The post Garden Route Dam area closed from 13 May appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>In addition to heavy vehicles on winding plantation roads and major excavations at the dam wall and above the dam, clearing of alien vegetation right around the dam will mean the presence of dangerous equipment including woodchippers, chain saws and cutters – not to mention falling trees, snakes and other wildlife disturbed by the temporary commotion.
George Municipal Manager Trevor Botha made an urgent appeal to all hikers, cyclists, canoeists and other outdoor enthusiasts to stay clear of all plantation and forest terrain, tracks and roads south of the train tracks above the dam. “The work site is much larger than just the area directly adjacent to the dam and is potentially extremely dangerous for people who are not meant to be there. While it may be temporarily inconvenient for regular users of the terrain to find alternative outdoor space for a while, the long-term benefits of a higher dam wall and less invasive species in their natural playground will reap its own rewards.
“Please do not be tempted to ignore signage because it looks like a site is not active. There is a lot that will be happening in areas that may not be obvious and visible, and areas where work is underway may be unstable and should not be entered just because workers or equipment do not seem to be around.
“A special appeal is being made to cyclists to please find routes outside this area and to not take any chances. Heavy vehicles will be using almost all the plantation and forest roads that cyclists frequent. Cyclists speeding down mountain paths run the risk of encountering large vehicles on winding plantation roads and they may not be able to stop or get out of the way in time if they come upon a truck. The area is always considered a high-risk site 24 hours, seven days a week. Ongoing safety risk reviews will be carried out and areas will be opened to public access only if it is considered safe for general access.
“While every effort will be made to put up signage at as many points of access as possible, the area is not fenced, and the municipality will rely on citizens to help spread the word and to warn and discourage people from accessing the area. Ongoing messaging on several municipal communication channels will also take place.
“The municipality thanks residents and visitors for their support and patience during this project. It will be a temporary inconvenience but will provide longer term water security in a changing climatic environment,” said Mr Botha.
Lowering the dam level
Before the project can start, the level of the Garden Route Dam must be reduced from its current 89% to at least 80% to enable the contractors to access the currently submerged construction area. Weather-depending, the water will be released sometime in the next week via two scour valves and the water will flow out into the Kaaimans River over a period of about three to six days in dry weather conditions. The releasing of water does not hold danger for property owners and activities downstream, but the relevant parties will be informed accordingly.
“While it is not ideal to lose water at any stage, the safety of the people working below the dam is essential and for the integrity of the project as a whole, we have accepted that some water run-off is necessary. We had hoped to create a buffer or holding dam, but the scope of the project does not allow for it. However, the municipality will monitor and manage the dam level closely during the project time period and will address any supply issues in advance should it become necessary,” said Mr Botha.
Traffic implications, take care
Heavy vehicles will be delivering materials to the site, which will have an impact on Knysna Road, Madiba Drive, Mission and Industrial Roads. Heavy vehicle activity will also take place on the public roads directly adjacent to the site, including the Meyer Street entrance to the dam and Madiba Drive between Meyer Street and a plantation access road in Madiba Drive (about halfway between Meyer and Nelson Mandela University George Campus). All road users are requested to take extreme care, to not speed or overtake in blind areas.
Project details
Once completed, the dam’s full supply level will effectively be raised by 2.5 metres, which will increase the total storage capacity of the dam by approximately 25%.
The construction activity period is expected to be ten months from time of commencement. If possible, the area will be made accessible during the 2019/20 December-January holiday period, but this will depend entirely on the safety of the site and the progress of the works being constructed.
A professional dam engineer registered with the Department: Water and Sanitation (DWS) for a Category III dam will oversee the construction works. All designs for the works have been approved by the DWS’s Dam Safety Office.
Construction will occur in the dam wall and spillway area, while fill for the raising of the dam wall will be excavated on the MTO/NMU side of the dam and transported to the construction site.
About 13 000 cubic meters of excavated material will be transported for placing on the dam wall. At the same time bush clearing and alien eradication will take place within the future flood line area that extends around the dam perimeter. Earthmoving and construction plant and machinery will be stored overnight at the contractors site camp situated close to the dam wall.
