George Municipality Newspaper

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY The city for a sustainable future NEWSPAPER IN THIS ISSUE MARCH 2021 Stormwater upgrades 2 Thembalethu Bridge upgrade 9

THE CITY FOR ALL REASONS Accessing library services 7 New recycling contract 11 Mayor welcomes new acting MM George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon There is a serious skills shortage in van Wyk welcomed the municipality's certain directorates which must be Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele addressed in order to ensure that the Gratz and Acting Director Community bulk infrastructure projects remain on Services Allan Paulse with elbow bumps track which will aid the promotion of on their first day of work in January this development, contribute to the economy year. as well as job creation. Dr Gratz has extensive experience as Covid-19 has forced all of us to rethink municipal manager and previously our work methods and we continue to worked at George Municipality for 12 simplify processes so that our citizens years. can access services whilst ensuring the “I am committed to this municipality safety of our officials and members of rendering the highest quality of the public. There are many challenges service despite the financial and facing George and I will endeavour to operational challenges we continue make a difference to the residents of The new year started with the appointment of Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz (right) and Acting Community to face during the Covid-19 pandemic. George.” Services Director Allen Paulse (left). They were welcomed by Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk on the first workday, 4 January. 24 new flush toilets for Kleinkrantz Informal Settlement The Executive Mayor of George, and that this was a step in the settlement is situated is not level Ald Leon van Wyk officially right direction, to restoring the and the Municipality had to move handed over 24 new flush toilets dignity of residents. Cllr Marlene toilets closer to structures where to residents of the Kleinkrantz Barnardt, Ward Councillor for the elderly or disabled people live. Informal Settlement in March. Kleinkrantz, says she and the The George Municipality made Ald van Wyk noted that this was residents have many plans to funding available on the budget an important project where the make the toilet facilities even for the upgrading of informal municipality installed concrete more attractive. settlements and this settlement slabs for the toilets, and the flush Edwin Herandien, Deputy was chosen due to the fact that toilets were connected to the Director: Human Settlements water-borne toilets could easily be existing water pipeline providing confirmed plastic doors have connected to the sewer system at a positive change for residents been used for the facilities to a minimal cost. who have used chemical toilets deter vandals from breaking the Existing toilet structures, for many years. doors. harvested from another project, Jonathan Miggels was so excited There are 66 families residing in were upgraded (new toilet pots with his new ‘throne’ that he the settlement. During the roll- and cisterns installed) and utilised almost immediately painted it. “I out of the Informal Settlements’ for this project which further am proud of the new facility and masterplan, a total of 24 chemical reduced the cost. An additional will keep it clean and maintain it. toilets and 8 taps were provided 12 taps were also provided to the I’ve been a resident for 26 years in to the inhabitants residing in settlement. the settlement and this new toilet this settlement. The toilets were Herandien said the service is definitely more convenient than provided from grant funding of 24 chemical toilets cost the the chemical toilets they used on a ratio of 1 sanitation facility Municipality an astronomical previously.” for every 5 structures and 1 amount of around R18 000 per Cllr Raybin Figland, Portfolio tap for every 25 structures as month. The project commenced At the freshly painted flush toilet are from left, Cllr Marlene Barnardt, Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk, Councillor of Housing per the norm prescribed by the at the end of January 2021 and Jonathan Miggels, the beneficiary of the flush toilet and Cllr Raybin Figland, Portfolio Councillor for Settlements, says he is proud of National Department of Human the completion date of the project Human Settlements. the upgrade to a better facility Settlements. The area where the was February 2021. George - One of first to offer wheeling and electricity trading George Municipality is on its tariff charged by the municipality way to becoming one of the first provides a revenue stream B-municipality's in the country to without any additional layout. The explore the offer of wheeling and municipality plays a facilitating role," electricity trading through the said Van Wyk. municipal grid after Council gave the Although this pilot project will have go-ahead for the first steps in this no immediate effect on the electricity direction in January 2021. reliability or load shedding within This followed on the George Electro- George, it will assist the municipality technical department investigating to mitigate the challenges introduced several opportunities to adapt by the changing energy sector. This and mitigate the risk of a changing strategy will encourage investment electricity sector in South Africa. in George and does assist in load This pilot project will be used by reduction as well as addition of the George Municipality to develop capacity to the South African and explore the technical aspects network, so the benefit stretches and address the currently unknown wider." regulatory process of wheeling and During the pilot project, the George electricity trading within a municipal Municipality will investigate the environment. technical challenges of wheeling In essence, the municipality is part of a larger process where the trading licenses from the national grid from privately generated power electricity through the grid as well looking to develop a more sustainable municipality is aiming to migrate to a energy regulator (Nersa). Municipal through an alternative source to, say, as the policy, legal and regulatory business model, which will allow the more sustainable financial model in by-laws and policies also have to be a factory that wants to buy electricity reform required. delivery of electricity generated by a the future. amended. Once these are in place, from that trader. The importance of This initial trading capacity will private operator at one location to a Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk traders registered with NERSA will, the municipal electrical network as thus be limited until clear guidelines buyer or off-taker in another location said the process will start with a for example, be allowed to wheel a link between private enterprises is and capacity limitations have been via the municipal network. This forms customer applying for the required electricity through the municipal echoed through this initiative. The determined.

The Thembalethu Zone 9 Stormwater project is one of four currently underway. Stormwater projects underway Major stormwater upgrades are well municipal area. George Municipality and/or to accommodate the needs of “We are pleased by the progress road users and residents to be patient, underway, which will significantly counter-funded the MIG allocation with increased development. “The master on the first four sites, especially exercise caution near roadworks and reduce flooding in problem areas in approximately R5-million. plans are developed per area and the since they had been approved a adhere to traffic and construction George during normal rainfall events. George Municipality Deputy Director most critical upgrades per area are then year ago in February 2020 but were signage. Four projects to the value of R23-million Streets and Stormwater, Lionel Daniels prioritised for funding. halted in their tracks by the Covid-19 The municipality continues to will in some cases, include upgrading of said these four “While the lockdown. Project roll-out was revised develop plans per area and setting out sections of gravel road to paved streets areas were master plan may and construction finally restarted of projects. Implementation is subject to allow the effective operation of the prioritised by The master plans are identify critical in December 2020. Completion is to the availability of capital funding on stormwater system in these areas. using the George developed per area and projects per expected by 30 June 2021.” the annual budget. The current Municipal Infrastructure Municipality area, other areas Large diameter pipes, up to 1m The municipality continues to pursue Grant (MIG)-funded projects in Stormwater Area the most critical upgrades where existing diameter, are being installed in places alternative funding and applies for Thembalethu Zone 1, Thembalethu Master Plan, a per area are then stormwater and residents are advised to avoid the MIG-funding where applicable. Zone 9, Pacaltsdorp (Andersonville) tool that analysed problems persist construction areas where possible. “We are confident that more of and New Dawn Park are the first to the condition prioritised for funding. will take priority, As construction is taking place in these upgrades will follow in the be targeted in what the municipality of existing especially those the road reserves, this will impact next few financial years, which hopes to be an on-going government- stormwater infrastructure and where houses have been flooded in the on vehicular and pedestrian traffic. will ultimately mean better overall supported programme to upgrade determined what kinds of work were past and urgent remedial work must be George Municipality apologises for stormwater systems of the entire stormwater infrastructure across the required to resolve existing problems undertaken,” said Mr Daniels. any inconvenience and appeals to municipal area,” said Mr Daniels. UISP - Four-year housing project nearly complete Building is underway for the last 37 houses of construction of top structures on the already a 700-unit housing project that commenced in laid foundations could start and the first five Thembalethu in February 2017. units are already at roof-height. Weather and George Municipality Director Human circumstances permitting, the anticipated Settlements Charles Lubbe said Phase One completion date for the entire project is end of of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements May 2021. Programme (UISP) was coming to a close The UISP is funded by the Western Cape with the second-last batch of 50 units Department Human Settlements with the completed and transferred to owners at the end George Municipality acting as implementation of last year. agent via the Enhanced People’s Housing Cllr Richard Hector “This project has been life-changing for 700 Process (EPHP). Beneficiaries could be involved Ward 27 (GOOD) new homeowners and the municipality is proud in the planning including selection of a house of its role in administering the process.” with or without a patio. The last section of the project is situated on A retention phase of three months applies in land where beneficiaries had been temporarily which defects can be reported and addressed. relocated while their houses were being built. Thereafter homes are the responsibility of the As beneficiaries moved into their new houses, owner, including maintenance and alterations.

