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05 June 2024 Update 4: Garden Route Floods 18h00 update on 5 June 2024

Update 4: Garden Route Floods 18h00 update on 5 June 2024

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 18h00

The GRDM’s JOC remains activated at its Head Office in George because of persistent rainfall experienced in parts of the Western, North and Eastern Cape since 1 June 2024. People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock.

Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.

According to Gerhard Otto, the GRDM Head of Disaster Management, “the peak of the floods have not yet reached all areas in the Garden Route district. For the southern parts of the district, it is expected to only peak in the early hours tomorrow (6 June 2024). SAPS Border Police is stationed in Oudtshoorn, with a team on standby in Mossel Bay for any emerging rescue or recovery incidents”.

RESCUES, RECOVERIES & EVACUATIONS

To date, 17 people have been rescued.

– 11 People (3 women, 4 men and 4 children) rescued from Welgeluk in Oudtshoorn rescued with Pencil Duck.
– 6 People (1 woman, 5 men) rescued from the Meiringspoort Pass with a helicopter.

Guests at Calitzdorp Hot Springs have been evacuated because of the downflow of the Olifants River.

ROADS THAT REMAIN CLOSED

OUDTSHOORN

1) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via the N9, Willowmore from Beaufort West.

2) Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route.

3) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the Langkloof road.

4) DR1713/R328 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route.

5) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.

6) The Cango Caves (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route.

7) Rooiheuwel Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via Dysselsdorp.

8) R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn (closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route.

MOSSEL BAY

1) Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Use the Botlierskop Road or the R328 leading towards the N2.

KNYSNA

1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access Rheenendal via the Barrington Road off the N2. The other alternative is to access Rheenendal via the Seven Passes Road.

GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE

1) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Road is not fully cut-off, but can follow an alternative route via Avontuur.

2) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route for this road.

3) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access possible from the east turn-off.

ROADS OPENED AGAIN TODAY

MOSSEL BAY

1) DR1532 Vleesbay Road (opened again before 15h00 on 05/06/2024)

*ADDITIONAL DETAILS*

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

RELIEF FOR HUMANITARIAN NEEDS
Humanitarian needs in areas affected by the current flood in the Garden Route District are being assessed by Gift of the Givers.
Please contact Mr Mario Ferreira at 082 490 2752 if you have any urgent needs or want to make a donation.

The next update is planned for 07h00 tomorrow, 6 June 2024.

Feature Image: Calitzdorp Hotsprings flood image

05 June 2024 Update 3: Garden Route Floods 15h00 update on 5 June 2024

Update 3: Garden Route Floods 15h00 update on 5 June 2024

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 15h00

The GRDM’s JOC remains activated at its Head Office in George because of persistent rainfall experienced in parts of the Western, North and Eastern Cape since 1 June 2024. People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock.

Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.

According to Gerhard Otto, the GRDM Head of Disaster Management, “the peak of the floods have not yet reached all areas in the Garden Route district. For the southern parts of the district, it is expected to only peak in the early hours tomorrow (6 June 2024). SAPS Border Police is stationed in Oudtshoorn, with a team on standby in Mossel Bay for any emerging rescue or recovery incidents”.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANS

Before the GRDM JOC was activated, representatives from the National Department of Water and Sanitation informed several stakeholders about the anticipated floods. These stakeholders included the Water Users Associations, the National Water Resources Infrastructure Southern Operations Management, and downstream residents such as farmers and farm workers. “There is an Emergency Preparedness Plan for each dam in South Africa, which contains contact details of stakeholders and this greatly assists us in responding to emerging risks and disasters,” said Otto.

RESCUES, RECOVERIES & EVACUATIONS

The South African Police Services (SAPS) Diving Unit and the Red Cross Air Mercy Service are currently assisting with rescue operations of people in the region. To date, 17 people have been rescued.

* 11 People (3 women, 4 men and 4 children) rescued from Welgeluk in Oudtshoorn rescued with Pencil Duck.
* 6 People (1 woman, 5 men) rescued from the Meiringspoort Pass with a helicopter.

Calitzdorp Hot Springs has been evacuated because of the downflow of the Olifants River.

