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Garden Route

29 November 2024 Media Release: Blitz Operations Continue with More Spaza Shops Visited

Media Release: Blitz Operations Continue with More Spaza Shops Visited

29 November 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), through its Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), continues to prioritise public health and safety by conducting inspections and monitoring food facilities, businesses, and other premises to ensure compliance with health regulations.

This past week, the following interventions took place in the different municipal areas:

Plettenberg Bay Municipal Health Office

Kurland – Plettenberg Bay

An operation in Kurland, Plettenberg Bay, was conducted in collaboration with the GRDM Municipal Health Office of Plettenberg Bay, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Bitou Municipality Law Enforcement Officers. The operation aimed to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, promote health and hygiene education, and improve food safety standards across 10 spaza shops.

As a result of the intervention:

  • 4 spaza shops were closed due to structural issues,
  • 1 spaza shop was closed due to ownership concerns, and
  • 1 spaza shop was closed due to unhygienic conditions.

Kranshoek – Plettenberg Bay

A joint operation was conducted in Kranshoek, a settlement located approximately 15 kilometres outside Plettenberg Bay, on 18 November 2024. All 14 spaza shops in the area were visited.

Qolweni and Bossiesgif – Plettenberg Bay

Role players conducted a joint operation at spaza shops in the Qolweni and Bossiesgif areas of Plettenberg Bay on Thursday, 21 November 2024.

A total of 14 spaza shops were inspected, with health and hygiene education and training provided. Five shops were closed due to non-compliance.

Kwanokuthula – Plettenberg Bay

A total of 19 spaza shops in Kwanokuthula were inspected. One shop was closed due to non-compliance.

The final blitz operation is scheduled for next week (2-6 December 2024) in Green Valley, New Horizons, and Pine Trees. Bitou Municipality’s Town Planning and Economic Development and Planning commenced the Consent Use Applications in September 2024, allowing spaza shop owners to apply for consent use rights in terms of the Land Use Planning By-Law. All spaza shops in the targeted areas will be surveyed and mapped.

The application process for business licenses is active, with application documents available at Town Planning and the LED office of Bitou Municipality.

Mossel Bay Municipal Health Office

On Tuesday, 26 November 2024, the EHPs from the Mossel Bay office visited two shops in Klein-Brak River. On Wednesday, they continued their operation, inspecting five shops in the Kwanonqaba area and closing two due to noncompliance. On Thursday, four shops were inspected in Great-Brak River.

George Municipal Health Office

On Tuesday, 26 November 2024, the George office (both regions combined) conducted a blitz operation in the industrial area of George, focusing on wholesalers. This operation targeted wholesalers because spaza shops source their stock from these suppliers, and the aim was to ensure the safety of the stock being distributed.

A total of eight shops were visited, and three were closed due to poor hygiene and the absence of a valid Certificate of Acceptability (COA). The Department of Agriculture seized illegal insecticides and insecticides labelled in a foreign language.

Klein-Karoo Municipal Health Office

On Thursday, 28 November 2024, the GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, and Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, joined the EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office to conduct inspections of spaza shops in the Dysselsdorp area.

Three shops were inspected, with two having had to be closed immediately, because they did not comply with health and safety standards.

Calitzdorp and Ladismith

On Wednesday, 27 November 2024, the EHP from the Klein Karoo Office conducted a spaza shop inspection in Calitzdorp, covering the Bergsig and Royal Heights areas. Nine shops were inspected. The EHP extended their inspection the following day, Thursday, to Ladismith, where 12 spaza shops were inspected in the Nissenville area.

For the past week, 109 door-to-door educational sessions have been conducted in the Klein Karoo area.

The public is urged to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foodstuff. Contact SAPS or reach out directly to the following GRDM EHPs:

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

 Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo

 Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay

  • E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
  • C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

 Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)

 Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)

 James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)

 Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)

 Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)

Editors’ note:

Following the directive issued earlier this month by the President of the Republic of South Africa, spaza shops and food-handling facilities were required to register with their respective municipalities within 21 days. This mandate aims to strengthen compliance with health and safety standards.