The Golden Valley housing project houses are nearly finished and will soon be handed over to beneficiaries. Golden Valley Housing Project is making headway The Golden Valley Housing Project in Blanco is Settlements. The contractor, Marnol, has been making headway after it recommenced on 7 appointed by the Provincial Department of Human October 2020 and this project currently comprises of Settlements to complete the project. It is envisaged the building of 136 top structures (actual houses) to that the projected completion date of the project will qualifying beneficiaries. be 15 November 2021. According to Charles Lubbe, Director: Human The current progress includes 70 foundations which Settlements, all of the beneficiaries have been have been cast, with 36 houses that are at roof height. identified and the subsidies have been approved The contractor has indicated that the first batch of Thembalehtu UISP by the Provincial Department of Human houses could be handed over by the end of March. 71 York Street, George | PO Box 19, George, 6530 044 801 9111 www.george.gov.za

Ald Leon Van Wyk Cllr Charlotte Clarke Cllr Gerrit Pretorius Cllr Marlene Barnardt Portfolio Cllr Portfolio Cllr Portfolio Cllr Portfolio Cllr Executive Mayor Executive Deputy Mayor Speaker Ward 22 Chief Whip Ward 4 Raybin Figland Nosicelo Mbete Cecil Noble Sean Snyman (DA) (DA) (DA) (DA) Human Settlements Electro-Technical Protection Services Community Services PR (DA) Services PR (DA) Ward 16 (DA) Ward 19 (DA)

Portfolio Cllr Portfolio Cllr Portfolio Cllr Portfolio Cllr Cllr Jean Safers Cllr Daniel Cronje Cllr Erica Luise Brown Cllr Peter Louw Johan Stander Isaya Stemela Jacqulique von Brandis Dirk Wessels Ward 1 (DA) Ward 2 (DA) Ward 3 (DA) Ward 5 (DA) Planning Ward 23 (DA) Corporate Services Civil Engineering Finance & Strategic PR (DA) Services Ward 26 (DA) Services PR (DA)

Cllr Hendrik Ingo Cllr Shaheed Rooiland Ald Bazil Petrus Cllr Sivuyile Dlikilili Cllr Buyiswa Henge Cllr Cokiswa Lesele Cllr Bulelwa Plata Cllr Langa Langa Ward 6 (DA) Ward 7 (ANC) Ward 8 (DA) Ward 9 (ANC) Ward 10 (ANC) Ward 11 (ANC) Ward 12 (ANC) Ward 13 (ANC)

Cllr Melvin Roelfse Cllr Faith Mdaka Cllr Brendon Adams Cllr Donovan Gultig Cllr Regina Windwaai Cllr Ntombi James Cllr Michael Daniels Cllr Jarques Esau Ward 14 (DA) Ward 15 (ANC) Ward 17 (DA) Ward 18 (DA) Ward 20 (DA) Ward 21 (ANC) Ward 24 (ANC) Ward 25 (ANC)

Cllr Richard Hector Cllr John-Patrick Buys Cllr Johan Du Toit Cllr Dennis Farrell Cllr Theresa Fortuin Cllr Justin Fry Ald Virgil Gericke Cllr Nomawethu Ward 27 (GOOD) PR (PBI) PR (ACDP) PR (DA) PR (ICOSA) PR (DA) PR (PBI) Jantjies-Gushman PR (ANC)

Cllr Browen Johnson Cllr Vuyolwethu Kama Ald Iona Kritzinger Cllr Helen Loff Cllr Khumbulelo Cllr Julia Ncamazana Cllr Phumela Nosana Cllr Elizabeth Stroebel PR (DA) PR (EFF) PR (DA) PR (ANC) Mkondo PR (AIC) PR (ANC) PR (ANC) PR (DA)

Cllr Tobeka Teyisi Ald Pieter van der Cllr Gert van Niekerk Ald Charlie Williams PR (ANC) Hoven PR (ANC) PR (VFP) PR (ANC) THE CITY FOR ALL REASONS 71 York Street, George | PO Box 19, George, 6530 044 801 9111 www.george.gov.za

George Municipal Communications | 71 York Street | PO Box 19 | 044 801 9111 | [email protected] | www.george.gov.za 4 The City for a sustainable future March 2021 Netball fields to be upgraded George Municipality’s Sport Development Sport Grounds netball facilities was submitted section is pleased to announce that through via JK Consulting for consideration by the the efforts of K1 Quarry, a business partner Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in George, that helps with social upliftment as part of Lezmin (2021)t/a K1 Quarry’s projects, funds were approved for the statutory responsibility project that forms part upgrading of the Pacaltsdorp and Rosemoor of the conditions of their mining license. Sport grounds and in particular the Netball In line with the Integrated Development courts. Plan of the George Municipality on sporting According to Granville Campher, Manager: Sport development, discussions were held in Development at George Municipality, the funds September 2020 with the various stakeholders, will be used to fence the netball courts. New including the Portfolio Councillor for Library Week 2021 gates and new fencing will Community Services, Cllr Nkosinathi Meziwa, launched his poetry book, Williams, Manager: George Libraries, who also be erected at Pacaltsdorp I am looking forward Sean Snyman, Eden Netball Lolani izikrwege, at the Thembalethu Library attended the event, says it was a success. She said as well. Campher said this federation and Ward recently as part of Library Week. although not a lot of people could attend the event good news comes in time to more projects Councillors of the different Here he is seen with some of the attendees at the due to Covid-19 restrictions, the people who did for the Netball World Cup of this kind. Wards directly impacted event with his poetry book, Lolani izikrwege. He attend, were very interactive and asked the poet a that was awarded to South by this project. Campher took part in a book discussion with the attendees at lot of interesting questions. Africa for 2023. said at this meeting it was the library. Please listen to the reading of Meziwa on the The facilities at the Sport Grounds serve most decided that Pacaltsdorp and Rosemoor Sports The eclectic poetry book which has a bit of George Municipality YouTube channel. – https:// schools in the vicinity. He said the individual Grounds needed upgrading. The project will everything is written in English and isiXhosa. Rachel youtu.be/dYtHcNXh0DQ fencing of the different netball courts make commence in early 2021. a huge difference, since more games can be Cllr Snyman said it is fantastic to see how the played at once without players moving into private sector and the Municipality are taking some of the other courts. hands to create sustainable projects. “I am Campher said an application for funding for looking forward to more projects of this kind,” Ward 18:Kat River Bridge Project the upgrade of Pacaltsdorp and Rosemoor Snyman remarked. Saving the Kat River Bridge Project is an support to the bridge and to paint the bridge with initiative and partnership between the Ward anti-rust paint. 18 Committee, of which Cllr Donovan Gultig is If any person would like to help with the Save the the Ward Councillor and other organisations to Kat River Bridge Project, feel free to contact Cllr restore the bridge that is in a dilapidated state Gultig on [email protected] and includes the cycling trail that extends from there to the Garden Route Dam. The Kat River Bridge is the shortest way from the Eden area to reach the Garden Route Dam area. The other stakeholders are HillBillies Mountain Bike Club, residents of the suburbs of Eden and towing companies of George, Eden Steel and Transistor Electronics store. The first phase of the repair work included welding sections of the bridge that were loose, and adding in reinforcement. Gultig said further phases will include attaching and adding more

