir, 1000 kl tower and pumpstation will provide adequate potable water storage and increase security of potable water supply to Thembalethu as well as provide capacity to meet future development water demands.

Status: The design of both the works is in progress and will be followed by the procurement of a contractor for the construction of the works, scheduled for early 2024.

The George Municipality’s drive to improve the quality-of-service delivery is yielding good results said the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk after visiting two pilot projects in Syferfontein, an informal settlement South of Pacaltsdorp, aimed at introducing alternatives on-site sanitation technology in informal settlements to replace chemical toilets.

“Today we went on-site to Syferfontein to view the pilot project of a new technology toilet instead of the chemical toilets,” said Mayor van Wyk during his visit on Thursday, 13 April 2023. “These new toilets get erected on-site and make use of enzymes to dissolve solids and it also makes use of water, so there’s a water flush mechanism that is able to drain away into tanks underneath the ground and this improves the whole service routing where previously chemical toilets had to be serviced two to three times a week, this type of toilet would only require servicing once a month.”

George Municipality solicited proposals from suitably experienced service providers to implement a pilot project for alternative on-site sanitation technology in Informal Settlements to replace chemical toilets. The hiring and maintenance of chemical toilets is an expensive and unsustainable sanitation commodity which is unfortunately also the quickest method to respond to when an emergency situation presents itself.

It was thus imperative that sustainable alternative sanitation solutions be tested to replace chemical toilets in informal settlements where there is no sewer network and to alleviate the heavy financial burden on the Municipality and the Department of Infrastructure.

The Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management Directorate of the George Municipality confirmed that this is a pilot project which will be tested for three months and the sanitation solution which is found to be most successful and sustainable will be extended to other informal settlement areas in the George Municipal precincts. “For this pilot project, we will be installing 3 different alternative sanitation units in Syferfontein, three in Wilderness Heights Informal Settlement and 9 units in Thembalethu in various Settlements,” said Lauren Waring, the department’s director.

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PHOTOS:

Photo 1: From left: Charne Floris (George Municipality Human Settlements), Brumilda Kirchner (George Municipality Human Settlements), Councillor Bazil Petrus (Portfolio Councillor for Human Settlements), Madoda Boke (Clerk of Works: Human of Settlements) Jurgen Graupe (Buffalo Tanks (Pty) Ltd, Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George) Wendy Mentor (Manager Human Settlements) Mxolisi Ngwane (Racing Heart Group (Pty) Ltd), Siegfried Graupe (Buffalo Tanks) Lehlohonolo Mandlazi (Racing Group (Pty) Ltd.

Photo 2: From left: Councillor Bazil Petrus (Portfolio Councillor for Human Settlements), Wendy Mentor (Manager of Human Settlements), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George) and Jacques Rust (Envirosan).

The George Municipality’s Communication team was nominated as one of the top three most proactive communication teams in local municipalities in South Africa during the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Communications Awards last week.

The other two nominees were Umzimvubu Local Municipality from the Eastern Cape towns of Mount Frere and Mount Alyliff (the winners) and Thaba Chweu Local Municipality from Mashishing, previously called Lydenburg, in the north-western region of Mpumalanga.

The Awards Ceremony formed part of the SALGA 6th Annual National Communicators’ Forum that took place between 12 – 14 April 2023 at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). SALGA’s National Communicators Forum offers a platform for Municipal Communicators to share insights, developments, and the latest trends in the communications industry. Municipalities across South Africa are nominated for various Communication Awards at the forum.

According to SALGA, the award for which the George Municipal Communications team was nominated, is for a communications team that is always proactive in its work. “It ensures that it takes part in information sharing, creates more awareness, or even profiles certain service delivery programmes and events. This team remains committed to actively participating in various platforms and programmes in the three spheres of Government. This is quite an outstanding team indeed!”

“We would like to congratulate our communication team for doing outstanding work that caught the attention of the SALGA adjudication team, as there was no entry submitted. This certainly is a sign that the George Municipal Communication team strives to ensure that the municipality communicates in an effective, transparent, coordinated and professional manner, which increases public confidence in the municipality and participation in the municipal processes,” said Dr Michele Gratz, George Municipal Manager.

The George Municipal Communication team comprises Chantel Edwards (Communications Manager), Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe (Senior Communication Officer) and Debra Sauer (Communication Officer).

#salgancf23
Watch highlights of the Award Ceremony:
https://fb.watch/jU1ROmVE8B/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Ends.

