Municipality to invest R2.48 million in construction of a dedicated vehicle hanger

Ten years since the inception of professional fire services in Overstrand, the Fire Brigade is to get a brand new fire station, complete with its own vehicle hanger.

Up to now, fire engines were housed on the adjacent premises of the Traffic Department, which meant crews had to run to the bay next door, increasing on their response time.

As a first step to refurbish the existing fire station, construction of a dedicated vehicle hanger commenced on 29 October 2019 and, if everything goes according to plan, this hanger will be ready for occupation by June 2020.

Further upgrades to the existing fire department building, adjacent to the hanger in Mussel Street, will be completed in phases.

“The new station will house fire engines, office space and overnight accommodation for fire fighters,” explained Assistant Fire Chief for Operations and Training, Angelo Aplon.

The fire station will be open 24-7 and will be able to run independently with back-up generators in case of an emergency.

History was made in the Overstrand on 20 October 2019, when Onrus bodyboarder, Tristan Roberts, won his first world title at the 2019 Association of Professional Bodyboarding World Tour in Gran Canaria.

The 22 year old is the first bodyboarder in the sport’s history to win both the Junior World title (in 2014) and the Men’s World Championships.

Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dudley Coetzee, extended his words of congratulations and encouragement to Tristan earlier today when a small crowd gathered to welcome Tristan back.  He arrived in South Africa yesterday and, as always, was keen to get back to Onrus where he was already in the waves this morning with his friends.

The Cape Whale Coast Tourism team, with different local businesses and some of Tristan’s supporters, were there to cheer him on.

Overstrand Executive Mayor Dudley Coetzee, Mayoral Committee Members (Exco Councillors), the Municipal Manager and Top Management team will be hosting the first of Overstrand Municipality’s First Thursday events on 7 November 2019.

Although First Thursday Let's Talk sessions will start in Hermanus, residents from all over the Overstrand are most welcome to join.

Hopefully this initiative will be rolled out to other towns next year.

For the first time ever, Castle Beach in Pearly Beach, has been awarded Blue Flag beach status joining the three other beaches in the Overstrand - Grotto, Hawston and Kleinmond.

These beaches have earned Blue Flag status for the upcoming 2019/20 holiday season which opens officially on 1 December 2019.

Added to the local Blue Flag portfolio, is pilot status for Onrus Beach.

The shark-cage diving boats operated by Marine Dynamics and Great White Shark Tours, as well as the two whale-watching boats operated by Dyer Island Cruises have also earned their Blue Flag status.

This year's announcement was made at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town earlier today (23 October 2019).

All together 45 South African beaches, 9 marinas and 10 sustainable tourism boats were awarded Blue Flags, of which 33 received the title in the Western Cape.