The full Council of Overstrand Muncipality has unanimously approved its Integrated Development Plan and a R1.135 billion budget for the 2017/18 financial year.

The total 2017/18 budget is comprised of a capital budget of R97.6 million and an operational budget of R1.038 billion.

With the exception of property rates, which will increase by 7.4%, other service tariffs, will, on average, increase by 6%. Electricity consumption increases by a maximum of 1,88%.

The charge for the first 6kl of water increases by 11,5% or 46 cents per 1 000 litres. Indigent households, will continue to receive 6kl of water free per month

OPERATING REVENUE BUDGET

The total operational revenue amounts to R993.2 million, with a budget deficit of R44.6 million.

The much needed rain has arrived, bringing welcome drought relief throughout the Western Cape.

The SA Weather Service says downpours will continue for the rest of the week and temperatures are expected to drop significantly.

“Rain not only reduces visibility, but also the amount of grip on your tyres,” says Senior Superintendent: Traffic Services Xen Titus. “So it is important to use common sense when driving during foul weather and increase stopping distances,” he added.

“Please make sure all headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are functioning properly so other drivers will see you during downpours," he requested.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe while travelling, is choosing to wear a seatbelt.

Overstrand Municipality, working with all relevant stakeholders, is geared up to deal with incidents of possible disaster as heavy rainfall and abnormal strong winds are expected later tonight.

All emergency services, including Fire and Disaster Management, as well as the offices of all area managers, are working together on contingency plans ahead of tonight’s storm.

Additional staff is also on standby to support/assist where possible and needed.

Loud hailing in all informal settlements will start shortly, and SMS texts alerts will notify residents of expected gale force winds and heavy rainfall.

The past week has been a busy one for Overstrand’s Law Enforcement Department as they continue with its clean-up operation geared towards removing abandoned vehicles from the municipality’s streets.

For the rest of the month, Law Enforcement in conjunction with the Special Task Team, Traffic Services, and SAPS will also target vehicles parked on sidewalks in residential areas that can be seen as wrecks being used for spare parts.

“Vehicles that are completely stripped or burned can not only be an eyesore but can take up valuable parking spaces in crowded residential areas,” says Johan du Toit, assistant chief:  law enforcement.

A written warning was given to the owners before the vehicle was impounded and owners will have to pay hefty release fines to obtain their vehicles. If the vehicles are not retrieved, they will be sold at auction.