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Author: Marlene Nqumse

27 February 2024 For Public Comment: Third Adjustment Budget 2023/2024

27 February 2024 For Public Comment:  Third Adjustment Budget 2023/2024

Notice 22/2024

THIRD ADJUSTMENT BUDGET 2023/2024

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Third Adjustment Budget for the period 2023/2024-2025/2026, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

This document was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Tuesday, 27 February 2024.
This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from 28 February 2024.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document. All comments and inputs must be directed to “The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530”.

Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

Click here and download the full advertisement.

Click here and download the Third Adjustment Budget for 2023/24.

27 February 2024 Frequently Asked Questions about African Swine Fever (ASF)

Frequently Asked Questions about African Swine Fever (ASF)

For Immediate Release
27 February 2024

What is African Swine Fever (AFS)?

  • African swine fever (ASF) is a SERIOUS VIRAL DISEASE that affects wild and domestic pigs and can lead to serious economic and production loss in the pork industry.
  • It is a controlled animal disease under the Animal Diseases Act, Act 34 of 1984 and must be immediately notified to the Department of Agriculture (State Veterinarian).
  • There is no vaccine for treatment of affected pigs.
  • Warthogs and bush pigs can carry the virus but do not show signs of the disease.

How do pigs get sick from ASF?

  • Contact with sick domestic/wild pigs.
  • Ingestion of contaminated material (such as food, waste, feed and garbage).
  • Contact with contaminated people, shoes, clothing, vehicles and equipment.
  • Soft ticks

What are the Symptoms of sick pigs?

  • Redness of skin of the ears, abdomen and legs.
  • High fever.

Does ASF affect the health of people?

  • ASF is not transmitted to humans. However, it is not recommended to eat the meat of any sick animal or animal that has died.
  • The public must only consume meat that was approved by a meat inspector at an approved abattoir.
  • All meat must be cooked thoroughly before consumption.

 Good bio-security measures will help to prevent the spread of the disease from affected areas:

  • carcasses should be disposed of in a safe manner,
  • pigs should be confined in order to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease,
  • hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with pigs,
  • any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs and
  • pigs should only be bought from known ASF-free herds
  • Community members must not remove any pigs or pig products from the ASF affected area in order to prevent further spread of the disease.

For more information, please contact one of the Environmental Health Practitioners of the Garden Route District Municipality at 044 803 1300.

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27 February 2024 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓: 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒

𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓: 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒
The South African Weather Service issued a Level 2 warning regarding damaging winds predicted from 26 February to 28 February. Strong and gusty south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) are expected, with wave heights 3 to 4 metres.

23 February 2023 Media Release: Home Composting Workshop Empowers Garden Route Communities to embrace sustainable Waste Management

Media Release: Home Composting Workshop Empowers Garden Route Communities to embrace sustainable Waste Management

For Immediate Release

23 February 2024

The Waste Management Section of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Mossel Bay Municipality and Landmark, successfully organised and hosted a Home Composting Workshop on 16 February 2024. This workshop aimed to educate and empower community members on effective home composting practices as part of the broader initiative to divert organic waste from landfill sites and promote sustainable waste management in the Garden Route District.

The workshop, attended by 30 enthusiastic community members, focused on two main composting techniques: Bin Composting and Vermicomposting. Participants gained hands-on experience and practical knowledge to implement these composting methods in their homes.

The key takeaways from the workshop included:

Bin Composting: Participants learned the art of composting using dedicated bins. The session covered the basics of layering organic materials, managing moisture levels, and turning the compost to accelerate the decomposition process.

Vermicomposting: The workshop delved into the fascinating world of vermicomposting, where participants discovered how to use worms to break down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. The importance of maintaining a healthy worm habitat was emphasised for optimal compost production.

As part of the initiative, each participant was provided with essential tools to kick-start their home composting journey. The GRDM donated composting bins and established worm farms for the attendees. Landmark, contributed by donating the worms necessary for vermicomposting success.

Each participant also received a comprehensive guideline to assist them in implementing and maintaining effective composting practices at home. These guidelines serve as a valuable resource to ensure the continued success of their composting efforts.

The Home Composting Workshop exemplifies the commitment of the Garden Route District Municipality to develop a community-driven approach to waste management. By educating and empowering communities, the municipality aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community.

Participants who attended the Home Composting Workshop on 16 February 2024.

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19 February 2024 Media Release: African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in pigs in George

Media Release: African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in pigs in George

19 February 2024

Last week, 7 February, a new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) was confirmed in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George. This is the fourth outbreak of this disease in the Garden Route area since 2022. Previously there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023 which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022 which remains a concern.

It is estimated that about 45 pigs have died thus far with about 250 pigs remaining in the area. The area has been placed under quarantine and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent further spread of the disease.

ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease. Good biosecurity measures remain the best way to protect the pig industry.

The following measures are critical to minimising the spread:

– All carcasses should be disposed of safely;

– Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease;

– Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig, so people do not spread the virus between animals;

– Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs; and

– Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.

– ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals. The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection. Pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption.

Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs. Still, in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite. Occasionally the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit. Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office at https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease-control/.

The department calls on all pig owners to implement strict biosecurity to protect their livestock from this disease and to call their nearest State Veterinary Office should farmers have any concerns.

Expert Advice

Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg

State Veterinarian: George

Western Cape Department of Agriculture

Cell: 083 797 0010

Email: Leana.JanseVanRensburg@westerncape.gov.za

14 February 2024 Update 3 on the Construction of the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility

Update 3 on the Construction of the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility

14 February 2024

Bulk earthworks, including the final shaping of Cell 1A and excavation of the leachate and contaminated water dams, are in progress. The road box cut has been completed for the entire access road of 3.8km and the contractor has commenced with the road layer works.

The excavation of the subsoil drainage trenches in Cell 1A is in progress and all the required materials for the installation of the subsoil drainage is on site. The completion of the subsoil drainage will be followed by the installation of the various liners as legislatively required to prevent any underground water or environmental pollution. The clear & grub and removal of topsoil on Cell 1B (adjacent to Cell 1A) is also in progress.

There have been several delays in the construction process to date, however, all avenues to expedite the project is currently being pursued and a revised programme is to be submitted to Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) by 16 February 2024.

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There are currently various activities taking place at the Regional Waste Management Facility in Mossel Bay.