Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality comes to the rescue of Kannaland communities
For immediate release 20 December 2023
Earlier this month, the Garden Route Disaster Centre was informed that some of the people supplied with water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Scheme (KKRWSS) have been without domestic water supply for more than a week. In addition, complaints of bad water quality provided by the Water Services Authority in Calitzdorp, were also received.
The first delivery of 17 water tanks to Calitzdorp, the remaining 11 tanks should be delivered before Xmas.
In order to assess the situation, as well as to identify the root cause of these complaints, an emergency meeting with officials of the Kannaland Municipality and some of the water users were convened. The meeting took place at the Calitzdorp Library Hall on Wednesday the 6th of December 2023.
At this meeting, challenges in terms of the main water supply from the Nels Dam to the Calitzdorp Water Purification Works, the variable water quality received at the Water Purification Works, as well as the quantity of water available for supply to the KKRWSS, were discussed.
A few short and medium term solutions were discussed for consideration by the Kannaland Municipality as the responsible authority, to ensure the provision of water to both Calitzdorp, as well as the rural Kannaland communities that receive water from the KKRWSS.
Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM said: “As an interim stopgap measure, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) donated 28 x 5500 liter water tanks to the Kannaland Municipality to be erected in the areas mostly affected by interruptions in water supply, to ensure a sustainable source of good quality water supply for domestic use in the affected areas”.
For attention: Interested Local SMME’s in the Garden Route district
The Contractor wishes to invite all interested SMMEs in the Garden Route district to tender or submit quotations for various packages related to the CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, CONTRACT NUMBER: GRDM/24/21-22.
Tender Briefing Session information
Tender Briefing Date: 14th December 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: Mossel Bay Town Hall, 101 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay Central
NB! – Tender documents will be issued according to attendance register and those who will request by email to contractors. No Tender documents will be issued before or during briefing session.
Submission details:
Tender Closing Date: 16th January 2024
Time: 12h00
Venue: Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, GEORGE
Quotations must be dropped as follows:
In a Tender Submission Box that will be placed in Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, GEORGE.
The quotation must be in a sealed envelope with the following details: 1. Name of tender you are bidding for 2. Name of your Local Municipality
PUBLIC NOTICE OF 2022/2023 ANNUAL REPORT AND OVERSIGHT REPORT
Notice Number 166/2023
Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 129(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that the Garden Route District Municipal Council hereby makes public the Oversight Report on the Annual Report for the 2022/2023 financial year.
The 2022/2023 Annual Report was also approved in a Council Meeting on 12 December 2023.
Media Release: GRDM and partners conduct Clean-up, Education and Awareness campaign in Mossel Bay
For immediate release 08 December 2023
The Waste Management Section of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s Local Government Support Section, CapeNature, Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, Transnet, Nestle and Aquelle, conducted a Clean-up Campaign in Ward 15 of Mossel Bay.
Children from Ward 15 in Mossel Bay, formed part of the Clean-up operation in their area.
The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness about illegal dumping and the ‘Adopt a Spot Program’ for community vegetable gardens and the need for their conservation.
One of the most pressing issues facing our communities is Illegal dumping, particularly understanding how recycling waste works. The campaign encourages members of the community to take part in the clean-up campaign and to not dump waste illegally. Community members were encouraged to continue with their efforts to keep their spaces clean and they were informed about the importance of community gardens as part of the Program.
The clean-up campaign was conducted after the education and awareness session. A special message of appreciation was extended to all the organisations that were involved to ensure a clean environment for those living in visiting the area.
Did you know?
Dumped waste may contain harmful or even toxic substances, which may have health effects such as asthma or respiratory infections on humans.
The illegally dumped items might include needles that may be contaminated with HIV or Hepatitis. This is a big concern, especially for children who often pick up items while playing. This threatens their health since they may become infected with these life-threatening diseases.
Illegal dumping sites may also be favourable breeding conditions for Ecoli, which may also spread diseases to communities.
If there is significant unlawful dumping in certain areas, the chances for the spread of diseases increase dramatically.
Feature image: Representatives from GRDM, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s Local Government Support Section, CapeNature, Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, Transnet, Nestle and Aquelle, with members of the community, during the Clean-up Campaign in Ward 15 of Mossel Bay.
Public Notice: Notice of a Combined MPAC / APAC Meeting on 07 December 2023 at 09:00
Notice number:165/2023
Notice is hereby given that a COMBINED MPAC/ APAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George,
on 07 December 2023 at 09:00.
Food has to be fit for humans to eat and must conform to safety requirements as prescribed by law and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Load shedding occurs often in South Africa and these power outages have a direct impact on food safety. Three (3) factors that have a direct impact on food are the length of the outage, how often it occurs and where food is stored. Food safety issues, including spoiling, are especially likely to occur with perishable goods such as fresh meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, and leftover food (depending on how long they were stored before load shedding started).
Critical facts to remember
As long as it is cold, food should be safe. Food in a refrigerator may be safe as long as:
Power outages do not last longer than four hours.
The fridge door is kept closed and not opened often.
The temperature of the refrigerator was at 4 °C when load-shedding started.