ROADS OPENED AGAIN

MOSSEL BAY

1) DR1532 Vleesbay Road (opened again before 15h00 on 05/06/2024)

ROADS REMAINING CLOSED

OUDTSHOORN

1) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
3) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river – use the Langkloof route as an alternative (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
4) DR1713/R328 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
5) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
6) The Cango Caves (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
7) Rooiheuwel Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

KNYSNA

1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE

1) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
3) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted, access possible from the east turn-off (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

Stompdrift Dam is overflowing (Source: National Department of Water and Sanitation)

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

The next update is planned for 18h00 today, 5 June 2024.

Feature Image: Photo of the damage to the road at Nels River (Oude Muragie) a few kilometers before De Rust. Provincial workers are already repairing the road (Source: Oudtshoorn Municipality)

05 June 2024 Update 2: Garden Route Floods 12h00 update on 5 June 2024

Update 2: Garden Route Floods 12h00 update on 5 June 2024

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 12h00

The GRDM activated its JOC at its Head Office in George because of persistent rainfall experienced in parts of the Western, North and Eastern Cape since 1 June 2024. Although the rainfall patterns for the Garden Route region was not exceptionally high over the past few days, several dams are still overflowing because of rivers that flow into them. The Stompdrift, Kammanassie, Koos Raubenheimer and Gamkapoort Dams are overflowing, collectively pushing more water into the Olifants River.

KEEP SAFE

People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock.

Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.

RESCUES, RECOVERIES & EVACUATIONS

The South African Police Services (SAPS) Diving Unit and the Red Cross Air Mercy Service are currently assisting with rescue operations of people in the region. To date, 17 people have been rescued.

– 11 People (3 women, 4 men and 4 children) rescued from Welgeluk in Oudtshoorn rescued with Pencil Duck.
– 6 People (1 woman, 5 men) rescued from the Meiringspoort Pass with a helicopter.

Calitzdorp Hot Springs has been evacuated because of the downflow of the Olifants River.

ROADS CLOSED

OUDTSHOORN

1) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
3) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river – use the Langkloof route as an alternative (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
4) DR1713/R328 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
5) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
6) The Cango Caves (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) DR1532 Vleesbay Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

KNYSNA

1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE

1) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
3) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted, access possible from the east turn-off (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

The next update is planned for 15h00 today, 5 June 2024.

Pictures: Calitzdorp Hot Springs (Elmo Labuscagne)

05 June 2024 Update 1: Garden Route Floods 09h00 update on 5 June 2024

Update 1: Garden Route Floods 09h00 update on 5 June 2024

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 09h00

JOC ACTIVATED

The Garden Route District Municipality activated its JOC at its Head Office in George following the persistent rainfall experienced since 1 June 2024. GRDM, SAPS and the National Department of Water and Sanitation form part of the JOC. A Forward Control Point is in place at Oudtshoorn Municipality.

Today, the Stompdrift Dam (8km from de Rust) is overflowing due to the heavy rains experienced in the Central Karoo area. On June 5, 2024, the Kammanassie Dam in the Oudtshoorn area overflowed, contributing to the mass of water seen along the Olifants. The main water supply for Oudtshoorn, the Koos Raubenheimer Dam, overflowed as well, pushing more water into the Olifants River. Additionally, the Gamkapoort Dam, located to the north of the region, is also experiencing an overflow into the same river. These combined overflows are significantly impacting families located in areas close to the river as well as access to several roads and passes.

RESCUES & EVACUATIONS

The South African Police Services Diving Unit is currently assisting with evacuations of residents in the region. To date, 11 people have been rescued.

  • 11 People (3 women, 4 men and 4 children) from Welgeluk in Oudtshoorn rescued.

Calitzdorp Hot Springs has been evacuated as a precautionary measure for expected downflow from the Olifants River.

ROADS CLOSED

OUDTSHOORN

1) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
3) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
4) DR1713 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
5) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed sincea 05/06/2024)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

KNYSNA

1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE

1) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IN DISTRESS

Families cut-off from access to roads and who have already been rescued, will be assisted. No donations are required at the moment.

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

The next update is planned for 12h00 midday today, 5 June 2024.