GRDM EHPs, in collaboration with local municipality Law Enforcement Officers, Waste Management officials, Firefighters, SAPS, the National Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Home Affairs, have been conducting ongoing inspections of both formal and informal food traders across the region.

Operations focus on assessing local spaza shop owners’ adherence to health guidelines, including proper food handling, cleanliness, and safe food storage practices. Additionally, education is provided on maintaining hygienic conditions, managing waste, and preventing foodborne diseases. The overall goal is to ensure safer food practices and ultimately safeguard public health within the community.

-END-

26 November 2024 Media Release: Blitz operations continued this week with more spaza shops closed

Media Release: Blitz operations continued this week with more spaza shops closed

26 November 2023

Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) play a vital role in inspecting and monitoring food facilities, businesses, and other premises to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations—one of their many responsibilities.

Earlier this month, the President of the Republic of South Africa issued a directive mandating all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities within 21 days to ensure compliance with regulations. The EHPs of GRDM have been continuously on the ground to check in at informal and formal food traders in collaboration with local municipality Law Enforcement Officers, Waste Management officials, Firefighters, the South African Police Service, National Department of Agriculture and the Department of Home Affairs.

It is important to note that only businesses that meet the required standards for a Certificate of Acceptability can obtain one. Unfortunately, over time, some businesses fail to maintain these standards, which necessitates their closure. There are also various other reasons why businesses are closed by other role players like SAPS, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters and even Waste Management Officials. In some instances undocumented foreign nationals are found operating shops, although the CoAs were issued to a South African or a legal foreign national. This is because shop owners can change quite frequently, but then Local Municipalities and the GRDM are not informed about it.

The EHPs generally focus on the following key areas:

  • Validity of Certificates of Acceptability, as required under Regulation 638 of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972);
  • If businesses still maintain overall hygiene standards, stock food that is properly labelled, and monitor if shops are selling legal products

Mossel Bay Municipal Health Office

On Tuesday, 19 November 2024, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Mossel Bay Municipal Health Office conducted a joint operation in the settlements of Brandwag and Ruiterbos, located outside Mossel Bay. During the operation, they inspected eight shops, four were closed due to non-compliance.

On Thursday, the EHPs continued their joint operations in the Mossel Bay CBD, Da Nova, Heiderand, and New Sunny Side areas. They inspected seven shops, three of which received Prohibition Notices due to non-compliance, including unhygienic conditions and poor ventilation. Officials from the Mossel Bay Municipality’s Waste Section, Law Enforcement, and SAPS joined the operation.

George Municipal Health Office

On Monday, 18 November 2024, the George EHPs conducted a Blitz Operation in Thembalethu, focusing on Zones 6 and 8. During the operation, seventeen spaza shops were inspected, with four of them closed for operating without a Certificate of Acceptability. This operation was carried out in collaboration with SAPS.

Yesterday, 25 November 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), in collaboration with George Municipality, the National Department of Agriculture, and the South African Police Services (SAPS), hosted an educational workshop aimed at empowering informal food traders in Thembalethu, George.

Approximately 200 informal food traders attended the session. The workshop included presentations by our EHPs and several key stakeholders involved in regulating informal food trading.

Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office

GRDM EHPs, in collaboration with SAPS, Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Law Enforcement, and Immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs, conducted inspections at four spaza shops in the Bongolethu area in Oudtshoorn. Three of the inspected premises were found to be in an acceptable condition, while one shop was temporarily closed due to hygiene issues. A follow-up inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance.

Knysna Municipal Health Office

A Workshop was convened on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, bringing together GRDM EHPs, SAPS and Knysna Municipality (all relevant Directorates). During this engagement, key issues related to the spaza shop and informal food trader business sector were discussed. The primary objective of the meeting was to ensure clarity on the different internal processes within each governmental role player. The goal was to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for business owners to follow when applying for licenses, permits and certificates.

