GEORGE (Our) municipality admits they are overcharging us, yet they want to lock in massive increases until 2030. We are being squeezed by a "Fixed Charge Trap" that hurts us all with impact on low-income families.

GEORGE RESIDENTS- SAY NO ELECTRICITY HIKES.pdf

Dr Dennis Farrell of Garden Route First says the municipality's proposed cost of supply (CoS) phase-in strategy, announced last week, will result in ratepayers facing an effective increase of between 17% and 22% in the 2026/27 book year. Link to Article

PUBLIC STATEMENT – 25 March 2026 - By Dr D Farrel
George's Water Crisis Is Being Ignored — And Residents Deserve Answers Now

PUBLIC STATEMENT_ George s Water Crisis Is Being Ignored _And Residents Deserve Answers Now 25 March 2026.pdf

Letter form Oudtshoorn Municipality 13 April 2026

FOR ATTENTION - DR DV FARRELL 13 April 2026.pdf

Response to Municipality letter Dated 13 April 2026.pdf

Response by DR Dennis Farrel Dated 14 April 2026

PUBLIC STATEMENT & MEDIA BRIEFING

Oudtshoorn Water Crisis: Residents Welcome Municipal Engagement but Demand Clear
Timelines and Action
14 April 2026 - By DR Dennis Farrel

Media statement 14 April 2026.pdf

OUDTSHOORN INFRASTRUCTURE DILEMA AT THE FEET OF POLITICAL LEADERSHIP:

The data below illustrates a sobering reality: for a decade, the infrastructure of Oudtshoorn has
been a secondary concern to the political survival of its various governing coalitions.

By Dr Dennis Farrel - 10 April 2026

Poor Infrastructure at the Feet of Political Leadership_OUDTSHOORN.pdf

SUBJECT:

Oudtshoorn Residents Challenge 2026/27 IDP Over "Hidden Infrastructure Collapse" and
Water Quality Crisis.


MEDIA STATEMENT Water Quality 7 April 2026.pdf

Oudtshoorn-Municipality-Response-Water-Quality-Assurance-Governance-Transparency.pdf

We've thanked the Municipality for their transparency and asked how residents can assist in supporting the funding application for the new purification plant.

We've also repeated our call for a Water Oversight Committee that includes qualified experts and community representatives — to ensure public involvement and long-term accountability.

Read our response here:
ttp://grfirst.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Water-Quality-_Oudtshoorn_-Response-31-March-2026.pdf
 
We'll continue to keep you updated.
Garden Route First
ww.grfirst.org.za