There has been a slight rise in baboon sightings on the mountain side in Onrus North, along with a small increase in town incursions and raids by individual baboons, over the past month.
After addressing complaints from Berghof Estate, Overstrand Municipality advised that they also acquire baboon-proof bins or baboon proofing their existing bins to reduce these incidents.
Onrus is included in the Waste Management By-law, which stipulates that each owner or occupier must use animal-proof containers in areas identified by the Municipality as problem animal areas.
The declared problem animal areas are Kleinmond (including Arabella), Betty’s Bay, Rooiels, Pringle Bay, portion of Onrus, Voëlklip, Fernkloof (including the Golf Estate), Hermanus Heights, Eastcliff, Kwaaiwater and a portion of Hawston.
Baboon-resistant 240-litre Wheelie bins with locks can be purchased at the Hermanus municipal offices and will be delivered to your home. The bin cost R1 734. Alternatively, bins can be bought at any hardware store and baboon proof locks can be fitted, at an additional charge, on your existing bin. There are private service providers in the Overstrand who can assist with transforming a wheelie bin to be baboon proofed. In Greater Hermanus area, Hermanus Bobby Bins (076 203 8144) can assist. Please contact them directly to confirm their availability and current price.
A baboon proof bin doesn’t have to be a wheelie bin and some people have been able to convert their bin for less than R250.
The 1-2-3 of baboon-wise waste management:
- Secure bin with latch, strap, padlock or clip at all times
- Do not leave refuse (black) bags on pavements or on top of or outside bins in baboon-affected areas
- Do not place excess rubbish bags next to the municipal bins. Any excess refuse must be taken to the transfer stations.
Residents are reminded to contact the Eastern Region (Greater Hermanus) Hotline, managed by Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS), on 072 028 0008 if any baboons are spotted in the mountainous regions above Onrus North or in town, so that the HWS rangers can assist in moving them out of and/or away from town.