Currently the spillway construction area is submerged, and the level of the dam will be artificially drawn down to allow the contractor to execute the works. The old spillway will first be removed, after which excavation to reach bedrock will commence. The future drainage channel will be excavated simultaneously. Rock anchors will be drilled into the bedrock and secured with grouting, concrete and steel reinforcement placed to provide the floor, footings and the spillway wall, a grout curtain pressure injected to prevent water ingress under the structure, and earthworks to raise the dam wall all form part of the construction activities.
Once the dam water level is low enough, the contractor can remove the existing concrete overflow crest below the existing spillway bridge. At the same time the future drainage channel will be excavated into the bedrock. This work will be in a zone that lies approximately 3.2m below the existing dam’s full supply level, due to the removal of the overflow crest and the natural fall back into the dam in the spillway channel. At the same time an approximately 700mm layer of soft rock will be removed to ensure that the proposed structure is firmly anchored into the hard bedrock layer.
Once the rough excavation work is completed, steel anchors will be drilled and grouted into the bedrock. Once successfully completed and tested, the new spillway reinforced footing will proceed.
Of note is that the driller will then return to drill holes through the footing, to inject grout under high pressure into the bedrock to ensure a watertight grout ‘curtain’ below the wall. This is to prevent water ingress into the bedrock underlying the proposed spillway structure and is a critical component. The actual spillway walls will only proceed once this grout curtain has been successfully tested for water-tightness to the required standards. This work will proceed on and off, due to the various required concrete and grouting curing periods, as well as the requirement that each aspect is carefully checked before moving onto the next phase of construction.
Project queries must be directed to: [email protected]
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]]>The post Agency One will help you land on Page One of a Google search appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>Graeme Lund, managing Director of Agency One, says, “Our team has great mix of technical, business and creative skill. We have a lot of business savvy and help businesses develop a strng brand and increase their revenue.”
The team at Agency One have many years of experience with particular focus on the tourism, entertainment and leisure industry.
Digital Marketing
Graeme adds, “What most businessmen don’t realise is that over 60% of new business comes from a Google search result. People use a Google search every day to find information or service providers for themselves or for their organisation but often don’t have their own businesses geared to register on a Google search.”
“Without a strong web presence, particularly a website that has good Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and a Google Business Listing, a business will lose market share to a competitor who has,” adds Graeme.
Although Agency One is a full service advertising agency, they have a particularly strong knowledge in digital marketing and a series of tools and services to assists companies develop a strong web presence.
Agents for high-quality backlink and citation generating websites
Where most advertising agencies can develop and efficient website for their clients, Agency One is able to help its clients rise to the first page of a Google search for their business name and for their industry.
“One of our key skills is that we are able to generate very good content for our client’s websites and we are able to publish articles on highly reputable websites such as RNEWS, Business Link, Home Food and Travel and Kids Connection that contain numerous backlinks and citations for our clients websites,” says Graeme.
Agency One can be contacted at 082 556 4043 or email [email protected]
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]]>The post Cape Town couple nabbed for R4 million fraud appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>“Themba Romario Maneli (24) and Nanky Tozama Kanase (24) were arrested last week Friday and have been charged with fraud, theft and money laundering in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase.
“They remain in police custody and are due to appear in court again on Thursday for a formal bail application in the same court.”
Maneli, a Finance Clerk at Clicks IT Finance Department, allegedly colluded with his girlfriend and submitted fictitious invoices over a period of time for payment exceeding R4 million to a company owned and directed by his girlfriend.
“Over R1.6 million was already transferred to different bank accounts and the stolen funds were quickly depleted through electronic payments and ATM withdrawals.”
Capt Nkwalase said that the Hawks’ swift investigation landed the two in jail whilst the Asset Forfeiture Unit managed to freeze the remaining alleged stolen millions of rand.
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]]>The post Duo arrested at Bishop Lavis Court with unlicensed firearms appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>This is after it acted on a information on Tuesday, at about 09:30, and arrested two men, who were found in possession of unlicensed firearms at the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court.
“Police were conducting crime prevention duties in the court when they observed two men carrying firearms, and upon investigation, it was discovered that the licenses that the suspects produced were invalid,” said police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana.
