Notice Archive

Issued by George Municipality, Festive Monitoring Committee, 12 December 2024 @ 13:00

George Municipality has received several reports about an alleged sewer spill in the Touws River. The George Festive Monitoring Committee addressed the matter during this morning’s daily meeting and confirmed that the George Civil Engineering Services inspected all municipal infrastructure in and around the Touws River yesterday and found no leaks or spills. Additionally, water quality tests for Escherichia coli and Intestinal Enterococci (Faecal Streptococci) are being conducted regularly at the mouth of the Touws River, in compliance with Blue Flag beach requirements for Wilderness Main Beach (Salina’s).

The latest water quality test results were published on the municipal website yesterday and show compliance with the required standards.  These results can be accessed https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/season-water-quality-test-results/ Please note that Blue Flag Beach water quality testing follows the schedule mandated by WESSA.

SANParks Regional Communications Manager, Phokela Lebea confirmed that regular water quality testing is also conducted at the Wilderness Ebb and Flow Restcamp. SANParks technical teams continuously monitor and maintain all infrastructure related to the National Park. The latest results show no traces of E. coli. The Garden Route District Municipality is responsible for monitoring the water quality of all rivers in the district. Monthly test results are shared with the relevant local municipalities.

We kindly request the public to report any suspected spills or leaks with the exact location and, if possible, photographs to facilitate a swift response.

Report suspected spills or leaks (sewer-related) to George Municipality:
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (7:45 AM – 4:30 PM)
Water Leaks, Pipe Bursts, Sewerage: 044 801 9262/6 (7:45 AM – 4:30 PM)
After-Hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300
Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999

The George Municipality is committed to addressing concerns about speeding in residential areas and ensuring the safety of all road users. Speeding poses a significant risk to our community, particularly in neighbourhood streets where children, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users are most vulnerable. Residential streets in a number of areas are shared with GO GEORGE buses, adding to the complexity of implementing speed calming measures. The presence of public transport routes on these roads necessitates unobstructed traffic flow for efficient service delivery.

Therefore, speed humps or bumps cannot be installed on these routes as per the Municipality’s policy on Class 1 to 4 roads, which aligns with the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996) and the National Road Traffic Signs Regulations, 2000.

Speed calming requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Municipality’s speed calming warrants, considering factors such as:
• Daily traffic volumes.
• Average vehicle speeds.
• Intersection spacing.
• Road classification.
• Existing speed calming measures.

While some residents request rubber or iron bumps as seen in private developments, these are not authorized for use on public roads under national regulations.

Driver behaviour remains a significant factor in speeding concerns and while physical barriers are not always feasible, targeted interventions by Municipal Traffic officers will be implemented to address the issue. The traffic department will conduct surveys and determine whether the specific area meets the criteria as per the guidelines to conduct speed enforcement.

Residents are reminded that adherence to posted speed limits is mandatory. Violations will result in fines or penalties as per the National Road Traffic Act and persistent offenders may face additional legal consequences. The Municipality encourages residents to drive responsibly and respect speed limits, report areas of concern to the George Municipality Traffic Department for investigation and participate in educational programs to foster safer driving habits.

The George Municipality is dedicated to balancing road safety and access needs while addressing concerns about speeding, particularly in residential areas impacted by public transport routes. We thank residents for their cooperation in creating safer neighbourhoods for all. For inquiries or to report speeding concerns, please contact the George Municipality Traffic Department at 044 878 2400.

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 99,69%
Rainfall for the previous days: 4 mm (Measured 3 – 9 December 2024)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

George Munisipaliteit wil graag inwoners van die Haarlem-gemeenskap herinner dat die probleem met die bruingekleurde water steeds aangespreek word. Pogings word aangewend om die situasie so vinnig as moontlik op te los.

‘n Watertenk sal steeds deur die betrokke area beweeg om skoon water aan inwoners te voorsien.

Vir veiligheid, moet inwoners asseblief voortgaan om die water te kook voordat dit verbruik word. Water kan steeds vir alle ander nie-drinkbare doeleindes gebruik word.

Ons bedank u vir u volgehoue geduld terwyl ons werk om die waterkwaliteit te herstel.