If a freezer door is kept closed, frozen food will stay frozen for up to 48 hours. Perishable food must be cooked as soon as possible if they begin to defrost. Refreezing perishable food is dangerous.
If the load-shedding schedule is known, one can prepare for it as follows:
Ensure that the temperature in the refrigerator is 4 °C or as near to it as possible.
Frozen leftovers, milk, fresh meat and poultry, fish, and other goods should be moved from the fridge to the freezer that you might not need right away.
Buy fresh food in smaller quantities, prepare it fast, and enjoy it instead of buying it in bulk and storing it in the fridge.
Take special note of purchasing long-lasting items, such as unopened canned foods and sterile or ultra-heat heated temperature drinks. These have a lengthy shelf-life outside of the fridge, however, once they’re opened, they too need to be chilled.
Another method used to keep perishable goods as cold as possible for as long as possible, is to place ice packs around the items in the fridge.
THE CONSUMER’S ROLE
Given the price of food, one is hesitant to discard food but the risks associated with eating unsafe food is very high. Some perishables might not necessarily smell or taste strange, but may be filled with bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. Consumers must buy food at food premises that was issued with a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA), where they trade. A CoA is issued by an EHP and must be displayed in a place at the food premises for the public to see. If this is not possible, it must be immediately available on request from customers.
LABELLING
Consumers must look at the labelling and date marking of foodstuffs to make informed decisions regarding the foodstuffs they want to buy. It is important to understand that date marking is a best practice in the food industry and help to protect both food quality and food safety. Pre-packed food must be labelled in accordance with the Regulations relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs, R146 of 1 March 2010.
Click hereto read more about fake food and food labelling.
Follow these five keys to safer food.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Johan Compion, Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services,
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality paid tribute Alwin Fuller’s life at a special Memorial Service
For immediate release 4 December 2023
On 29 November 2023, Councillors, Management and Staff from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) paid tribute to the life of Alwin Fuller during a special Memorial Service, after his passing on 25 November 2023 at the age of 38.
The Council Chamber was left in a sombre atmosphere when his wife, children and family members walked through the guard of honour formed by the GRDM Firefighters to attend the service. Messages of support were delivered by his colleagues. Pastor Kevin van Wyk delivered a touching biblical message for all present and affected by Alwin’s passing.
GRDM Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gert van Nierkerk, issued a certificate of appreciation to Mrs. Lorna Fuller for the dedicated services rendered by her husband to the organisation.
Fuller was appointed on 1 September 2022 in the Planning and Economic Development Department and was in tenure of the organisation until he took his last breath. He fulfilled the role of Project Administrator for Projects and Bulk Infrastructure and became intricately involved with Energy projects driven by the organisation.
When comforting all present in his welcoming address, Portfolio Chairperson of Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, stated: “This time of year is usually a period for family to spend more time with one another and having family reunions”. Adding to these words, Hoogbaard encouraged all to use the sudden passing of Alwin as an opportunity to learn how precious time on earth is. “We need to also make time throughout the year to enjoy and create precious moments with others.”
Portfolio Chairperson of Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, welcomed all present.
Executive Manager: Planning & Economic Development, Lusanda Menze, remembered Alwin as hardworking and dedicated official.
Described by a few colleagues as a passionate and dedicated official, many also felt that his other side portrayed more humour and others described him as a person who frequently challenged red tape that stood in the way of projects. Almost all officials alluded to the fact that Alwin wanted to get things done. Passmore Dongi, his former manager, during his virtual message, reiterated Alwin’s stubbornness for the better good of the organisation. Dongi said: “I liked his stubbornness because I don’t like a colleague working so closely with me that portrays the same characteristics as I have – because of these different characteristics we made a great team”, he said. He also highlighted that Alwin left behind a huge legacy with key projects he spearheaded. One such project is the Energy Efficient program where GRDM received an Energy Efficient Certificate as the 1st District Municipality in the Western Cape and in the country.
Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gert van Niekerk, delivered the eulogy.
Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, delivered the vote of thanks at the service.
Pastor Kevin van Wyk shared a Word of Comfort with the family and colleagues.
Programme Director of the event was GRDM’s Ayakha Magxotwa.
Colleague and friend, Mats-will Louis, shared his personal experiences with Alwin.
Tando Gauzela served with Alwin on the Energy Forums and how they approached matters.
Emile Conrad performed an instrumental of the song “Amazing Grace”.
Natalie Arries and Grace Rwayi performed the song “There is coming a day”.
Integrated Development Planning colleague of Alwin, Ayakha Magxotwa, while directing the programme, shared memorable tales about his experiences and moments with Alwin. He remembers and experienced Alwin also in a more personal manner.
Executive Deputy Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk summed Alwin up as a shy, reserved person. He said: “Alwin played a crucial role within the Infrastructure, Projects and Resorts Management Units of the Planning and Economic Development Department. Alwin also worked closely with Communications to ensure awareness was created about Green Energy”. In closing his speech Ald. van Niekerk said that in the face of loss, “let us celebrate the life of a man that left us too soon; but left behind a legacy. We are all fortunate that God borrowed Alwin to us”. In concluding Alwin’s journey with the organisation, Ald. van Niekerk handed over a token of appreciation to Alwin’s wife, Mrs Lorna Fuller at the event, for the dedicated and loyal service her husband rendered to the organisation.