From left: Chantel Edwards (Communications Manager), Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe (Senior Communications Officer) and Debra Sauer (Communications Officer)

The George Municipality’s five-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and which was adopted in May 2022 is currently being reviewed and the Municipality encourages the citizens of George, including Uniondale and surrounds to participate meaningfully and be part of the development of the city.

George Municipality, like all local municipalities in South Africa, must use the IDP as a method to plan the future development of its area. The IDP, according to Lauren Waring, the George Municipality director for Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management, the IDP is an approach to planning that involves the entire municipality and its citizens in finding the best solutions to achieve good long-term development.

“The IDP is a super plan for an area that gives an overall framework for development. It aims to coordinate the work of local and other spheres of government in a coherent plan to improve the quality of life for all the people living in an area. It should consider the existing conditions and problems and resources available for development. The plan should look at economic and social development for the area. It must set a framework for how land should be used, what infrastructure and services are needed and how the environment should be protected,” Waring added.

The Municipal Systems Act (MSA) and Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) require municipalities to review their five-year IDP and budget documents annually to remain relevant and respond to the municipality’s developmental needs. The MSA further requires that municipalities create an opportunity to encourage local communities to participate in municipal matters such as the IDP and budget.

Public Participation engagements underway

“Between 11 and 18 April 2023, the George Municipality conducts a series of meetings with ward committees who are representing both the geographical setting and existing sectors within the 28 wards in the George Municipal area,” Waring said. “The wards are clustered to meet at different venues to discuss the draft IDP and the draft budget.

The George Municipality furthermore extends an invitation to the citizens from all 28 wards to comment on the following documents:
• Draft 1st Review of the 5th Generation Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2023/2024
• The Draft Medium Term and Revenue Expenditure Framework (MTREF) 2023/24 – 2025/26 and the Draft Property Taxes, Tariffs, New and Revised Budget-related Policies for 2023/24, as envisaged by Section 17 of the MFMA for the George Municipality

The above documents are available for inspection, public representation, inputs, and comments. The set of Council resolutions and all other relevant documents are made public at all libraries and ward offices during normal office hours and are also displayed on the George Municipality’s website at: www.george.gov.za. Hard copies of the above-mentioned documents are also available at all libraries and area offices in the George Municipal precinct.

Submission of IDP and budget comments

Comments must be in writing and addressed to the Municipal Manager, PO Box 19, George 6530, or to WhatsApp: 060 779 7634; or sent to the following email address: idp@george.gov.za, clearly stating “Comments: Draft Amendment of the 5th Generation IDP 2022 – 2027 or Draft Budget 2023/24 – 2025/26”.

Persons wishing to comment on the Draft Budget documentation (inclusive of the policies and tariffs/charges), but cannot read or write will be assisted during office hours by the Manager: Budgets: Mr Renaldo Coetzee at rcoetzee@george.gov.za or 044 8019122

Ward Councillors and ward committee members wishing to comment on the Amendment of the 5th Generation IDP 2022 – 2027, but cannot read or write will be assisted during office hours by the IDP Officer Mrs Ronel Le Fleur- Valla at rlefleur@george.gov.za, Fourth Floor, York Street, George. Alternatively, at 044 801 9075.

The public participation closing date for comments is Tuesday, 25 April 2023 at 16:30.

Ends.

George Municipality is excited to announce that we are moving over to a new award winning Citizen App  – My Smart City  – which won the award for best enterprise solution in the 2022 MTN App Of The Year Award. Available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via the My Smart City website (mysmart.city), the platform was built by Acumen Software, and has been successfully launched in a number of the metro’s including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. George Municipality has partnered with My Smart City to bring a tailored one-stop solution to your service delivery needs.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk welcomed the transition to the new App. “George as a city is in the process of positioning itself within the global drive towards smart cities. Technology has the potential to advance the management of cities, contribute to their economic success, and improve the quality of life of its residents. George continues to proactively explore smart city interventions as a means of overcoming the rising challenges of urban development and sustainability, becoming more resilient, innovative and creative.”

George Municipality aims to simplify service delivery and the My Smart City App allows you as the resident to:

• Log municipal faults;
• Receive local alerts and notifications;
• Chat to an Agent during office hours:
• Access and pay your municipal bill; (NEW)
• Submit self-read meter readings;  (NEW)
• Have the opportunity to complete Customer Satisfaction Surveys; (NEW)
• and let you contribute to the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) without needing to attend meetings; (NEW)
• and gives you Access to Business listings for George and surrounds.(NEW)

The My Smart City – George  App gives residents access to the George social feeds which will allow subscribers to engage and share current affairs within their communities as well as extract information around power outages, load shedding schedules, water outages, road closures, and stay updated with community alerts specific to the area they live in. The My Smart City – George app will act as a conduit for the resolution of service delivery issues  – your issues are escalated to the George Municipality and captured within our internal fault logging system which provides a reference number and feedback to you, the resident, via the App, allowing you to track your fault without contacting a call centre.

Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz that the My Smart City  – George APP is one of the pillars which George Municipality is using to render a more efficient and effective service. “ The effectiveness of the My Smart City – George Appwill however be determined by residents subscribing and then using the many existing and new features to make communicating and transacting with the municipality easier. It is hoped that residents will embrace the new technology to make their lives easier and to make the municipality more efficient.”

Existing subscribers of the George Municipal App will be notified on the existing App when the current service will be terminated and we ask that you install the new My Smart City – George App to allow for a seamless transition. Details will be provided on how to access the My Smart City-George  App and the QR Code will be available on your monthly statements! The GO LIVE DATE will be communicated – keep an eye on our social media channels for updates.

Media Statement: Child’s death saddens electrical department
Issued George Municipality, 14 April 2023

George Municipality extend our condolences to the family of the child electrocuted on Wednesday, 12 April 2023 in Zone 9, Thembalethu. The incident occurred late afternoon and was due to an illegally connected wire. An inquest docket has been opened by the state and the municipality has also opened a police case for infrastructure damage and theft. The Municipality has been unable to establish contact with the parents of the deceased child.

Portfolio Councillor (MMC) for Electrotechnical Services, Cllr Nosicelo Mbete noted that the department is saddened by this latest incident. “The loss of a young life is so unnecessary, we cannot overemphasize the dangers attached to illegal connections. Any kind of electricity ‘tapping’, no matter how small or innocent-looking, is illegal and dangerous,” she said. An operation to remove illegal connections took place in this specific area on 29 March this year. Such operations are undertaken on a regular basis to increase community safety.

To educate the communities and increase community safety, regular safety operations targeted at removing illegal connections.  George Municipality will continue to act decisively in such matters, as the practice of illegal connection puts the perpetrator in danger of electrocution, risking injury and death to themselves as well as the rest of the community. These connections lie across pathways and walkways where anyone passing can easily be electrocuted.

Furthermore, the George Municipality has allocated R10,5million of its own funds into the electrification of informal settlements, and these projects are well under way including a pilot project of electrification of informal settlements using renewable energy.

An electricity connection is considered illegal when it is connected to the George Municipal network without the organisation’s permission. Wires are connected to a mini-substation or overhead pole.  The forms of electricity theft include illegal connections, illegal electrification schemes and meter tampering and bypassing. These illegal electrical thefts are mostly in areas where illegal informal structures are built.

Where people have connected themselves illegally, George Municipality will continue to actively find the perpetrators and lay criminal charges against them. In terms of the Criminal Procedures Act, interference with and the damage to Municipal property could be regarded as sabotage and should someone be found guilty of such an offence, a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years can follow.

Illegal connections should be reported to 044 803 9222 or 044 801 9222 or after hours on 044 801 6300.

The George Municipality offers a reward for information that leads to the successful conviction of electrical theft and /vandalism in a court of law. The witness will have to go on record to the authorities, giving his/her name and contact details to testify, but his/her identity will be protected. Report to 0860 044 044

In terms of Section 2 of the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act (LUPA), a municipality is responsible for land use planning and must regulate the procedures in terms of how the municipality receive, consider and decide on land use applications.  Following the promulgation of LUPA, the George Municipality developed the Land Use Planning By-Law (LUP) for its municipal area, which was adopted by Council along with a set of delegations relevant to the by-law and was subsequently promulgated in the Provincial Gazette and came into operation in September 2015. During 2021 two minor amendments were made to the By-law, which was promulgated accordingly.

The Western Cape Provincial Government issued proposed amendments to the Model Land Use Planning By-Law, which was, inter alia, based on best practises observed from various municipalities in the Province. The George Municipality subsequently proceeded with the amendment of the George LUP By-Law in collaboration with the amendments recommended  by provincial government.

Public Participation
The public participation process commenced from 14 July 2022 and closed on 15 August 2022, where members of the public had the opportunity to provide their comments and input. Notices making the public aware of the public participation period were advertised on the George Municipality’s website and Facebook page as well as in the George Herald.  Comments received were  revied and the necessary amendments were made. The LUP By-Law was workshopped with Council to provide all Councillors an opportunity for inputs. The draft document was thereafter collated and adopted by Council on 30^th March 2023.