28 May 2024 Public Notice – Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme – Open for Comment

29/2024: Notice of Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme

Open For Comment

The Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme was reviewed and updated, in terms of Section 48 of the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Act (Act No 24 of 2008). As per the provisions of the ICM Act, any amendments that are made to the existing Coastal Management Programme must be subject to the public participation requirements in accordance with Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act, prior to being Gazetted.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for review and comment from 24 May 2024 to 30 June 2024. The draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for viewing at the following Places:

  • Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George;
  • Mossel Bay Public Library, 99 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay;
  • Hessequa Public Library (Gouritsmond Library), 9 Kerk Street, Gouritz;
  • Albertinia Public Library, 2 Horne Street, Albertinia;
  • Still Bay Public Library, Main Road, Still Bay West;
  • Riversdale Public Library, Van Den Berg Street, Riversdale;
  • Hessequa Municipal Office, Mitchell Street, Riversdale;
  • Plettenberg Bay Public Library; Saringa Way, New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay;
  • Knysna Public Library, Memorial Square, 2 Main Street, Knysna;
  • George Public Library, Corner Caledon and Courtenay Streets, Camphersdrift, George;
  • Community centres and SAPD reception offices within subsistence fisher communities, and;
  • Garden Route District Municipality website link:
    https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/2023-24-coastal-management/

The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme. Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or Private Bag 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za before / on 30 June 2024.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Dr Nina Viljoen at 044 803 1318 or e-mail nina@gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here to download the Official Notice.

M Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

21 May 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District MM shares words of appreciation to role-players of Building collapse Rescue and Recovery operations

Garden Route District MM shares words of appreciation to Role-players of partially-built Building Collapse Rescue and Recovery operations

For immediate release
21 May 2024

For nearly two weeks since 6 May 2024, the town of George in the Western Cape, South Africa experienced a disaster unimaginable when a partially-built building collapsed with workers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and Lesotho trapped inside.

The collapse prompted a unified response of experts from Local, Provincial and National Government. Individuals from a diverse background joined together to support the families affected by the tragedy and to keep everyone informed as each minute of the rescue and recovery efforts unfolded. Local rescuers and teams from across the country, including urban search and rescue experts, rescue technicians, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, K-9 Police dogs with their dog-handlers, machinery operators, law enforcement, forensic experts, and support personnel worked tirelessly at the site, extracting workers from the rubble. Hospitals were inundated with patients, and volunteers, as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Faith Based Organisations rallied to provide assistance to the rescue teams. A church choir and spiritual leaders were also at the site to provide comfort.

As the days went by, the Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC) coordinated by Gerhard Otto, Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Manager for Disaster Management, released updates with the assistance of Communicators from GRDM, George, Western Cape Government Department of Local Government, SAPS, as well as WCG Health and Wellness, to members of the public and media regarding the latest status of the rescue and recovery efforts.

At the MACC were representatives present from WCG, GRDM, George Municipality, Emergency Medical Services, the South African Police Service, The Forensic Pathology Service, National Department of Employment and Labour and the WCG Department of Social Development to name a few. The MACC was operational 24/7 with morning and afternoon briefing sessions taking place for all role-players to discuss their plans of action.

The last successful rescue was that of 32-year-old living miracle, Gabriel Guambe who was retrieved on 11 May 2024. Gumba was trapped under the rubble for 118 hours. His miracle rescue created tears in the eyes as soon as it became public knowledge. This successful rescue created new hope for all families and residents who waited anxiously for more rescues to occur. While not all stories ended in success, the collective resilience and solidarity of the community was evident throughout the ordeal.

In total, and as per the last media statement issued by the MACC on Friday, 17 May 2024, of the sixty-two workers (62) who were affected by the collapse, twenty-nine (34) were rescued, however to date six patients afterwards unfortunately passed away in hospital.

No one could have known that the Garden Route would be faced with such a tremendous nightmare, but to witness the people of George and Garden Route coming together to pray and provide support in this incident that created a tremendous cloud of adversity over the town, one can only take from it a lifetime of memories created by the incident. The dedicated rescue services and support provided by the golden hearts through their good deeds to those involved in the rescue mission, are just a few to be mentioned.

Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager of GRDM, visited the site on a daily basis to get to terms and understand the intensity of the incident and rescue mission. Stratu expressed his gratitude to every single official, person, and organisation, the whole of South Africa, who worked non-stop, on and off the site and to every single media representative, photographer and communicator who kept the whole of South Africa informed regarding the progress of the rescue operations. Stratu furthermore thanked all government organisations, municipalities and the private sector who prioritised their past two weeks in the best interest of the workers and their families affected by the incident.

In offering condolences to those who lost loved ones, Stratu emphasised that the whole Garden Route grieves alongside them. “He said: “As you mourn the loss of your mother, father, son, daughter or sibling, remember the entire Garden Route mourns with you.  May their departed souls rest in peace.”