Cllr Sean Snyman (Portfolio Councillor for Community Services) second from left and Desmond Jaftha from K1 Quarry with the memorandum of understanding regarding the upgrading of the Rosemoor and Pacaltsdorp netball fields. On the far left is Granville Campher, Manager: Sport Cllr Donovan Gultig with Ward Committee Development and Leveinia Botha, Sports Development Officer. Member, Adri Joubert, on the bridge

Ward 1: Blanco Clean up George Municipality Cleansing section and the Ward Councillor of Blanco, Cllr Jean Säfers, as well as volunteers from Thando Consultants and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) held a cleanup operation in Golden Valley, Blanco. It took the group of volunteers about three hours to clean Crystal Avenue and they filled up approximately 80 black bags of refuse.

George Municipal Communications | 71 York Street | PO Box 19 | 044 801 9111 | [email protected] | www.george.gov.za March 2021 The City for a sustainable future 5 Revived food gardens project going well The George Municipality’s Food Garden Waboomskraal, Haarlem, Uniondale and Project, which was revived at the end of last Pacaltsdorp. Each garden is expected to yield year, is off to a good start with 265 gardens a crop to feed 5 to 10 people, depending on identified since the project’s revitalisation in a range of factors including garden size and November 2020. growing conditions. George Municipality Acting Deputy Director The municipality continues relationships with Strategic Services Joan Shaw said coordinators the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management prioritised connection with previous participants Agency (BGCMA) which had been key in the past of the programme. “News of the revived project to help provide rainwater tanks to food garden started spreading and we expect to have at participants and the Western Cape Department least 265 gardens of Agriculture established in this who has been planting season. We News of the revived project facilitating training are confident that and mentoring, and numbers will grow as started spreading and assisting with funding, the project gathers we expect to have at least extensions and momentum.” advisory services. The project is 265 gardens established in Long-term championed by the this planting season. plans include the George Municipality establishment of food Economic Development unit and is run by a markets in participating communities when the team of coordinators who identify possible projects are established enough to consistently gardeners and oversee the establishment of provide surplus crops. small vegetable gardens in their backyards. “Persons in vulnerable communities interested The coordinators guide the process from soil in starting a food garden are welcome to contact preparation to harvest and visit regularly to the project coordinators on the numbers below mentor and check on their needs and progress. or visit the Workers Collection Point in Industria The aim is that the gardens will become Road (opposite the Tekkie Town factory shop). sustainable throughout the year according to “The municipality welcomes involvement and the seasons and that gardeners will ultimately support from business, NGOs and individuals not only put food on the table for their own who can assist in the long-term sustainability families but also have extra to share, sell or of the project. Ongoing needs include seeds, barter with. compost, gardening tools and rainwater tanks. George Municipality helped kick off the “We believe the Food Gardens Project can planting season for winter crops by distributing become a life-changing beacon of hope,” said seeds to participating gardeners in Blanco, Ms Shaw. Touwsranten, Rosemoor, Thembalethu, Enquiries: Amy Kearns [email protected] Rosedale, Conville, Borchards, Geelhoutboom, or 044 801 9173 during office hours. Josey Witbooi, Haarlem (near Uniondale) Willem Lottering, Borchards (George)

Isaac Pretorius, Blanco (George) Gérard Saayman, Die Rus (George) Julian du Preez, Haarlem (near Uniondale) Municipal Court in session Although the Covid-19 pandemic hit all services compliance with the National Building Regulations hard, especially during the stringent lockdown and Municipal By-Laws. period in 2020, the George Municipal Court The Municipal Court is achieving its objective of has dealt with 45122 municipal traffic cases providing a better service to the community and since opening in 2017, excluding cases from the ensuring compliance with legislation and by-laws. Provincial Traffic Department. Van Schalkwyk said the court is functioning well and Adv Johann Van Schalkwyk, Head: Legal and fulfils its role to deliver a service to the residents of Compliance Services, George Municipality said the George. court is served by a magistrate Amanda Joubert, The public is reminded that the municipal court stenographer Michael Krige, prosecutor Sikolele located at George Civic Centre, currently operates Magxwalisa, an interpreter Adrian Kraai, clerk of under strict Covid-19 protocols. The entrance to the the court Angelique Felix and an administrative building is at the front of the George Civic Centre clerk Andiswa Dakada. (facing York Street). The main purpose of the Court is to prosecute Members of the public can make appointments and adjudicate traffic related offences received to see the Prosecutor of the court, Sikolele from both the Provincial and Municipal Traffic Magxwalisa. The public can send the prosecutor Departments, which were committed within the an email on [email protected] or jurisdiction of the Municipality and to ensure phone the clerk of the court on 044 801 9400.

