Damage to streetlights and constant replacing of light bulbs are derailing ongoing efforts to deliver a service to communities and are costing ratepayers money to replace equipment.

It also impacts negatively on the security of the neighbourhoods.

According to the electrical department in Kleinmond, it appears that in the last few weeks, it is mostly children who kick at the 3.5m fibreglass poles to break the light bulbs.

Similar problems also occur in Stanford and Gansbaai, where youngsters shoot at streetlight bulbs with slingshots (ketties).

In Hawston, Marine Drive, criminals have managed to dig up and steal the cables supplying the streetlights and, in some places, removed the entire streetlight pole and streetlight unit itself.

On Friday, 12 February 2021, Overstrand’s Fire and Disaster Management received keys for three new fire vehicles at a ceremony held at the new Fire Station in Mussel Street, Hermanus. Among the dignitaries attending, were the Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, Ald Dudley Coetzee, Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill, Councillors, Provincial Disaster Services officials as well as Overberg and Overstrand fire fighters.

The event was opened with a word of welcome by the Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill. He expressed appreciation and highlighted that “the vehicles received today, will increase the services rendered in the communities and will be helpful, to speed up service delivery in our communities”.

At the start of the event, officials who lost their lives in line of duty were remembered. Chaplain Mark Robson prayed for all families and for all fire fighters affected and thereafter read a piece while everyone was requested to stand.

Here’s when recipients can collect their social grants at the Overstrand Thusong Service Centre in Hawston from 08:00 - 14:00

13 Feb 2021 - Disability Grant
15 Feb 2021 - All other Grants
17 Feb 2021 - All other Grants

Here’s when recipients can collect their DISABILITY GRANTS at other halls in the Overstrand for February and March from 08:00 - 14:00:

6 February 2021 - Disability Grant: Moffat Hall in Mt Pleasant, Overstrand Thusong Centre in Hawston and Kleinmond Proteadorp Community Hall

100% CONTAINED, 1 FIRE FIGHTER REMAINS IN HOSPITAL

The three fire fighters who were injured on Sunday, 31 January 2021 in a veldfire in the mountains at Gansbaai's Masakhane informal settlement, are recovering.

Overstrand Fire Chief, Lester Smith said two fire fighters have been discharged - one last night and one this morning. The third fire fighter remains in hospital and is being treated for second degree burns to his hand and arms.

A vehicle and a pump were destroyed by the fire and the incident is under investigation. The fire chief confirmed that the fire has been contained.

Overstrand Municipality expresses its condolences to the family of fire fighter Nelio van Rooy from the Barrydale Station who died while serving his community in fighting the Barrydale mountain fire on Sunday, 31 January 2021.