ENDS

09 May 2024 Public Notice: Procurement of Provision of Banking Services for the Garden Route District Municipality for a period of 5 years through a Formal Tender process

Public Notice: Procurement of Provision of Banking Services for the Garden Route District Municipality for a period of 5 years through a Formal Tender process

Notice 42 of 2024

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 33 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, No.56 of 2003 that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) intends to enter into a provision for banking services agreement with Nedbank Limited as the recommended preferred bidder for the tender GRDM/06/23-24. The tender is awarded to Nedbank Limited for the period 1 May 2024 – 30 April 2029.

In terms of the Supply Chain Regulations issued in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Financial Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003), the Municipality must procure banking services through a competitive bidding process. During August 2023 the Municipality advertised Tender No. GRDM/06/23-24 – Procurement of Provision of banking services for the Garden Route District Municipality for a 5-year period.

Following an extensive evaluation and due diligence process, the GRDM Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC) accepted the tender of Nedbank Limited for the provision of banking services for the period 1 May 2024 – 30 April 2029. A section 33 process as prescribed in terms of the MFMA must be followed for contracts beyond three (3) years.

The estimated value for the expenses on this 5-year contract amounts to R500 000. Future interest revenue will be linked to the prime interest rate less 4% as tendered. Provision for the expenditure has been made in the Operational Budget and will be made in future budgets for the duration of the agreement.

Notice is further given in accordance with section 21 and 21A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, that the local community and other interested persons are invited to submit comments or representations to the Municipality in respect of the proposed draft contract. Such comments or representations must reach the Municipality within 21 calendar days, via electronic mail on the email address or delivered by mail to the address details provided hereunder. If no submissions and/or correspondence is received within the given time, GRDM will presume that there are no recommendations or views to this matter.

The detailed specifications and the proposed contract as contained in the Tender GRDM/06/23-24: Procurement of Provision of Banking Services for the Garden Route District Municipality for a period of 5 years through a formal tender process is available at the municipal offices and GRDM website at  https://www.gardenroute.gov.za.

Submission must be marked as:

PROVISION OF BANKING SERVICES AGREEMENT GRDM/06/23-24: SECTION 33 PROCESS

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300

Email submissions to: Mr T Mpuru
Email address: tebello@gardenroute.gov.za
Notice number: 42/2024

9 May 2024 Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications

Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications

For Immediate Release
9 May 2024

On an annual basis, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) provides fencing subsidies for a selected number of landowners on neighbouring provincial rural roads with fencing of their properties.

This is subject to a budget as received from the Western Cape Government.

The funding will only be applicable on a subsidy basis.  It effectively means that 60% subsidy will be contributed towards the cost of the fencing. The subsidy is determined by an average price for material. The material is deemed as 60% of total cost. Labour cost is deemed as 40% of the total cost and must be carried by the applicant.   All initial costs must be carried by the applicant and subsidy will be paid out after the successful completion of the fence. For more information refer to the Fencing Subsidy Policy of Garden Route District Municipality.

The new fences must adhere to the specifications of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape:  Roads Infrastructure Department. Minimum specifications will be made available to successful applicants.

Application process

  1. Application forms can be obtained from Mr Qamani Nkebana or Mr Lungisa Qendu at the Roads Transport & Planning Department. Contact numbers at the office is 044 803 1506 / 044 803 1577 or email Qamani@gardenroute.gov.za / Lungisa@gardenroute.gov.za. Alternatively download from www.gardenroute.gov.za .
  2. Application period: 09th May 2024 to 31st May 2024.
  3. Applications will be audited and evaluated according to risk analysis by a panel. Risk factors include:

Status of road, traffic count, operating speed of vehicles, type of farming, condition of current fence, etc

  1. The panel outcome will be decided by 02nd August 2024. All applicants will be informed.  A fencing subsidy contract will be signed with successful applicants.  Unsuccessful applicants can apply again in the next financial year.
  2. All fences must be fully completed by 30th November 2024 for payment before 28 February 2025.
  3. Payment will be done after an inspection and an approval for the fence has been made.

Closing date:  31st May 2024

Notice number: 46/2024

Relevant Documents 

Application Form and Annexures

Fencing-subsidy-letter-for-applying-applicants-2024

Guidelines for the fencing of roads by adjacent landowners

MBD4-Declaration-of-Interest