“The two men, aged 30 and 42, were arrested and three firearms, an automatic rifle with 60 rounds of ammunition and two 9mm pistols with 45 rounds of ammunition were seized.”
She said that the suspects are expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court where they will be facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
According to the Small Arms Survey report of 2018, an estimated 5,351,000 firearms are in civilian possession in South Africa – placing it as the 20th highest country in the world in terms of the number of guns within its borders.
Still, while number of register civilian gun owners is low in South Africa, when compared to other countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia, the country has a high number of unregistered/illicit firearms circulating among communities.
Of the 5 million firearms, only around 3 million are registered (legal) firearms. The rest are unregistered and are often used in crimes like murders and robberies, which remain a concern in the country.
Effectively, there are 9.65 firearms per every 100 persons in South Africa.
The various law enforcement agencies in the country have around 250 481firearms and the SA Defence Force has around 350 636 military firearms.
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]]>The post Hawks target hydroponic dagga labs in Cape Town appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>This became apparent when Diran Zacharan (24) appeared at Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday last week for dealing in dagga.
“Zacharan was arrested in Table view by the Hawks led multidisciplinary team during a disruptive operation undertaken by the team on Thursday,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase.
“A third and fully operational hydroponic dagga lab was uncovered with a total of 95 dagga plants worth R95 000 in Table view, Cape Town.”
This follows after two others that were dismantled at small holding farm in Mikpunt Klipheuwel and in Palm Beach Harbour Island last December and February respectively.
Capt Nkwalase said that Zacharan was arrested at his Table view premises for the allegedly dealing in dagga connected to the operating and cultivating hydroponic dagga lab.
“Furthermore, over R20 000 cash notes was also recovered during the search and seizure at the suspects’ residence.”
The case against Zacharan was postponed to 23 May for further investigation whilst he was released on R2000 bail.
Whether you agree with the ruling or not, and whether or not you personally have ever had (or intend to have) anything to do with cannabis/marijuana/weed/dagga, we all need to be aware of the implications.
Any form of supply or purchase, even in private, and any possession or use by a minor (under 18), anywhere, would still put you at risk of a criminal record and heavy penalties.
Read more on the legalities around dagga growing and use in South Africa here.
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]]>The post Examiners appear in Vredenburg court over false roadworthy certificates appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>“Sinenhlanhla Buthelezi (26), Mariam Abdullah Majiet (31), Samantha Christal Hughes (40) and Kgomotso Comfort Masindi (37) appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of fraud and corruption,” said Hawks spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase.
“They were arrested in Cape town, Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and Wednesday last week following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation together with the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public works.”
Capt Nkwalase said that the four were allegedly linked to a syndicate implicated in processing fraudulent vehicle roadworthy certificates.
“These Western Cape vehicles were reportedly exempted from being physically tested at the testing stations in Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth in exchange of bribes.”
All four were each released on R2 000 bail and are expected to be back in the same court on 25 April 2019.
“Furthermore, the court ordered them not to go near any vehicle testing station and not to access NaTIS system.”
The issuing of false roadworthy certificates remains a challenge for authorities.
At least 230 000 fake roadworthy certificates are estimated to have been issued in 2012 alone.
The fraudulent issuing of Certificates of Roadworthiness (COR) and Certificates of Fitness (COF) was now rife while it poses a danger to be the vehicle drivers, their passengers and other road users.
Still, operating motor vehicle without roadworthy certificate carries a fine of R 1 000.
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]]>The post Four suspects nabbed for murder in Kraaifontein appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>“The community of participated in partnership policing this morning when they shared valuable information with the police about suspects that were involved in a murder in Bloekombos, Kraaifontein,” Cape Town spokesperson.
“Police members were patrolling in the area when they saw a Mazda 323 that fitted the description of the one that was reportedly involved in a murder earlier.”
Police said that an unknown man was found at around 02:45 with multiple stab wounds in an open field next to the De Nova Youth Treatment Centre, old Paarl road, Kraaifontein.
“The witnesses saw four suspects fleeing the crime scene in a white Mazda 323.”
