GEORGE NEWS - Nearly a month after severe storms battered the George municipal area, municipal teams are still hard at work clearing thousands of tonnes of storm debris, with clean-up operations expected to continue for at least another two to three months.
The storms, which brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall during May, left widespread damage across George, Wilderness, Hoekwil, Kleinkrantz, Uniondale, Haarlem and surrounding communities.
Municipal crews initially focused on emergency measures such as reopening roads, restoring access to affected neighbourhoods, removing dangerous trees and protecting essential infrastructure.
According to George Municipality, the storms destroyed an estimated 1 000 trees across the municipal area, while roads, pavements, parks and other public spaces suffered damage amounting to millions of rand.
Many residents had to deal with fallen trees on their properties, and the damage caused.
To date, municipal teams have removed about 2 230 tonnes of storm debris, but an estimated 3 000 tonnes still needs to be cleared from public areas.
Parks and Recreation staff, supported by other municipal departments and contractors, have been working seven days a week to restore public spaces and improve safety.
The municipality has appealed to residents for patience, explaining that removing large trees is a specialised operation that can take up to two full working days per tree, depending on its size, location and the risks involved.
In many cases, cranes, chainsaw teams and traffic management are required to complete the work safely.
Officials have also asked residents not to repeatedly report the same fallen trees or piles of storm debris.
Every report received is logged and assigned for action, while duplicate reports place unnecessary pressure on municipal systems and may slow response times.
Residents should also note that municipal woodchippers are no longer generally available for public use, as all equipment is now dedicated to the ongoing municipal clean-up programme. The municipality has further urged the public not to dump garden refuse or storm debris in areas that have already been cleared.
Parks and Recreation staff, supported by other municipal departments and contractors, have been working seven days a week to restore public spaces and improve safety.
Natural debris that washed onto local beaches during the storms will not necessarily be removed immediately.
The municipality explained that coastal debris forms part of sensitive ecosystems and that its removal is governed by environmental legislation. Conditions will continue to be monitored, with interventions planned where legally permitted and considered necessary, particularly before the festive season.
The municipality is also encouraging residents to consult officials before planting trees on municipal property.
Several trees planted in road reserves and sidewalks have damaged municipal infrastructure over the years and, during the recent storms, some posed significant safety hazards.
Residents are advised to contact the municipality for guidance on suitable tree species before planting.
George Municipality thanked residents for their continued patience and cooperation, saying municipal teams remain committed to restoring public spaces and infrastructure following one of the most significant storm events the region has experienced in recent years.
The municipality has appealed to residents for patience, explaining that removing large trees is a specialised operation that can take up to two full working days per tree, depending on its size, location and the risks involved.
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