The intent of this by-law is to elaborate and provide clarity on the following aspects pertaining to land use planning:

1. Compilation, adoption and amendments of a Spatial Development Framework,
2. Deliniation of the respective land use applications,
3. Land Use Application Processes,
4. Public Participation Processes,
5. Criteria for Decision-making,
6. Municipal Planning Decision-making Structures,
7. Tribunals requirements and procedures,
8. Appeal requirements and procedures,
9. Provision of Engineering Services,
10. Development Charges,
11. Enforcements,
12. Naming and numbering of Streets.

The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:

1. Amendments to existing definitions.
2. New Definitions viz. Registered Planner, Schedule of Rights, Zoning Scheme.
3. Provision that only professionals registered at a professional Council may submit certain land use applications.
4. Deletion of “Occasional Use” as a ‘land use application’ (now granted as a temporary departure).
5. Provision for certain requirements when applying for a temporary departure for an occasional use.
6. Inclusion of additional exemptions of certain subdivision and consolidations.
7. Exclusions of certain minimum requirements for the submission of a land use application.
8. Inclusions to exclude the festive period to cause public notices.
9. General amendment to align with council’s resolution 27 May 2021 in terms of Development Charges.
10. General amendment to align with LUPA and SPLUMA .
11. General amendments in terms of grammar, improved wording and referencing.

Promulgated in the Western Cape Provincial Gazette
The Land Use Planning By Law will be promulgated in the Western Cape Provincial Gazette during the month of April 2023, and will come into operation on the date of promulgation. The promulgated by-law will thereafter be uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public.

DRAFT BUILDING CONTROL BY-LAW
Council approved a draft Building Control by-law for the George Municipality on 30 March 2023 and which included a public participation process to be followed.

Purpose and objective of the by-law
The main purpose of the by-law is to supplement the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act 103 of 1977) (NBR & BS) and the National Building Regulations issued in terms of the NBR & BS to ensure uniformity with regard to building standards, the erection of buildings and structure and the submission, consideration and approval of building plans in the jurisdictional area of George Municipality.

The relation of this By-Law with and between the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act No 103 of 1977, as amended and SANS Codes is aimed at ensuring that the functional regulations contained in the National Building Regulations are deemed to be satisfied insofar as it relates to the relevant SANS codes as stipulated in SANS 10400.

The purpose of this by-law is not only to be able to enforce compliance of The Nation Building Regulations and standards more efficiently but more importantly ensure the health and safety of the property owners and neighbouring properties owners or any interested parties as these standards and means to comply will be clearly set out.  It takes the transparency of regulatory requirements, standards and codes associated with construction practices a step further.

The objective of the by-law is to improve organizational efficiency and articulate the rules concerning the processes and practices in the construction industry that are otherwise not expressed in the Act, thereby providing additional clarity on the aspects addressed in the draft by-law. This intervention is regarded necessary as much of the department’s capacity is spent on corrections required to render a plan suitable for approval.

The proposed by-law elaborates and provides clarity on the following aspects pertaining to building control including: approval required for buildings to be erected; buildings that require approval of the municipality;certificate of occupancy; applications and requirements; offences and penalties; and appeals.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Building Control By-Law notice will be published on 13 April 2023 in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. The draft Building Control By-Law is available on our website, follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/planning-and-development/ . Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required by no later than 12 May 2023.

Once the input has been received from the public and addressed, the final by-law then goes back to Council for approval. Comments and inputs can be emailed to, Fickerie Toyer phoned in to 044 801 9111 or submitted in person at the George Municipality Ground Floor ,71 York Street, George ,6530. Enquiries to Fickerie Toyer ftoyer@george.gov.za

By-laws differ between municipalities.
The Constitution of South Africa gives municipalities the power to pass their own legislation, in the form of by-laws, for subject areas. These by-laws hold the same power and force as other national and provincial legislation but are laws managed by the individual municipality in order to regulate the affairs and the services it provides within its area of jurisdiction.

The details of by-laws can differ from one municipality to another, and the public is always advised to check their local municipal by-laws which can be found on the relevant municipal website. The most important by-laws being addressed in this round of review by George Municipality, are the Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places, Informal Street Trading, Water and Sanitation Services, Water Services and the Stormwater by-laws amongst others.

Promulgated in Western Cape Provincial Gazette
A municipal by-law may be enforced only after it has been published in the official gazette of the Western Cape Province on request of the local municipality. The promulgated by-law is then uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public. Transgression of a by -law is treated the same as a normal law, if you break a by-law, you can be fined or prosecuted. Most transgressions are handled in the George Municipal Court.