Interactive Spaza Workshop in Knysna

A very successful collaborative workshop was held on Thursday, 21 November 2024, with participation from the following:

  • Owners of individual food warehouses/wholesalers located within the Knysna area
  • Individual spaza shop owners from the Greater Knysna area
  • Management of the Knysna Spaza Shop Committee
  • Garden Route District Municipal Health Services
  • Knysna SAPS
  • Knysna Municipality (all relevant Directorates)

During this event, all governmental stakeholders presented informational sessions to educate the business sector about their respective legislative mandates.

The Municipal Health section emphasized the importance of food safety through a presentation to participants, covering the following key aspects:

  • Health certification
  • The 5 Keys to Food Safety
  • Expired foodstuffs
  • Labelling

The spaza shop business owners were very well represented, with a total of 62 participants attending the information session.

The attendees were equipped with valuable information and knowledge to assist them in applying for the necessary documentation to achieve legislative compliance. However, it was emphasized that, as per the national directive from the President, all spaza shops must comply with the relevant legislation within the prescribed time frame.

Conclusion

A district task team has been established to strengthen enforcement in the district. The team consists of representatives from the Garden Route District Municipality, local municipalities in the district, the Department of Home Affairs, and SAPS. This team will conduct regular, unannounced compliance blitzes across the district. Businesses found violating regulations will face immediate action, including closure and prosecution. The Communication Unit from GRDM is also coordinating content and awareness material relating to food safety to the media, local municipalities, provincial health and GCIS, to name a few.

The public is urged to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foodstuff. Contact SAPS or reach out directly to the following GRDM EHPs:

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

 Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo

 Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay

  • E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
  • C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

 Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)

 Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)

 James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)

 Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)

 Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)

-END-

11 July 2024 Media Release: Vehicle Emission Testing done in Hessequa

Media Release: Vehicle Emission Testing done in Hessequa

11 July 2024

Vehicle emission testing was recently conducted by Garden Route District (GRDM) and Hessequa Municipalities. The main objective of this ‘drive’ was to raise public awareness about vehicle emissions and to minimize their impact on ambient air quality in the region. The Garden Route district comprises of seven municipal areas, including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.

Dr Johann Schoeman, Manager: District Air Quality Control, said: “Vehicle emissions testing is listed as a function of local authorities in terms of the National Framework for Air Quality Management in South Africa and is also regulated under Section 15 of the Hessequa Municipality: Air Pollution Control By-Law”.

“We stopped vehicles and each one had to undergo a visual inspection, and further testing was conducted with a ‘Smoke Check 1667 Opacity Meter’ on vehicles that emitted excessive dark smoke,” he said.

According to Schoeman, vehicles that were tested and failed were issued a repair notice, directing each owner to take their vehicle to a specified location for re-testing.

The vehicle emission testing campaign was conducted at the Sunrise picnic spot on the western entrance to Riversdale on the N2. A total of twenty-five (25) vehicles were stopped for inspection and testing.

Schoeman said drivers cooperated and all the vehicles passed the inspection. This indicates proper maintenance, especially of the large mainline trucks.

The GRDM’s Air Quality Management Section would like to thank Shagon Carelse and his team for their assistance and excellent cooperation in making the campaign a success.

Feature Image and Other Pictures Caption: Officials conducting visual and smoke check inspections during the recent vehicle emission testing in Hessequa.

-END-

30 April 2024 Media Release:  Regional Tourism Office unpacks their recent WTM Africa attendance

Media Release:  Regional Tourism Office unpacks their recent WTM Africa attendance

For immediate release
30 April 2024

This year, with the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism (GR&KK), once again used the opportunity at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2024 to successfully exhibit in a 90m2 space with local tourism offices and small business.

The GR&KK’s presence at the platform allowed the region to engage with tour operators, travel agents and travel media to direct more visitors to the region. These platforms contribute significantly to the increasing of numbers of international and domestic tourists as per the Wesgro survey report applicable from November to January 2023/24.

