Even the heavy clouds and slight drizzle did little to dampen the spirits of the Provincial Minister of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and Overstrand Executive Mayor Dudley Coetzee at the sod-turning event, marking the start of construction of the R21 million project, which took place at the Gansbaai Clinic on Thursday, 4 April 2019.

Also present was Overberg Deputy Mayor Archie Klaas, Overstrand Mayoral committee members, councillors, healthcare professionals and a host of health officials.

Proceedings kicked off with a warm welcome by Sr Dorothea Jacobs. This was followed by an overview of the building plans and an artist’s impression of the new clinic to be built next to the existing one.

In her address, Minister Mbombo stated, “The project will certainly improve the current services that are offered to our patients. This will allow more patients to be treated at this facility, and will ensure better patient flow, in a bigger and better facility with a more comprehensive health service package.”

The project entails the construction of a new wing linked to the existing Gansbaai Clinic, as well as upgrades to, and refurbishment of the existing facility.

The 2019/20 draft budget was tabled at the March meeting of Council. Now councillors, residents and stakeholders have some time to review and digest the proposed budget.

The draft annual budget as well as the 2nd Review of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Draft Water Services Development Plan (WSDP) for the 2019/20 financial year is available to the community for representations and comment.

Residents can peruse copies of these documents at the municipal offices and libraries, or download it from Overstrand Municipality’s website (www.overstrand.gov.za).

The closing date for written representation from the public is set for 30 April 2019. The Municipality will take concerns and comments forward before the adoption of the budget on 29 May 2019.

Ronald Nutt has been appointed as the new proportional representation (PR) councillor of the Overstrand Municipality on 26 March 2019.

Cllr Nutt is a pastor by profession and fills the proportional representative position left vacant by the retirement of Ald Nicolette Johnson (née Botha-Guthrie).

Ald Johnson served on the Overstrand Council as a proportional representative of the Democratic Alliance.

Executive Mayor Dudley Coetzee wished Cllr Nutt well in his new appointment.

Overstrand Municipality presented long service award to six employees with 20 years or more service at the Council meeting held on Wednesday, 27 March 2019.

Recognition was also given to Georgia Bucchianeri and Lorraine Botma from the budget office with 15 and 10 years’ service respectively.

One employee, Mgoduseni Nkunkumana, working in the parks department in Hermanus, has completed 30 years of service with the municipality.

Another four employees, Franklin Sherriff (sewage tankers), Sollie Ahrends (streets and storm water) and CD Klaas (sewage tankers) of the Gansbaai Administration and Mcingeleni Gogwana (streets and storm water) of the