Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, and the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers met this morning at the R43/R44 crossing and the Palmiet Bridge to observe for themselves the damage to the road infrastructure that led to the partial closing of these roads over the last few days following the heavy rains that battered the area since Sunday, 24 September 2023.

After the site inspection, the Mayor also visited the R320 Hemel-en- Aarde road, where, just outside of Hermanus, it was badly damaged by the rushing waters of the Onrus River.  As can be seen from the photographs, the damage is quite extensive which will take a considerable time to repair. 

It can be confirmed that the Provincial Department responsible for roads has already appointed contractors to start with the repairs. 

Mayor Rabie specifically pleaded with Minister Simmers to give immediate attention to the R43 at the Kleinmond turn off as, should this road be closed, the Overstrand will effectively be cut off from Cape Town and the supply of vital services and foods will be negatively impacted.  It is trusted that the appointed contractor will be able to safeguard the portion of road that is still open while working on the damaged culverts and shoulders. 

Residents are urged to use these roads with caution and adhere to the traffic rules.

Despite the fact that the water situation remains the same as was reported yesterday, we still find that people are not heeding the request to limit water use.

The supply to the Greater Hermanus from the De Bos dam remains limited as the size of the temporary pipe is significantly less than the original pipeline. Although the borehole line from the Hemel-en-Aarde wellfields is fixed, there is no electricity to run the pumps here as Eskom still struggles to get their supply lines fixed.

At present, the Municipality is still busy assessing the damages in order to quantify and cost the repairs. A final figure has not yet been determined, but a considered preliminary estimation indicates it to be quite extensive.

Water restrictions thus remain in place and must be adhered to. Should the situation not improve, Council will have to consider implementing the water restriction tariffs, as a deterrent, which will lead to very high water accounts.