George Municipal Communications | 71 York Street | PO Box 19 | 044 801 9111 | [email protected] | www.george.gov.za 6 The City for a sustainable future March 2021 Conville Gemeenskapsaal dak word herstel George Munisipaliteit het onlangs begin met miljoen en die werk sal omtrent twee maande duur. noodsaaklike vervanging van die dak van die Die werk sal geen impak hê op die omliggende Conville gemeenskapsaal nadat die dak begin geboue, parkeergebiede en aktiwiteite nie. Intussen lek het en nie meer herstel kon word nie. Volgens is die gebou ook omhein en veiligheidshokke Alwyn Joseph, Bestuurder: Hulpdienste in die (window cages) by vensters aangebring om Direktoraat van Korporatiewe Dienste, is die dak vandalisme af te weer. reeds 40 jaar oud. Vandalisme is 'n misdaad en kos belastingbetalers Die Conville gemeenskapsaal is in 1980 ingehuldig. baie geld. Rapporteer mense wat met munisipale Die dak het intussen baie verweer en dit is eiendom peuter, verf, breek of steel by die polisie noodsaaklik om die hele dak te vervang. Die en George-munisipaliteit (044 801 6350 of 044 801 vervangingswerk word ook nou gedurende ‘n ideale 6300 na-ure) sodra u dit sien gebeur. As u foto's Cllr Sean Snyman (left) and Willbedine Jordaan from Community Services with other officials and members of the community who received food parcels. tyd van die Covid-19 pandemie gedoen, omdat die van die skuldiges in die daad kan neem sonder om Munisipale gemeenskapsale tans vir die publiek uself in gevaar te stel, sal dit baie help. By voorbaat gesluit is. dankie dat u ons help om ons infrastruktuur te Die totale koste vir die projek beloop R1,080 beskerm. Celebrating Khomanani Day in Herold The George Municipality annually celebrates support each other. He said people living with Khomanani Day, a national mobilisation HIV/AIDS do not need sympathy because that campaign focusing on HIV/Aids and its effects. does not help them, but they need support and More than a 100 people affected and infected love to carry them through the tough times. with HIV/AIDS, with the theme Afrika day, turned Snyman inspired the crowd to use their talents up to the event in Herold. and turn them into jobs and start food gardens. SHE (Social Health and Empowerment), a non- He also thanked the health staff and the profit organisation, Bethesda Medical and Relief Municipality officials for their support. Services and the department of Health were Hester September, a member from the local also part of the day and delivered services to the community also shared a motivational speech community. about her struggles with regards to health The municipality ran a wellness programme issues she encountered and how she coped which included motivational speeches by a through it. political leader, health care professionals and Willbedine Jordaan, Acting HIV/AIDS other persons of interest. Coordinator, handed 100 food parcels to all the Portfolio Councillor for Community attendees as a symbol of love and support from Voor die Conville gemeenskapsaal wat ‘n nuwe dak kry, staan Alwyn Joseph Bestuurder: Hulpdienste by Development, Cllr Sean Snyman, gave a the municipality. As part of the day’s activities, Korporatiewe Dienste; Xolani Henge, Waarnemende Superintendent: Hulpdienste; Quinton Christiaans van Master Builders Alicia (MBA) Construction wat die konstruksiewerk doen en Rdsl Isaya Stemela, motivational speech in which he encouraged HIV testing and counselling was also done and portefeuljeraadslid van Korporatiewe Dienste. people to rise above their circumstances and to each person that tested, received a small gift. Weevils released as part of multi-faceted Kariba Weed management plan George Municipality is seeing excellent results “We are grateful to be working with specialists following the release of 1500 weevils as part of a in the Aquatic Weeds Programme at the Rhodes multi-faceted plan to sustainably manage Kariba University Centre for Biological Control, which Weed infestation in the Garden Route Dam. is currently undertaking studies in the Garden “The municipality is fully aware of the presence Route Dam. During a visit to the infection sites, of Kariba Weed in the dam, as well as the causes the unit indicated that the infestation was not for it, and is working alongside experts in the field currently a concern as the surface coverage was to manage the problem holistically,” said George proportionally small compared to overall size of Municipality Superintendent Parks and Recreation the dam and could be effectively addressed with a Priscilla Burgoyne. few interventions. Weevils of the species Cyrtobagous salviniae were “The Parks and Recreation section is developing released mid-February 2021 at the Kat River a management plan with the assistance of aquatic Officials from George Municipality, department of Environmental Affairs and EPWP workers getting inlet into the dam and near the dam wall where specialist Dr Jackie Dabrowski and will comprise ready to clean an illegal dumping site next to the Fire Department in Thembalethu in Nelson Mandela most of the Kariba Weed grows. Upon follow-up biological control, manual removal and spraying Boulevard. investigation, studies confirmed a 91% infection when necessary. We hope to combine funding uptake and a significant reduction in the amount with other relevant municipal departments to of dead plant material is expected once the weevils implement practical sustainable solutions that will have established. address the issue as long as it is necessary. The weevils reproduce constantly and are “The municipality assures the public that this expected to stay and reproduce as long as there is matter is well in hand, is being addressed by Kariba Weed to feed on. The larvae do the most learned experts in their fields, and that there damage as they bore into the stem of the plant is no current threat of oxygen depletion or and disrupt the vascular system, hollowing it out. eutrophication as has been suggested by non- The adults eat away at the growing tip which stops expert members of the public citing ‘Wikipedia’ as growth. their source of reference,” said Ms Burgoyne.

Learners from Pacaltsdorp Primary School after the cleanup. Clean up for Coastal Cleanup Day George Municipality in conjunction with other Pacaltsdorp Primary School to clean up their areas. stakeholders used the International Coastal Grace Notshokovu from the George Municipal Roleplayers pay a follow-up visit to the site in the Kat River where weevils were successfully released Cleanup theme day last year to clean in then Environmental section said instead of doing as a biological control measure for Kariba Weed. From left are Hershon Amill of service provider A-Turf, Covid-19 hotspots, Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp. cleaning at beaches, it was decided that the focus Matthew Paper of the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University, aquatic specialist Dr Jackie The Municipality environmental team, in would rather shift to cleaning the two communities Dabrowski of Confluent Environmental and George Municipality superintendent Parks and Recreation conjunction with the department of Environmental most affected by illegal dumping and high numbers Priscilla Burgoyne. Affairs teamed up with EPWP workers and of infections for Covid-19.

George Municipal Communications | 71 York Street | PO Box 19 | 044 801 9111 | [email protected] | www.george.gov.za March 2021 The City for a sustainable future 7 Phase One of composting plant George Municipality is thinking ahead, keeping this will be addressed via municipal supply chain George clean and green and has completed management criteria. The public will be allowed Phase 1 of a composting plant to be established at the composting site under strict regulations at the George Landfill site on the R102 (airport to deliver green and organic waste only with the road). The main reason for the establishment of operations of the day to day work handled by the the composting facility is the decommissioning appointed company. The highly technical process and closing of the George Landfill site within will have to be run by a specialised service the next 18 months. The facility will also assist provider. the municipality to reduce and re-use waste, in Council will still need to take a decision on what particular green and organic waste. will be done with the final product, but it can be Phase 1 was the building of the first platform of sold and provide revenue. the composting plant which has been completed George remains committed to waste during the previous financial year. This platform reduction, not only because the region is will be used to do composting with green running out of landfill space but also because it materials and organic waste received from is the environmentally right thing to do. Waste businesses and residents. management is increasingly expensive, and Phase 2 of the project entails the building of with local landfill sites closing and transport the second platform for composting with both to regional landfill and waste disposal facilities platforms required for the service provider to adding to the bill, if we can reduce the amount continue. of waste transported out of the city, everyone The next step is to appoint a service provider to benefits in the long-term – financially and establish and operate the composting facility and environmentally.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais (right) paid a courtesy visit to Uniondale Library on Thursday. Library assistant Sandra van Vught showed her around. George Libraries – how to access services George libraries reopened to the public in Library services remain limited as follows: February this year with Covid-19 measures in • Issue and return of books. place. Safety of staff and patrons remains of • Ten books per library member for lending utmost importance and all Covid-19 protocols period of a month at a time. are in place at all libraries. Opening hours • Admittance to adults and children older than remain reduced and admittance to the George 12. Main Library remains by appointment only while • Children’s section is closed to children, the community libraries will be access-restricted but adults can take out books on behalf of based on the amount of people inside the library children. according to the size of the facility. • Research and reference services arranged by The cleared surface shown in the picture is the area from where the composting plant will be George Libraries Manager Rachel Williams phone and/or email. operated from at the Landfill site on the R102 (airport road). welcomed back all library users and thanked them • Internet services - preference given to pre- for their ongoing patience and consideration booked patrons, maximum two people at any during challenging times. “Library users who have given time. material on loan from before libraries closed • Study area limited in compliance with Global Handwashing Day need not worry about any fines as materials were regulations. automatically renewed during the most recent • Wearing of masks and sanitising of hands are closure. compulsory. celebrated at Klouter Kabouter “We are also launching a service in which • Your temperature will be taken before The George Municipality Community children are from two to six years old. patrons can select books via the online library entering the library area, no admittance if it is Development section celebrated Global Each child also received a colouring-in picture portal (see details below) and email a list of 37.5C and higher. Handwashing Day late last year at Klouter depicting a boy washing his hands as well as a materials they want to loan. Librarians will make Library materials handed in will be Kabouter creche in New Dawn Park, Pacaltsdorp. surprise packet to enjoy at home. Jordaan said up piles of available materials and arrange a time quarantined for 72 hours as per national and Willbedine Jordaan from the section held an they promoted handwashing with soap as an for collection. You can also phone your librarian to Western Cape safety standards and plastic information session with the children followed by effective and affordable way to prevent diseases inquire about a book-by-phone service,” said Ms covered materials wiped with sanitiser before a demonstration on the correct way of washing and save lives. Willams. being made available for loan. your hands. Dinah Maart, the principal at the crèche, were Each child of the 75 children, was given the very happy with the initiative of the Municipality opportunity to wash their hands the correct way and thanked the team for choosing Klouter and had their own bucket and hand towel. All the Kabouter for this significant day. Avontuur Library: 044 752 3351 Thembalethu Library: 044 803 9260 [email protected] - Monday [email protected] - Monday to Friday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Wednesday and 9am-4.30pm Thursday 10am-1pm. Touwsranten Library: 044 803 9285 Blanco Library: 044 870 7047 gmblancobib@ [email protected] - Monday to Friday gmail.com - Monday to Friday 9am-4pm 9am-4pm

