COUNCIL NEWS IN SHORT

George residents will have to wait until after the national elections on 29 May to find out whether liquor may be sold at stores on Sundays and public holidays.

The adoption of the by-law on the trading days and hours of liquor for licensed businesses in the George municipal area was expected to take place at the council meeting last week Wednesday 24 April. However, the item was withdrawn from the agenda because additional documentation was required. According to Municipal Spokesperson Chantèl Edwards the item will be dealt with during the next council meeting, which will only take place after the elections.

Writing off debt

George Municipality had to write off indigent debt of R720 541,33 in total. The lion's share of this amount (R646 422,20) stems from arrear debt at residencies where the owners cannot be traced, but where the property is occupied by residents who qualifies for indigent relief. In terms of the indigent policy the arrear debt may be written off in these circumstances.

The difference of R74 119,13 was written off in instances where special circumstances existed as per the Indigent Policy, although the residents did not qualify for indigent support.

These applications were submitted to the Section 80 committee who considered each application at their discretion.

Municipal sport grounds

George Council adopted the George Municipality sporting facilities by-law, which formalises the adminstration, control and maintenance of municipal owned sport facilities.

The by-law has already been out for public comment and must now be promulgated in the Government Gazette.