With another cold front expected to make landfall around 10:00 this morning, 11 July 2024, challenging weather conditions are anticipated, which may further impact service delivery and repair efforts.
We urge all motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads. If travel is not absolutely necessary, please stay off the roads.
Road Status:
All major roads are currently open within the Overstrand municipal area but water, sand and debris are washing over most roads and if it becomes dangerous, the roads will be closed on short notice.
- The N2 at Houwhoek is open, with water pumps still running to reduce water flowing over the road.
- R44 Clarence Drive between Rooi-Els and Gordon’s Bay is open.
- R43 between Gansbaai and Hermanus is open. Sand in roadway between Grootbos and Gansbaai has been cleared.
- The R43 Kleinriver bridge at Stanford is flowing normal.
- R320 Hemel-e-Aarde is open.
Power:
We are aware of the power failure in Kleinmond to the Rooiels area. Eskom confirmed that teams are scheduled to start repairs today, but the weather conditions may affect execution. No estimation was provided for the repairs.
Fibre lines are down in the Stanford area and the power outage in Stanhaven and surrounding farms have been reported to Eskom.
Technicians are on-site to repair a power outage at Franskraal Resort. Currently no ETR.
The power supply to the Pearly Beach area will be interrupted from 11:30 to 18:00 due to emergency repairs.
Power supply has been restored to households in Hawston that were without electricity.
Pump Stations:
Some pump stations are currently struggling to cope with the inflow of water.
Despite the significant volume flowing through the system, the municipality urges property owners not to intentionally divert rainwater into the sewage system.
Kleinmond water supply:
The water supply to Kleinmond is under stress due to challenges at the Palmiet River Pumpstation caused by the high water level in the river.
Kleinmond residents are urged to use water sparingly to avoid a situation like in September 2023, where JoJo tanks had to be used as the reservoirs ran dry.
Please only use water for essential human consumption at this time.
Municipal Services:
Heavy rainfall and strong winds have led to flooding and damage in areas across Overstrand, with water levels continuing to rise. Additionally, several businesses in Hermanus CBD also reported damage from flooding.
The operations and disaster management teams are using sandbags to divert water as and when it poses an immediate threat to properties.
When necessary, families will be accommodated in community halls if their dwellings have been severely damaged and assistance is requested.
Our teams are working to respond quickly by clearing fallen trees and branches, and are also clearing stormwater channels on an ongoing basis to protect adjacent properties.
SAWS Weather Outlook:
The weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service for Level 4 and Level 8 disruptive rain is still on track. A level 6 warning was upgraded to level 8 for Drakenstein Municipality, Stellenbosch Municipality and the City of Cape Town. A level 4 warning has been issued for the Overberg, West Coast and Cape Winelands districts. However the western parts of the Overstrand may be more severely affected.
Contact:
Overstrand Municipality remains on high alert and ready to help.
If any assistance is required, please contact the municipal services control room at 028 313 8111 or call Overstrand Fire & Rescue at phone 028 312 2400.