Conville Library: 044 801 9320 Jrhode1@george. Uniondale Library: 044 752 1024 gov.za - Monday 9am-4pm [email protected] - Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm George Library: 044 801 9288 rwilliams@george. gov.za - Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday Waboomskraal Library: angiefigeland@gmail. 9am-12pm com - Monday to Friday 10am-2pm

Haarlem Library: 044 763 1023 shonisemichels@ George Municipality library portal link: yahoo.com - Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm- wc.slims.gov.za/desktop/desktopwcgeplge 5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2pm-5pm You can search online according to author, title, subjects, keyword, publisher or ISBN Noll Library: 044 745 1014 dieprivierprim@ number. gmail.com - Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm, Type in your library number on your card to Willbedine Jordaan from Saturday 9am-12pm check your library materials status including Community due date and opportunity to renew your books Development Pacaltsdorp Library: 044 803 9340 pacsbib@ yourself. demonstrates to george.org.za - Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm the children at Klouter Kabouter how to wash their hands.

George Municipal Communications | 71 York Street | PO Box 19 | 044 801 9111 | [email protected] | www.george.gov.za 8 The City for a sustainable future Book-Sharing for Families George Libraries celebrate World Read-Aloud Day George Library joined the rest Workshop of the world by being part George Libraries held a book-sharing for the programmes that they use is Dialogic practical applications with the children of of World Read-aloud day in families workshop in March last year at Book-Sharing. Conville Primary School and other special February this year, in order to the Conville Civic Centre. The workshop According to Rachel Williams, Manager: techniques at this structured support develop and foster a love for was a collaborative effort between the George Libraries, the dialogic book- workshop. reading and books. George Municipal Library Service, The sharing brings about a special kind of Williams said this programme is of Rachel Williams, Manager: Seven Passes Initiative and the Mikhulu interaction between an adult and a young huge importance as it develops the George Libraries said they Child Development Trust. child by means of wordless or text-light numeracy and cognitive skills of the child, linked up with Nali’Bali (which The Mikhulu Child Development Trust picture books. strenghens the bond between parent means “here’s the story”) to focuses on the promotion of evidence- This technique addresses the socio- and child and builds the confidence and escape into a world of fun and based early childhood development in emotional development of the infant. vocabulary of the child. It further paves laughter by means of a story South Africa. They achieve this by making During the workshop, the staff used the way for improved focus and attention written by Sihle Nontshokweni use of innovative programmes. One of videos, discussions, presentations and of the child. and illustrated by Magriet Brink and Leo Daly: Fly, everyone, fly! Janine Pierre Carolus, librarian at George Library, was the library story-reader this year. Librarians Garelene Muller from George library, Angelina Figeland from Waboomskraal library and Jeanetta Rhode from Conville Library also read stories aloud to indicate the importance of literature and reading. According to Mrs Williams, this campaign advocates for access to literacy and diverse stories as the aim, is celebrated on the first Wednesday of February each year. She said World Read-Aloud Day is an inspiring programme that unlocks the potential of young ones through literacy. George Audrenay Meiring from Pacaltsdorp Library Service took part in this Primary School reads aloud on World Read event by means of a virtual Aloud Day. programme as well as radioslots on Eden FM and Heartbeat FM. Read Aloud Day is the exposure of Malibongwe Luyenge and library children to different cultures and assistant at Blanco Library, Gene languages as the story by Nali’Bali is Carolus , spoke about the campaign written in all official languages. The on radio and read stories aloud for emphasis of the day is put on the the radio listeners. importance of books, literature and reading. George Library Staff as well as staff of the Seven Passes Initiative and the Mikhulu Child Development Trust at a Book-Sharing Workshop. Williams says the value of World

HOW TO GET AND USE GEORGE MUNICIPALITY MOBILE APPLICATION (APP) / HOE OM GEORGE MUNISIPALITEIT MOBIELE TOEPASSING (APP) AF TE LAAI EN TE GEBRUIK You can log complaints and get municipal news updates on the George Municipality Mobile Application. Tap on this link, which will take you to the place where you can download the George Municipality Application (App) on your phone or computer (as long as it can connect to the internet). U kan klagtes aanmeld en munisipale nuusopdaterings kry oor die George-munisipaliteit mobiele toepassing aansoek. Tik op hierdie skakel wat u sal neem na die plek waar u die George Munisipaliteit Mobiele Toepassing (App) op u foon of rekenaar kan aflaai (solank dit met die internet kan verbind). https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.comunity.george&hl=en_ZA

George Municipal Communications | 71 York Street | PO Box 19 | 044 801 9111 | [email protected] | www.george.gov.za The City for a sustainable future 9 JCC Council visits Herold’s Bay to clean up While most youth go to the beach over weekends to laze around, members of the George Junior City Council went geared up to clean at Herold’s Bay beach and filled several black bags with rubbish dumped on the beach and sidewalks. The members visited the beach in October last year. According to Áine Ferreira, member of the George Junior City Council and learner at Outeniqua High School, they went there, not thinking they would find much trash “but little did we know that what visually didn't look like much, filled up black bags.” “We were especially amazed by the amount of cigarette butts filling the beach and side walks. It was shocking to see,” Áine said. She says she did some research and found that 65% of all cigarette butts end up being littered. “The majority of these get washed away into streams and end in the ocean, Precious Xego from Eden Technical High School (left), spreading harmful chemicals and Davinicia-Lee London from George High School and poisoning sea creatures. Not only Lindy Prinsloo from Glenwood House School pick up does cigarette filters contain a plastic rubbish at Herold’s Bay beach. called cellulose acetate which can last for 25 years in the environment without breaking down but there doing the right thing ,easy. There are also about 4000 chemicals in is even a cigarette butt holder. a single cigarette filter, including “We as the Junior City Council of arsenic, formaldehyde, ammonia George would like to urge you, the and lead. The plastic body of the citizens and visitors to think of the filter can get lodged in the intestines consequences of everything you and airways of animals, leading to drop to the ground. Next time you suffocation or starvation,” she said. leave the beach, remember to bin Áine said that like most of our your trash. It will only make your beaches in George and surrounds, next visit a more enjoyable one. Herold’s Bay has been equipped Even the tiny things you might Áine Ferreira (Outeniqua High School), Haydn Wentzel (York High School), Maya van Zyl (York High School), Talita van Eeden (Outeniqua with trash bins, conveniently located consider to be insignificant can have High School), Lindy Prinsloo (Glenwood House School), Caitlin Potgieter (Outeniqua High School), Precious Xego (Eden Technical High every few meters apart to make a huge negative impact,” she said. School), Davinicia-Lee London (George High School) on the beach after their clean-up.