Police followed up on the information and spotted the vehicle and upon searching it they found a knife that was allegedly used to commit the murder and four occupants inside the vehicle.
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]]>The post Western Cape wine company La RicMal expands to Ghana appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>The Marketing Manager of La RicMal, Mr Malcolm Green, who will be travelling to the West African country next week, says his decision was motivated by the growing demand for the South African wine in Ghana.
Green will be one of about 30 businesspeople who will be participating in the Outward Trade and Investment Mission to Ghana from 24-30 March 2019.
The trip is organised and funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme.
The objective of the scheme is to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country.
The mission will comprise of a trade and investment seminar, business-to-business meetings and site visits.
According to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, the mission to Ghana is part of South Africa’s investment-led bilateral trade approach with African countries aimed at increasing intra-Africa trade and investment.
“Over the years we have seen the demand for the south African wines in Ghana growing as a result of an increase in their consumption.
“Our research has established that the volumes of SA wines consumed in Ghana are starting to overtake the French and Portuguese wines. This is due to the fact that Ghana has a strong appreciation for the South African products and recognises us as one of the countries in the world that produce wines of highest quality and taste,” says Green.
Green says the impressive increase of the SA wine exports to Ghana has inspired his company to set up a bottling plant in Ghana in order to expand its footprint to the West African region.
His wines have already made significant inroads into the region as they are exported to Ghana, Nigeria and Mali in addition to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Kenya and Mozambique.
“We will be using the trip to Ghana to continue the discussion with the businesspeople in Ghana on our plan for a partnership or joint venture in setting up a bottling plant there. We are looking at exporting bulk wines to Ghana, and bottling the wines in that country.
“This will make it easier and cost-effective for us to export to the West African region and beyond with Ghana being the hub. It will be a win-win situation for all of us as a South African company will be investing in the Ghanaian economy and creating employment for the people of Ghana and exporting the South African product to the country,” says Green.
He adds that the direct impact of his company’s successful expansion into Ghana will be an increase in production, exports and jobs.
Caption: Keen to capture significant share of West African wine market – the Marketing Manager of La RicMal, Mr Malcolm Green with his wines
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]]>The post Mandrax worth over R1.2 million seized in Delft, Cape Town appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>They were arrested for being in possession of mandrax tablets valued at around R200 000.
“Delft Crime Prevention Unit members followed up on information of drugs and an unlicensed firearm at a residence in Nietgewerk Street and conducted a search operation,” described police spokesperson, Lt Col Andre Traut.
“The search led to the arrest of two suspects, a 54-year-old male and a 30-year-old female and the seizure of eight bags of madrax tablets and an unlicensed 9mm firearm.”
Lt Col Traut said that while the members were on this crime scene, they received further information that more drugs were stored at another house further down the same street.
“The members followed up this information and at the second house they found 37 big bags of mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of around R1 million. No one was arrested there.”
He said that the circumstances surrounding the matter are currently under investigation and the suspects are due to make a court appearance in Blue Downs once they have been charged.
The 2018 International Narcotics Control Report ranked South Africa as the largest market for the sale of illicit drugs in Southern Africa.
Published by the United States’ Department of State to Congress the 2018 International Narcotics Control Strategy (INCS) Report says most illicit drugs shipped to sub-Sahara Africa are destined for South Africa.
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]]>The post Hout Bay police officer nabbed after Stellenbosch robbery appeared first on RNEWS.
]]>“The suspects held the staff of the business at gunpoint and fled the scene with cash in a gold Toyota Avanza,” said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Andrè Traut.
“The SAPS were quick to respond to the incident and following a high speed pursuit, the getaway vehicle was stopped in Somerset West.”
He said that the four male occupants, aged between 30 and 40, were arrested and two 9mm firearms were confiscated.
“One of the suspects was identified as a police officer stationed at Hout Bay police station. Once charged, the suspects are due to make a court appearance in Stellenbosch,” added Lieutenant Colonel Traut .
Western Cape SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen KE Jula, praised the Stellenbosch members for their vigilance and speedy response.
He welcomed the arrest of the perpetrators, adding that the SAPS in this province has no place for police officers, who live a double life as criminals too.
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