A brand-new mechanical street sweeper truck, was launched in George, on Thursday.
The sweeper truck has brooms on either side, under the chassis,a front-mounted sprayer to reduce dust, and internal suction that collects debris like leaves, gravel and dirt into a large internal bin.
Fine dust is then filtered and released through a rooftop vent.
The vehicle can also spray herbicide along road edges to reduce weeds.
Jackie von Brandis, Executive Mayor of George, said a rented machine was used for a trial run in June 2025 and approximately 137km of road was cleaned, which equates to approximated 275km of roadside.
The sweeper has cost the town, about R4.5 million.
“With this acquisition, George becomes the only municipality in the Garden Route to operate mechanical street sweepers,” said Lionel Daniels, Deputy Director for Streets and Storm Water. “This innovative vehicle enhances our ability to keep our urban areas clean, reduce flood risk, and protect our natural watercourses from pollution” said von Brandis.
Picture: Supplied