How road repairs are prioritised in George The George Municipality’s Pavement considered during the classification process is replacement with brick paving and more. Given the current financial climate and Management System (PMS) is a planning tool the structural, aesthetic, surface and formation Further to the above, although a road may be insufficient funds, George Municipality focuses for the maintenance and repair of the entire condition as well as traffic volumes and functional regarded as high priority, it may be postponed on roads that are regarded as poor to very poor George municipal road network to optimise class of the road. depending on the municipality’s ability to afford but continues to explore funding opportunities to road conditions, and is used to prioritise roads Integrated Development Plan (IDP) requests and the proposed remedial work. Alternatively, a road address more. for upgrading, repairs and rehabilitation in the the number of complaints per road may play a that was regarded as ‘good’ may deteriorate very While no major repairs are foreseen for any George municipal area. role. quickly to poor, for instance after flooding and/ roads in good or fair condition in the near future, As part of the compilation of the PMS, each road From the investigation, treatment options are or sudden increase in heavy vehicular traffic. routine maintenance continues as and when is investigated by specialised pavement engineers specified for each road which could vary from Constant monitoring and evaluation are therefore required. and its condition classified from very poor (high a diluted emulsion, minor patching and crack required and may result in the reprioritisation of Requests for repairs to a specific road can be priority) to very good (low priority). Factors seal to asphalt, rehabilitation, reconstruction, roads. reported to 044 801 9262/66. Thembalethu Bridge upgrade The upgrade of the Thembalethu Bridge in with the George Municipality. cyclists. “A new bridge will be constructed on the Detailed design works is currently being finalised George, is a collaborative venture between The total construction period is between 24 and Western side. Once completed, the existing bridge and the tender for a contractor will be out by June SANRAL and the George Local Municipality, with 30 months, and the scope of works involves the will be raised and stitched to the new bridge, to 2021. Taking the procurement processes into the National Department of Transport having widening of the Thembalethu Bridge across the N2 ensure that the upgraded structure complies with account, the contractor should be appointed by provided R82,127 million towards the funding of from a single carriageway to accommodate two the minimum bridge clearance of 5.2 metres,” November 2021. the project. lanes in each direction, with additional turning explained Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Issued on behalf of SANRAL and George SANRAL is the Implementing Agent working closely lanes as well as extra space for pedestrians and Manager. Municipality.

Garden Route Dam: Wins national award George Municipality congratulated Zutari development were possible without Criteria for the Technical Excellence category of which was extended to 80m by curving the spillway Engineering Consultants, formerly known as compromising on quality and effectivity. the SAICE Awards: in the upstream direction. The new spillway consists Aurecon, for winning the Technical Excellence “Congratulations to Zutari (Aurecon) – For • Portray the art and science of civil engineering to of a reinforced concrete cantilever structure, which category at the South African Institute of Civil George, this is much more than an award- the general public is unusual for hydraulic structures of this type, as Engineering (SAICE) Awards for its work on winner, it is an extension of one of the city’s • Indicate how the profession finds answers to these are normally self-stable by their mass. the raising of the spillway and dam wall of the most important resources: water,” said Ms Von challenging demands To enhance the stability, the structure is provided Garden Route Dam outside George. Brandis. • Display unique or unusual features with rockfill on the upstream side of the wall footing, The Garden Route Dam is the main source The Garden Route Dam spillway and wall • Demonstrate functional efficiency, economic in addition to rock anchors. of potable water for the city and its capacity project was completed in January 2020 and contribution and service of mankind Although the full supply level (FSL) of the dam was had become a concern as the municipal area increased the dam storage capacity by 25% • Demonstrate some notable advance in the raised by 2.5 m, due to the local terrain the tallest continued to grow exponentially. Aurecon from 10 million cubic metres to an estimated solution of engineering problems portion of the new spillway wall is 4.9 m tall. A total devised a novel duckbill-shaped spillway that new capacity of 12,5 milion cubic metres. Good • Show particular aesthetic appeal of 1,780 m3 of concrete was used (750 m3 mass allowed for the dam’s existing storage capacity rainfall over the past few months have filled • Display engineering ingenuity in analysis or design concrete, 300 m3 for the walls, 390 m3 for the wall to be increased by 25% while increasing the the dam to its old capacity in early October and/or in construction technique footing, and 340 m3 for the channel). dam’s discharge capacity and thus improving (2020). The process of calibrating the dam’s new • Had successful handling of impacts on the The main dam wall was also raised by 1.76m to the dam’s safety. capacity is underway. environment prevent overtopping by placing earth fill on top of George Municipality Portfolio Councillor It is unknown how quickly the additional • Be well managed, finishing on time and within the existing embankment. Civil Engineering Services Jacqulique von dam capacity will fill up, especially taking into budget Selected material was placed as follows: general fill Brandis said the project proved that practical consideration that the ‘new’ top edge of the Project details: (12,500 m3), rip-rap (2,500 m3), filter sand (750 m3), and cost-effective solutions to infrastructure dam is wider and the incline flatter than before. The previous Garden Route spillway was 25m wide, and topsoil (2,050 m3).

Deputy Executive Mayor of George, Cllr Charlotte Clarke (middle right) and Cllr Liz Stroebel (middle left) at the election of the new George Junior City Council executive. From left are, Lindy Prinsloo (Glenwood House School - Deputy Speaker 2021), Abigail Minnies (Glenwood House School– Deputy Speaker 2020), Mickhaya Kroon (York High School – Speaker 2021), Jalaser Bosman (York High School– Speaker 2020), Inilé du Toit (Glenwood House School – Mayor 2020), Cllr Stroebel, Cllr Clarke, Ludolph Pedro (York High School– Mayor 2021), Caitlin Potgieter (Outeniqua High School– Deputy Mayor 2020), Aine Ferreira (Outeniqua High School – Deputy Mayor 2021), Haydn Wentzel, (York High School – Municipal Manager 2020) and Brenco de Kock (George High School– Municipal Manager 2021). JUNIOR CITY COUNCIL 2021 The George Junior City Council held their election Mayor of George, introduced the new executive years (first year as juniors and second year as women and their children. of the new executive committee for 2021 at the committee amidst great excitement. seniors) and thanked them for their hard work and They conducted a beach clean-up and the Outeniqua Bowling Club in November last year. Cllr Stroebel wished them well for 2021 and said diligence. Junior Mayor attended a Women Awareness Executive Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke was she has been very impressed with the leadership She said the JCC are true ambassadors as youth event at the Garden Route District Municipality the guest speaker at the event. She thanked the quality of the executive committee since 2017. leaders of the City of George. (GRDM). They were involved with events at JCC members for their time and commitment and She said the voting process have always been a Despite Covid-19, the JCC undertook the Môreson children’s home, making of Echo bricks, the exemplary manner in which they conducted true reflection of a healthy democracy. She has no following projects (out of their own pockets), at Odin Animal Shelter, meals on Wheels and themselves during the year. voting right and only has an oversight role. making of masks for the George Provincial the Junior Mayor, Inile du Toit delivered a speech Cllr Liz Stroebel, the Mayoral Representative who She also congratulated each and every Junior Hospital, Kretzenshoop Primary School in Blanco during Women’s Month at the GRDM which was oversees the Junior City Council on behalf of the City Councillor on their appointment for two and for Phambili Refuge in Rosemoor for battered televised.