With approximately twenty (20) products exhibited under the GR&KK umbrella, three (3) of the products were beneficiaries of the GRDM Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME)  Support & Development programme. The collective initiative is just one of the development aspects to support SMMEs.

Numerous engagements and meetings took place, and these engagements included the following topics of interest:

  • General interests in GR&KK marketing and general, but broad interest and possible linkages with the brand.
  • High-end luxury packages, tourists tour packages, private safaris in the region and Avi-tourism initiatives
  • General interests in products, i.e. hotel and resort products
  • Route 62 and Klein Karoo referrals and interest.
  • United Kingdom (UK) market expansion and information.
  • Garden Route Chapter feedback and updates.
  • Member reach and expansion of products.
  • Bookings platforms.
  • General enquiries and information

With the interaction at the GR&KK stall over the three-day period, connections through meetings with these contacts (international, domestic buyers and media) were built and it delivered fruitful discussions and possible future relations. Some products furthermore indicated their interest to form part of the GR&KK representation at next year’s WTM. The Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic and Tourism also visited the GR&KK stand where discussions were mainly focused on the current performance of the GR&KK as the destination.

This regional initiative sent out a strong message of unity/collaboration to ensure that the GR&KK is undoubtedly recognised as the preferred tourism destination.

ENDS

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.

-END-

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

09 November 2023 Media Release: Natural splendour awaits tourists to the Garden Route

Media Release: Natural splendour awaits tourists to the Garden Route

For immediate release
9 November 2023

“Following an extremely wet winter the Southern Cape is showcasing is natural beauty, and tourists planning to visit the region during the festive season, will not be disappointed,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Following many years of drought and hardship the Klein Karoo environment is also finally recovering and with summer in full swing, the region is flourishing with vegetation, ample grazing and dams filled to the brim. The Outeniqua mountains and the regional coastline still bear the scars of relentless rain and storms during the winter months, but nature is resilient and bound to recover.

The Southern Cape biodiversity is flourishing following favourable rains during the winter months.

The Garden Route is blessed with several custodians of its natural splendour, and with large areas protected and under mandated and private conservation management, the region will always retain much of its marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Pro-active actions and initiatives by regional conservation entities such as the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR), the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR), the Table Mountain Fund (TMF), SANParks, WWF and Cape Nature collectively recognize the importance of conserving the global significance of the Southern Cape biodiversity. In addition to these recognized conservation entities there are numerous conservancies, governmental and environmental management forums and private and public nature reserves present and active in all parts of the region.

A changing climate will bring new challenges to the Southern Cape environment, and with almost unpredictable rainfall patterns new challenges are looming for the environment and the communities dependent on its resilience.

In addition, invasive alien plants dominate large parts of the Southern Cape’s environmentally sensitive mountain catchments, rivers and wetlands, and landowners are fighting an uphill battle in eradication and control of fast- spreading wattles, pine, Rooikrans and a myriad of lesser known invasive species which all pose a significant threat in terms of the destruction of biodiversity, water security and the ever-present danger of wild fire disaster as the summer heat is bound to dry out vegetation in the coming months.

In celebration of regional conservation efforts, GREF is hosting its annual Key-Stakeholder Report-back Event on 13 December in Wilderness, allowing regional environmental and conservation entities to showcase their programmes and initiatives.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental and conservation management entities in the Southern Cape.

Enquiries: louisamare@gmail.com

Picture/ caption: The Robinson Pass, South Africa, alive with beautiful yellow, orange, red and pink proteas. The mountains seem endless and misty in the distance. -GRDM

Issued: Cobus Meiring, Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

30 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM Executive Mayor wishes the Class of 2023 all the best!

GRDM Executive Mayor wishes the Class of 2023 all the best!

For Immediate Release
30 October 2023

“Hard work and planning put together ensures success. Make sure you are well-prepared, believe in yourself, and stay focused. You can achieve remarkable results if you remember all the hard work you’ve put in. Having faith in yourself will help you ace the exam because you are the one who studied, the one who knows how tough it is. Stay calm and balanced, you’ve got this!”

