Update
GEORGE NEWS - George Deputy Mayor Gerrit Pretorius has taken exception at words attributed to him in the George Herald cover story 'Are our rivers soiled with sewage?' published on 16 November.
The article followed a site visit by, amongst others, Pretorius and Afriforum member Tinus Nortjé to rivers in the George municipal area where concerns have been raised regarding possible sewage pollution.
The article states: "Pretorius expressed concern and said he would respond with alacrity."
It continued to say that Pretorius's response is still being awaited.
Pretorius's alleged reaction during the site visit was related to George Herald by Nortjé and not by Pretorius himself.
Pretorius has subsequently denied saying this to anyone.
"It was not correct to suggest that I made unanswered promises. I didn't and cannot make promises or give undertakings, the outcome of which I have absolutely no control over. It would be grossly irresponsible."
Pretorius also stressed that at no point any attempt was made to solicit a response from him.
However, George Herald repeatedly asked for comment using the prescribed media channels as dictated by the George Municipality.
The first request for comment from the deputy mayor was made via e-mail to the George Municipality media office on 7 November and when no response was forthcoming, another urgent e-mail requesting comment from Pretorius was sent to the media office a week later on 14 November.
The media office then informed the journalist that administrative comment would be supplied.
No reference or acknowledgement regarding the request for comment from Pretorius was made.
Comment from the Director: Community Services, Walter Hendricks, was received on 15 November (the day before publication).
His reply was published verbatim: "George Municipality is in the process of procuring a chipper to address the issue in Madeliefie Street. This will be done in all rivers to ensure that water has a free flow to the Garden Route dam.
"It must be noted that the municipality must follow supply chain processes in acquiring the equipment required."
An impeccable source has subsequently informed George Herald that although Pretorius has to be extremely cautious and prudent regarding public statements and/or promises, Pretorius took immediate action to address the situation.
Pretorius convened a meeting with all the relevant municipal officials the very day after the site visit and, as a result of this meeting, the process to procure a chipper was embarked upon without delay.
The chipper will be used to clear branches and alien invasive trees and plants from the relevant watercourses.
In a response this week Trevor Botha, municipal manager, noted that although media enquires were addressed to Deputy Mayor Pretorius, this issue could only be responded to administratively.