George Municipal Communications | 71 York Street | PO Box 19 | 044 801 9111 | [email protected] | www.george.gov.za March 2021 The City for a sustainable future 11 EPWP training sessions 2020-2021 The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) The Peer Educators attended a comprehensive at George Municipality and the Youth Peer session, with Client Services at the end of Educator programme is a joint cooperation September 2020 that explained how the three programme between the EPWP and the tiers of government work, explaining the Municipality’s Youth Office to render more functioning of Local Government therein, as well effective youth related services in the different as how the Client Services Department provide a areas of George, especially the rural and service to the public. outlying areas. They have attended an accredited Project The purpose of the programme is also to Management Training (NQF 4) over a five day strengthen the relationship between Local period in January 2021. The training aimed to Government and the community. equip the youth with the necessary skills to These 32 Peer Educators were placed at design, implement and monitor projects in their the different area offices within the George respective communities. The group also attended Municipal Area since 1 September 2020, at an accredited mobile literacy training, facilitated the Youth Office and stationed in the rural and by the George Youth Café in February 2021. The outlying areas of the George Municipality. Their training assists the youth with literacy by using Mayor Leon van Wyk (middle) hands over a green and blue bag to Charmaine Stols from Back Street, Pacaltsdorp in current daily activities include the searching and mobile technology, such as mobile phones. celebrating the rollout of the service again after several frustrating months. With him are members from the new Service provider, LGE Waste. From left are Wendy Gelderblom, Simone Baardman, Muneer Mapoli, Stols and the Mayor, Lorenze compiling of information on opportunities for Another 60 EPWP workers received non- Gelderblom (Director: LGE Waste), Faried Follentine and Cllr Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services. the youth. They also assist walk-in clients and accredited food garden training from the telephone queries. Department of Agriculture in November 2020. The Peer Educators assist clients with indigent The topics included food safety, agriculture applications, housing related complaints, account marketing, soil preparation and plant nutrition. enquiries, CV typing and form completions. The training took place at the George Mayor hands over green They further assist the office personnel with the Municipality Worker’s Collection Point(Industrial capturing of meeting minutes, data-capturing, Road, next to Coca Cola and Tekkie Town)and filing and setting up of a youth WhatsApp Rosemoor and Thembalethu Civic Centres. The and blue bags in celebration database and they disseminate information. training also included Covid-19 protocol in the The Area Office Coordinators and fulltime staff workplace as well as basic computer training. Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk and Portfolio Cllr for of Wilderness, Kleinkrantz, Hoekwil, Victoria Bay and at the Youth Office act as mentors for these Peer Community Services, Sean Snyman met up with the Herolds Bay. Educators, by guiding them to function new recycling contractor, LGE Waste, in Pacaltsdorp Implementation in Haarlem and Uniondale optimally within the Municipality, whilst in March while they were busy with clearing of is currently being investigated to ensure the also serving the public. backlog and handing out new bags to the public. most effective service, details of which will be Besides their day to day mentoring and The mayor gave a local resident, Charmaine Stols, a announced to the affected communities as soon as coaching sessions, they have undergone blue and green bag to start with recycling and green arrangements have been finalised. several training and development waste disposal in the correct manner. Van Wyk said Service to Lawaaikamp and Thembalethu will, for sessions. On 1 September 2020 they’ve he came out with the contractor to see how they now, be handled on request via the ward councillor attended an induction session around follow the route in Pacaltsdorp and how the service or office numbers as listed below. The municipality the EPWP protocols as well as conduct is being rolled out and service provider hope to commence awareness within the workplace. The Peer Educators Cllr Snyman said that George is definitely moving campaigns in these areas as soon as Covid-19 attended a Youth development induction in the right direction with the appointment of the restrictions allow, with the intent to roll out a more session in the second week of September new service provider. He said the Municipality extensive service as more households participate. 2020 that explained the functioning of had struggled for half a year to resolve the service Residents can put out four green bags and the Youth Development Section within issues and that it should be much better from unlimited number of blue bags together with up to the Municipality as well as its services to now onwards. Stols said she is very happy and seven black bags on their scheduled removal day. their clients. They’ve also attended a life thankful for the service because she wants to live in Blue and green bags will be collected on the same skills and introduction to leadership session Some of the youth that is part of the EPWP and George cleanliness. day as black bags, but by different vehicles. at the Youth Development office during this Municipality Youth Peer Educator programme during their mobile The contractor confirmed that they have been Households or businesses that are actively recycling time. literacy training at the George Youth Café. handing out bags already to a lot of areas in George and require additional green or blue bags, can collect and will continue issuing blue and green bags as they from George Municipality Environmental Services or work away the backlog. LGE Waste (details below). George Acting Director Community Services, Allen Paulse previously said the municipality was relieved ENQUIRIES: to make an appointment after the previous service Green and blue bags: LGE Waste provider Interwaste had closed its regional offices in Physical address: 10 Extension Road, Pacaltsdorp George and ended its contract with the municipality Industrial Area. in July of last year. Phone: 044 878 0688 LGE Waste takes up the service as per the previous Email: [email protected] schedule and will be collecting green and blue bags from all areas that have a recent history of Black bags: George Municipality Environmental recycling. These include most suburbs of George Services – incorporating more recent participating areas Physical address: 82 Meade Street, George. Ballotsview, Borcherds, Conville, New Dawn Park, Phone 044 802 2900 Delville Park, Pacaltsdorp, Parkdene, Protea Park, Rosemore and Sea View – as well as the outer areas RECYCLE RIGHT GREEN bags are for EPWP workers at the theoretical training with their mentors at the Rosemoor Civic Centre. green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves BLACK bags are for BLUE bags are for non- etc. No soil is al- ‘wet’ waste, things that soiled recyclable materials, lowed in green bags. cannot be recycled. including plastic, paper, card board, glass etc. RECYCLE RIGHT If you are not sure if you are recycling correctly, below is a guide to the basics. Please put your recyclables in a blue bag and put out with your black bags.

PAPER that CAN be recycled: office paper, newspaper and magazines, cardboard (boxes flattened), brown paper bags, take away containers (food removed and rinsed), milk and juice cartons (rinsed and flattened) and books (hard covers removed). PAPER that CANNOT be recycled: napkins, tissue paper, paper towels, wax paper, laminated or waxy paper, punch confetti, carbon paper and stickers. METAL that CAN be recycled: cooldrink and beer cans, food tins (rinsed clean), metal lids of glass, jars, aluminium cans, rusty cans can be recycled and recycled batteries (taken to correct depot). METAL that CANNOT be recycled: batteries, motor oil cans, paint and aerosol cans, and tinfoil. GLASS that CAN be recycled: all colours of glass bottles and jars, beer and wine bottles (rinsed). GLASS that CANNOT be recycled: mirrors and windows, ceramic, crystal, drinking glasses and light bulbs. PLASTIC that CAN be recycled: all plastics numbers 1-7 (rinsed), grocery and retail plastic bags (clean) and milk sachets. PLASTIC that CANNOT be recycled: cling wrap, and polystyrene (is recyclable but no facility on Garden Route for now). EPWP workers attend the practical agriculture training at the George Municipality Worker’s Collection Point.