As you prepare for your exams, remember to check your pen, take your ID card, and don’t forget your watch. It’s time to pen down all your thoughts on that paper. But keep in mind, this is not only a final exam, but the beginning of a journey filled with numerous tests.

I want to thank all parents, teachers, and communities for the love, care, and understanding shown to our learners. Also for being pillars of strength to our learners and for creating a healthy and productive environment for them. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is as true today as it was in the past.

Over the past 12 years, you’ve been equipped with values and principles that will make you responsible members of society. Don’t step back if hurdles come in your life; instead defeat it with your confidence and talent Rise above your circumstances, become a leader, and be the change you want to see.

Good luck, and may success be yours.

-End-

04 September 2023 Media Release: Sod-Turning Event marks a milestone for Regional Waste Management Facility

Media Release: Sod-Turning event marks a milestone for Regional Waste Management Facility

For Immediate Release
04 September 2023

In a significant step towards more sustainable waste management practices, the official sod-turning ceremony for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Regional Waste Management Facility was held on Friday, 1 September 2023. The journey to this milestone began back in 2006 when investigations and processes for establishing the Regional Landfill Site commenced.

Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.

During his address, Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu, gave a thorough background about the project. He explained: “Local municipalities have reached a point where their waste management sites have become exhausted, which is why this regional waste management facility is being constructed”. Further to this he said: “It was a blessing in disguise that the initial model did not realise as it saved GRDM millions of rands.

Stratu particularly commended the GRDM officials who have been driving the project to this point. “The resilience and commitment of all involved are paying off. And today, it is time to celebrate – despite what happened, we are still delivering on our promises,” Stratu emphasised.

In his remarks at the event, the Head of Public Sector- SA at Standard Bank, Timothy Mtlatla, spoke passionately about Standard Bank’s support to GRDM’s commitment towards green energy. He said: “Our institution remains focused on its purpose; our commitment is a profound purpose and is underscored by the meaningful impact to the community.  We are serving the sector that serves us”. Adding to these words, Mtlatla highlighted that the event is a remarkable example and testament of good working relations. And for this reason, he said: “With this initiative, we foresee a future that is cleaner and healthier for all communities we serve”.  Representatives from Tefla and Zutari also delivered their messages of commitment to the project.

Executive Mayors and Deputy Mayors from the local municipalities that were present, also shared words of support on behalf of their respective municipalities. Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Cliffie Bayman, referred to this day as a significant step that is taken towards more sustainable waste management and environmental practices in a changing world of climatic changes and the now more common outbreaks of communicable diseases. With these words, he added that this event deserved to be on the 1 September, as it is the 1st day of Spring. He highlighted that “this is a season for new beginnings and the reason in which our environment shows the fruit of hard work – work that we have put in during the winter months”. Bayman in addition reiterated that Mossel Bay Municipality will take accountability with the GRDM to ensure that the objective of the facility is reached. In conclusion he said that Mossel Bay is a proud partner in full support of the project and therefore they are eager to see many benefits such as employment deriving from the facility.

Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tswenga, in his congratulatory speech to GRDM and participating municipalities, said: “Thank you for making the Regional Waste Management Facility a reality”. Tswenga, however, mentioned that more work still lies ahead to educate communities about waste management. “As municipalities,” he said that “we need to educate our communities to reduce waste to landfills. Further to this he urged the GRDM on behalf of Knysna, to continue to roll-out a regional educational programme to extend the lifespan of the facility.

Bitou’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Basukwe, during her words of support, said: “Bitou took a decision to participate in the project fully understanding the implications and consequences we would face from our communities and ratepayers”. As a result of showing leadership and the fact that Bitou fitted the cost implication in their budget over the years, she emphasised that “it is indeed pleasing to see the site is now finally under construction”. She thanked all participating municipalities and said that without them, the project would not have been feasible for Bitou alone and would have left Bitou in a serious predicament.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, in his keynote address extended warm words of gratitude to the service provider and consulting engineer, Tefla and Zutari, as well as to Standard Bank and participating municipalities for this legacy project. In unpacking his statement, Mayor Booysen added: “After today it won’t only be a legacy project anymore, but also a catalytic project, meaning that this project is a catalyst of what is coming”.