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WATER QUALITY REMINDER – HAARLEM AREA

George Municipality would like to remind residents of the Haarlem area that the brown-colored water issue is still being addressed. Efforts are underway to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

A water truck continues to circulate throughout the affected area, providing clean water for residents.

For safety, please continue to boil water before consumption. Water can still be used for all other non-consumption purposes.

We thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to restore water quality.

George Municipality is pleased to inform the public that the ENatis system is now back online. As a result, the Driving Licence Centre and Motor Vehicle Registration services are fully operational and available to the public.

Thank you for your patience.

Die watertenk wat tans in Haarlem gestasioneer is, is op pad na Uniondale.

Ons is bewus daarvan dat Klipstraat en De Kella Sirkel in Uniondale lae waterdruk ervaar en dat sommige areas sonder water is.
Die watertenk sal deur hierdie areas beweeg en vir beide Klipstraat en De Kella Sirkel hulp verskaf.

Ons wil alle inwoners van Haarlem verseker dat die watertoevoer herstel is.

Let asseblief daarop dat die water aanvanklik verkleur kan wees, maar die kleur sal oor tyd verbeter.

Dankie vir u geduld.

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Water Supply Update for Haarlem and Uniondale Residents

The water truck currently stationed in Haarlem is en route to Uniondale. We are aware that Klip Street and De Kella Sirkel in Uniondale are experiencing low water pressure and some areas are without water. The water truck will roam through these areas, providing relief to both Klip Street and De Kella Sirkel.

We would like to assure all residents of Haarlem that water supply has been restored. Please note, the water may appear discolored initially, but the color will subside over time.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

George Municipality is aware of the brown-colored water currently affecting the Haarlem area and is implementing measures to address the issue

A water truck will be circulating throughout the affected area to provide clean water.

While the situation is being addressed, we advise that water be boiled before consumption for safety.

Water can still be used for all other purposes.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to resolve this matter.

The George Municipal Offices will close for the upcoming Public Holidays and Festive Season.

• PUBLIC HOLIDAY: Monday, 16 December 2024.
• FESTIVE SEASON: George Municipal Offices will close on 24 December 2024 at 12:00 and re-open on 6 January 2025 at 7:45.

Emergency and essential services will continue as usual during this period.

FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS INFORMATION
DEBTBACK and ONTEC will be open for emergency assistance ONLY.
DEBTPACK: Victoria Street, from 8:00 until 16:00 daily, excluding 27 December 2024 and public holidays. Phone: 044 250 5011
ONTEC: Eagle View Building, Progress Street, from 8:00 until 13:00 daily, excluding public holidays. Phone: 044-8735474

Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments:

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Bank Details for electronic payment
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number (please enter your account number without the GRG in front and without any spaces in between)
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

Unipay
Pay accounts by clicking on the Unipay link www.unipay.co.za or by scanning the QR code on their account.

Pay Your Account via the Website
George Municipality has installed a Pay Your Account button on the municipal website – pay your account with one click! https://tinyurl.com/2p8t83ax
Go to our website on www.george.gov.za

My Smart City App
Ratepayers can register, view and pay their accounts on the MY SMART CITY George Municipal App. Download the NEW My Smart City – George APP via the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store or the My Smart City website www.mysmart.city or Scan the QR Code which can also be found on your current municipal statement! Should you have any issues with registering please contact support@mysmart.city

Pay at the following retail outlets.
• Pick and Pay, Woolworths, BOXER, GAME, SPAR, PEP ACKERMANS, SHOPRITE, AND USAVE
• Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.
• If you do not have a printed account, ensure that you have the 20-digit number written down to provide the teller with.
• Ratepayers in Uniondale can get hard copies of their accounts and pay at the Uniondale Post Office, Pep Stores and Uniondale Municipal Office, 39 Voortrekker Steet. To register you can email accounts@george.gov.za
or phone 044 752 1024 for more information.
• Haarlem ratepayers can get hard copies and pay their accounts at the Haarlem Municipal Office, 99 Berg Street, to register you can email accounts@george.gov.za or phone 044 763 1013.