Join now!
The Garden Route is again proudly participating again in the 2023 City Nature Challenge, which will run from 28 April 2023 to 01 May 2023 for the observation period, and the upload and identification period ending 08 May 2023.

And take part in this family fun, global event.
We call this area home. Let us showcase its beauty and biodiversity to the world.

Plan a few special trips with family and friends …. and enjoy!!!

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2023-garden-route

George Local Municipality: https://www.inaturalist.org/places/local-government-george-municipality

The spectre of loadshedding has made preparation of the draft budget for the financial year commencing in July 2023 an extreme challenge given the poor state of the South African economy.

The total revenue from the core services of the Municipality was budgeted at R1947m for 2022/23. Collectively the surpluses of revenue less expenditure from Electricity, Water, Sewerage and Refuse is budgeted to supplement revenue generated from Property Rates (collectively, “Total Rates”) to cover the expenditure from the range of services that do not generate revenue directly (the former contributing roughly 40% and Rates 60%). Electricity normally contributes over 20% of this total amount. For 2022/23, the Total Rates was projected at approximately R611m with Electricity contributing its R129m surplus.

The Total Rates covers fixed administrative overheads, streets, stormwater, traffic, law enforcement, fire services, planning, economic development, tourism, street cleaning, parks and social support services to the community.

During the adjustment budget approved in February 2023, it was projected that there would be a shortfall of R160m for the full year due to the impact of loadshedding reducing electricity sales, costs of diesel to power generators, increased overtime and maintenance. The budget for 2023/24 will need to address the future scenario of electricity no longer providing its previously secure revenue stream. In 2022, we already commenced with the introduction of fixed charges to ensure adequate maintenance and operation of the R2,5bn electricity network infrastructure. Consumers therefore need to contribute to the cost of using the network, electricity costs to provide water and waste-water treatment, streetlights and traffic lights, etc. A variable cost for each kilowatt-hour being used by a consumer is also being levied.

With loadshedding expected to continue, it is imperative that municipal revenues are restructured to ensure their sustainability. In future, the distribution network will transport energy to users coming from the municipality’s own generation projects, independent producers, as well as excess electricity generated by domestic and business consumers who have installed their own renewable energy.

Future budgets will be structured to eliminate the current shortfall by curtailing expenditure growth where possible while also seeking a higher contribution from Property Rates to cover the expenditure funded by Total Rates. We are fortunate that property valuations in George have risen in accord with property values elsewhere in the Western Cape. Recent statistics show that real residential property prices in Cape Town are indexed at 130 in comparison to indices of between 90 and 100 for the seven other metropolitan areas in South Africa.

The new municipal valuation roll being implemented is a reflection of the higher property values but will allow for a commensurate reduction in the rate in the Rand on the Property Rates payable by property owners.

The adopted Gwayang Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF), 2015 identified the area between the Gwaiing River and George, south of the R102 and north of the N2, as an area which has the potential to be developed as a mixed-use precinct with the focus on commercial and industrial land uses. This precinct forms part of a cluster of existing and proposed nodes along the western access to the urban area and is situated along the western gateway route into George, along the R102.

“The Municipality, assisted by a service provider, has initiated technical processes, including geotechnical studies, environmental sensitivity analysis, traffic Impact evaluation, engineering service investigations and precinct designs, to confirm the site’s suitability for the envisaged mixed-use development.  In addition, an urban design- and optimal layout concept form part of the deliverables of this process,” said Lauren Waring, director for Human Settlements, Planning & Development and Property Management in the George Municipality.

“In addition to commercial and industrial parks modern manufacturing and other commercial functions on various scales, the concept envisages mixed residential typologies with the associated community facilities.  The Municipal Utility area and planned Alternative Energy facilities are included in the precinct plan and sensitive environmental features will be protected through an integrated Open Space system which will also aid storm-water management and provide functional open spaces to the users in and around the precinct,” Waring added.

“The technical studies and concept plans inform the final layout plan which is anticipated to be completed by July 2023. Thereafter the Environmental Impact and Land Use Management application processes will commence and the phasing for the installation of infrastructure will be determined.  The planning process is anticipated to be concluded by the end of 2024, whereafter the potential release of land for development will be submitted to the Council.”

This project constitutes infill development and supports objectives to ensure the optimum and efficient use of existing infrastructure and resources. The introduction of opportunities for industrial and commercial expansion will catalyze economic growth and is anticipated to yield new opportunities for employment and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) development.

ENDS.