Mayor Booysen further referred to the realities of working together as stakeholders and said: “It is not easy for different municipalities to work today, as there are many aspects that can hamper initiatives such as this project. However, he commended Mossel Bay Municipality, especially Municipal Manager Collin Puren, for setting the tone on how government can work together and how intergovernmental relations should be executed. To the Deputy Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Bayman he said: “You went as far as advising us,” to safeguard a less complicated process.  Given the background of the project, Mayor Booysen urged councillors, professionals, and ward councillors to be decisive when decisions are made. “When we are decisive,” he said: “The ratepayers would back us up, because they would then understand what they are paying for and not making their own assumptions”. He elaborated that whenever a proposal is on the table, councillors would ask “how the project is going to affect the rates and taxes”. He advised: “It is our duty as politicians to go and explain to the taxpayers and ratepayers why we are doing what we do and why are we making the decisions in terms of what it will cost them”.

An Inaugural Site Meeting and Commencement of Works took place on the 13th of June 2023, which saw the official handover of the site to the appointed contractor, Tefla Group (Pty) Ltd. Over the following weeks, the site was established, benchmarks were verified by a surveyor on July 11, and the refurbishment of an existing farmhouse, set to become the site offices, is nearing completion. Clear and grub operations, excavations and material stockpiling is underway on the access roads and on Cell 1A.

The Regional Waste Management Facility, once complete, will include a domestic waste cell (Class B) and a separate hazardous waste cell (Class A) to accommodate low and medium-hazard-rated hazardous waste. Other infrastructure elements encompass roads, stormwater pipelines, leachate storage dams, contaminated stormwater dams, offices, laboratories, weighbridges, workshops, and security infrastructure. The project also includes a 3-hectare portion that will be used for a waste tyre recycling facility.   Both the Domestic Waste Cell 1 and the Hazardous Waste Cell will have a lifespan of approximately of 20 – 25 years.

The project’s timeline are as follows:

  • Construction Tender Closure (concluded) – October 25, 2022
  • Finalization of Debt Agreement (concluded) – July 2023
  • Contractor on Site (concluded) – July 2023
  •   Operations & Maintenance Tender Award – October / November 2023
  • Completion of Phase 1 – February 2024
  • Estimated Completion of Project – March 2025

The sod-turning event heralds the beginning of a cleaner and healthier future for the Garden Route region.

Listen to all the speeches here:

Welcoming remarks
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-cllr-cliffie-bayman-deputy-executive-mayor-mossel-bay-1

Background of the project
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/project-backround-monde-stratu-grdm-mm

Message of Support by Standard Bank
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-standard-bank-timothy-matlala-head-of-public-sector

Message of Support by Zutari (PTY) LTD
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-by-zutari-pty-ltd-andre-keyser-project-manager

Message of Support by Tefla (PTY) LTD
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-ceo-of-tefla-group-pty-ltd-as-principal-agent-luvuyo-bugle-mlilo

Message of Support by Mossel Bay Municipality
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-cllr-cliffie-bayman-deputy-executive-mayor-mossel-bay

Message of Support by Knysna Municipality
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-knysna-municipality-aubrey-tsengwa-executive-mayor

Message of Support by Bitou Municipality
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/message-of-support-bitou-municipality-cllr-mavis-busakwe-deputy-executive-mayor

Commitment to Service Delivery
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/commitment-to-service-delivery-ald-memory-booysen-grdm-executive-mayor

Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks
https://soundcloud.com/communications-162287886/closing-remarks-and-vote-of-thanks-ald-gert-van-niekerk-deputy-executive-mayor

Feature Image: Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.

ENDS