Meter readings
Residents who have not had a SMART Water Meter installed yet will have their meter read every month or can submit a reading via email or via the My Smart City – George App.
Submit your meter reading by email to meterreadings@george.gov.za
Include the accountholder’s name, contact details and George Municipal account number, date of reading and attach a photo of a meter. Please note that meter readings are done per area at different times of the month, and it is important that your meter reading email is submitted around the same time as your area’s reading time. Please check the date of the previous reading at the bottom of your account to determine your meter reading slot.
Enquiries: accounts@george.gov.za

Prepaid electricity purchases
Purchase via your online banking
or via George Municipal Website https://george.ontec.co.za/index.html
Or accredited service providers www.prepaid24.co.za or https://home.ontec.co.za or www.ipay.co.za

MUNICIPAL COURT
George Municipal Court will close on 24 December 2024 at 12:00 and re-open on 06 January 2025 at 07:45. No cases shall be enrolled during this period. E-mail representations to abfelix@george.gov.za.

MUNICIPAL REFUSE SITE OPERATING HOURS
Building rubble, garden waste and other stuff not suitable for bags can be dropped off at the George Municipality refuse site on R102 (Airport Road).
Open on:
• Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm
• Saturday 7:00 am-3:00 pm
• Public holidays (except 25 December): 7:00 am-3:00 pm

MUNICIPAL LIBRARIES
All of the Municipal Libraries will close on 24 December 2024 at 12:00 and reopen on 6 January 2025.
Patrons are advised to return or borrow sufficient books in advance to enjoy over the holiday season. We encourage patrons to visit their nearest library before the closure to ensure they have ample reading material during this period.

GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION
• Municipal Switchboard 044 801 9111 (divert to emergency services)
• Toll-Free George Disaster Centre Number 087 152 9999
• Fire Emergencies 044 801 6311
• All after-hours George Municipality (including Uniondale and Haarlem) 044 801 6300
• Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management emergencies 044 805 5071 (all hours).

Make the most of your summer with helpful info and exciting activations from our Visitor Information Centres (VICs)!

📍 Wilderness VIC
198 George Road, Wilderness
Hours:
🕒 Weekdays: 08:00 – 17:30
🕒 Saturdays: 15:00 – 17:00
🕒 Public Holidays: 09:00 – 13:00 (Closed on Christmas & New Year’s Day)

📍 George VIC
124 York Street, George
Hours:
🕒 Weekdays: 08:30 – 16:30
🕒 Closed weekends & public holidays

Tourism Activations
✨ Visit our gazebo at the Outeniqua Family Market (Saturdays, 14 Dec–11 Jan). Grab maps, scan QR codes for the latest info, and try the Win & Spin wheel for a chance to win fun prizes.

🏝️ Look out for us at Beaches & Redberry Farm!
Our team will also be hosting fun tourism info activations at top spots across the area. Don’t miss out!

📲 Get more info about local attractions, events and Christmas lunches from visitgeorge.co.za
Let’s make this summer unforgettable! 🌞✨

The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 1 Warning for wind and waves. Fire Chief and Disaster Manager, Neels Barnard, strongly cautions all residents and visitors about rough and choppy sea conditions caused by strong winds and high waves currently being experienced at all George beaches.

The public is notified that swimming is not recommended and small vessels and personal watercraft are at risk.
Spring tide this weekend could further worsen conditions, increasing the risk of strong currents and surges.

Beachgoer Safety Tips:
Avoid swimming as the current conditions make it unsafe. Stay out of the water.
Follow lifeguards’ instructions: Pay attention to their guidance and the warning flags on the beach:

* Red flag: No swimming permitted.
* Yellow flag: Caution; be extra vigilant.
* Green flag: Safe to swim, but remain alert.
* Crossed white flags: This indicates that lifeguards are not on duty. If displayed:
* No lifeguard services are available, and swimming is at your own risk. Exercise extreme caution or avoid swimming altogether, especially during rough or hazardous conditions. Consider visiting alternative beaches with active lifeguards.
* Keep a safe distance: Stay well away from the shoreline, particularly during high tide and surges.

Your safety is our priority. Please exercise extreme caution, respect the signals and instructions, and help us ensure a safe beach environment for everyone.