Through his message of comfort, Pastor Kevin van Wyk urged all present to “reflect on potential obstacles hindering our path to achieving goals”. Pastor van Wyk made an example about a person receiving a gift leaving it unopen. He said: “By leaving the gift unopen, has the same meaning as not receiving the gift”. He encouraged the family and officials to, much like Alwin, stand firm in preserving the essence of what he represented, resisting any attempts to diminish his legacy”.
Pastor van Wyk also emphasised the importance of embracing love and accepting the invitations extended to us. “The time for acceptance is now,” he said. “We must ensure that the love bestowed upon us is received wholeheartedly. In times of turmoil, he compared God to an anchor, a steadfast presence amid life’s unpredictable winds. Him resonating with Alwin’s life, as he also grew up in the area where Alwin was born, during the event multiple times requested all present to put their hands together in celebration of Alwin’s life. He said: “This creates energy which is also symbolic to the role fulfilled by Alwin in this organisation. He said: “Every time we clap our hands let us remember Alwin in the energy we create”.
Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, extended a special vote of thanks, specifically to the family of Alwin you borrowed their husband to the organisation. Mr Stratu said that Alwin was well-aware of what his mandate He understood the vision of the organisation and his role within his Department, because he took his mandate seriously.”
To the staff, Mr Stratu shared words of appreciation to all GRDM colleagues who worked closely with Alwin and who spoke fondly about “our brother” during the service. “I am also thankful to those colleagues that made his life bearable within the institution. Thank you for your humanity in which you interacted with Alwin and that you treated him with dignity”. To these words, Stratu emphasised: “Thank you for your interaction with Alwin, we are grateful for the demeanour that you treated him with dignity. Evidence is showing us that life is too short, for that we must love each other.”
“We come from different homes, families, homes, coming with different agendas etc, but after all we are all children of God and in God’s eyes, we are all equal. Love each other and appreciate one another. ”
Alwin was laid to rest from the VGK Church in Rosemoore, George, on Saturday, 2 December 2023 at 9:00.
Rest in Peace Alwin Fuller – Garden Route District Municipality’s Council and Staff will miss you dearly.
Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners educate inmates at Uniondale Correctional Service facility about Diphtheria (Witseerkeel)
For immediate release 28 November 2023
On 21 November 2023, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Health Services serving the Outeniqua region, conducted Health and Hygiene education at the Uniondale Correctional Services facility.
Approximately sixty-eight (68) inmates and 3 staff members of the Uniondale Correctional Services were made aware of what (Witseerkeel) is and how the bacterial disease is transmitted from one person to another. More topics that were covered include the signs and symptoms, as well as how the disease is treated.
Environmental Health Practitioner at Garden Route District Municipality, Janine Koopman (left), with Staff (middle) and the Acting Head of the Uniondale Correctional Services facility, Mr Siebert van Rensburg (right), soon after the session.
During an interview with the Acting Head of the Uniondale Correctional Services, Mr Siebert van Rensburg, it was established that there are currently no existing cases of Diphtheria at the facility. It was also confirmed that a representative from the Western Cape Department of Health conducts screening tests with every new inmate before admission to the facility. Although family members are allowed to have contact visits with inmates, they are screened prior to these visits and are restricted from entering the facilities should they show any signs and symptoms of communicable diseases.
The facility is utilising the same system that were implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, inmates are therefore also not allowed to attend funerals of family members who passed away due to a communicable disease.
Continuous hand and hygiene sessions will be conducted at similar facilities within the Garden Route district by EHPs from the GRDM.
Did you know?
Diphtheria, also known as “Witseerkeel” is a bacterial disease caused by infection. It is a vaccine-preventable disease, however a drop in vaccine coverage could potentially lead to increased numbers of cases. Diphtheria is preventable by vaccination given at 6, 10, 14 weeks, with booster doses given at 18 months, 6 years, and 12 years of age. It usually affects:
The upper respiratory tract mucosa.
The skin, and rarely other sites (including the eyes, ears or genitals).
It can cause local tissue damage (with inflammation, ulceration, oedema and a pseudo membrane/ grey, thick layer inside throat and mouth) and can be absorbed into the bloodstream (affecting the heart, nervous system or kidneys).
What are the signs and symptoms of Diphtheria (Witseerkeel)?
Signs and symptoms start to show after 2- 5 days from becoming infected. Signs and symptoms include:
Mildly painful tonsillitis/ pharyngitis.
A thick, grey membrane covering the throat and tonsils.
A sore throat and hoarseness.
Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck.
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
Nasal discharge.
Fever and chills.
Tiredness.
Although some infected people may not show any signs or symptoms, they can still transmit the disease.
How isDiphtheria (Witseerkeel) transmitted?
Via ingestion of large respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing.
Direct contact with an infected person through skin lesions or intercourse with an infected person.
Touching surfaces that are contaminated with the bacteria.