Fire Management for George Massive wildfires in the Garden Route in recent able if they were stationed at a commercial airport. save people and property,” said Mr Barnard. years have highlighted the varied needs of an Five aeroplanes and a chopper are stationed during Eyes in the sky area with some of the most diverse biomes in the the fire season, and usually at least one plane and a Drone technology is being used for multiple country. chopper out of season. Municipalities in the Garden applications, most notably for reconnaissance There are few municipalities that deal with the Route district use the facility on a call-out basis during fires and rescues in areas that are difficult combination of fire and rescue challenges faced in as services are required. The airbase consists of a to access in dense vegetation, mountains, sand the George municipal area. runway, helipad, firebase, hangars, taxiways and a dunes and seaside cliffs. From hot and dry conditions in Uniondale and water refilling point. The municipality’s high-tech drone also enables Haarlem north of the Outeniqua Mountains to First-of-its-kind fire tanker and portable dam extensive fire risk assessment across the municipal windy seaside environments in the south, the The municipality’s capacity to deal with fires in area including footage of naturally inaccessible George Fire and Rescue Services address fire remote and dry areas received a significant boost areas, much of which is on private agricultural and management for semi-desert, mountainous terrain with the delivery of a large capacity water tanker and residential land. The department can then take on both sides and over the mountain, as well as portable dam in September 2019. The tanker is the steps to address issues highlighted by assessments large tracts of agricultural land, pine plantations, first of its kind to be used for firefighting in South such as the issuing of notices to landowners alien vegetation, coastal fynbos, indigenous forest Africa. reminding them of their legal responsibility and winding inaccessible roads connecting towns The 35 000-litre stainless steel water tanker is regarding alien vegetation and fire management. and villages over long distances. a movable water source that can be driven to a Bush-clearing tractor In addition, two major national roads and several suitable site from where all kinds of fire vehicles A big part of ongoing fire management is the provincial roads go through the area, which can refill. The tanker is fitted with a pump that can maintenance of permanent firebreaks, which requires fire department response at vehicle extract water from sources such as farm dams and in the 2018 George fires proved very effective accidents and transport related hazardous material can deliver 2200 litres per minute at 10 Bar. On the in safeguarding residences at the foot of the incidents. The city’s industrial node has also road the 18-metre (13-metre tanker pulled by a five- mountain. George now has a specialised multi- significantly grown over the past decade, which metre truck), 22-wheeler vehicle it is an impressive use 4x4 tractor for the clearing of firebreaks, increased factory and hazardous materials fires. site and requires an advanced EC-driver’s licence designed to access rugged terrain. It is fitted with Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard said the for articulated vehicles, which most of the city’s a specialised blade in front to scrape roads and a devastating wildfires in the neighbouring town firefighters have. brush cutter (bossiekapper) at the back for cutting safety of everyone at the site and reduces the of Knysna in June 2017, which took place outside The 14 000-litre portable dam is one of only three grass and fine brush. chances of transference.” the Western Cape’s traditional summer fire in the country and the first for a local municipality Dealing with hazardous materials Mobile command centre season, was a huge wake-up call for municipalities (the others are at West Coast District Municipality A mobile decontamination unit and two The municipality is expecting the delivery of a everywhere. and City of Cape Town). The dam is intended as an hazardous materials suits were introduced in mobile command unit that will be used to manage “We wanted to be smart and use resources artificial water source from which a helicopter bucket mid-2020 to support the department’s handling administration and support on the scene of a crisis, wisely, so we did the research, consulted with can scoop water or fire vehicles can be filled. The of hazardous materials at vehicle accidents and disaster or rescue situation. colleagues and role players and came up with dam in turn can be filled by the new water tanker factory fires. The new equipment has the added The custom-built minibus will be set up with practical, sustainable solutions for a variety of fire- or by other fire trucks, depending on where the benefit of protecting firefighters in the unknown two computerised works stations, radio frequency fighting situations,” said Mr Barnard. portable dam is set up. possible contaminate situations that the ongoing transceivers and internet access, an electric Denneoord fire base “The tanker and dam now become part of a Covid-19 pandemic may be associated with. generator and solar panels, and a fixed camera with The establishment of the Garden Route’s first streamlined system in which water can be brought George Fire Department is often the first live footage capability to allow remote monitoring. dedicated emergency firefighting airstrip on much closer to a fire, and therefore significantly responder to vehicle accidents in which trucks had Mr Barnard said the fire department was very municipal property above Denneoord in December reduce the turnaround time. Instead of having to spilt dangerous contents. “The hazmat suit is fire grateful to its council for recognising the diverse 2017 proved a gamechanger during the month- drive several kilometres to refill one truck, or wasting retardant and has its own air supply to protect the challenges of firefighting in the George municipal long wildfires around George less than a year later. valuable fuel and water refilling time for choppers, firefighter from dangerous fumes and chemicals, area and for supporting an ongoing plan to address The project between George Municipality, the tanker and portable dam is a sustainable which is also very necessary at chemical fires at as many aspects as possible in a practical and Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, combination solution that will make a significant factories and businesses. cost-effective manner. “We continue to see the Working on Fire and Garden Route District difference in the first hour of a fire. In firefighting, “The decontamination unit is mobile and can significant difference it makes in the field every Municipality meant firefighting planes could the first hour is crucial to bring a runaway fire under be set up at the site to decontaminate personnel day, which ultimately means the more effective respond much faster than they would have been control, which ultimately increases the chance to attending to the situation, which increases the protection of people and property.” Construction of satellite fire station in Wilderness Construction of the satellite fire station in vegetation and agricultural land.” Wilderness, 14km outside George, is going well. The Wilderness station will also be one of the first George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard said in the Southern Cape to be a double-storey facility construction was currently ahead of schedule with a fireman’s pole. and should be roof height by the end of the The 440sqm station will comprise 348sqm month (March 2021). bottom-floor space for vehicles and equipment The satellite station in Wilderness had been and 92sqm above for a control room and staff a long-term goal of the department to cover quarters. It will have three spaces for specialised incidents east of the Kaaimans River Bridge more vehicles including a major fire appliance, 4x4 off- efficiently. “The station’s location near the Caltex road firefighting vehicle and a jetski and quadbike. The Waves circle on the N2 will allow for easy The facility will be manned around the clock by access to the major fire and rescue risks of the four firefighters. area – vehicle accidents including hazardous Wilderness will be the municipality’s third From left: Protection Services portfolio councillor Cecil Noble, Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, Chief Fire Officer materials spills, Wilderness beach and lakes satellite station in addition to Thembalethu and Neels Barnard, contractor Andrew Burger of Golden Awards and Wilderness ward councillor Marlene Barnardt celebrated for water incidents, fuel stations, hotels, dense Uniondale. the start of the construction of the Wilderness satellite fire station with a small soil turning ceremony at the site.