The 'no swimming' advisory for the Klein River lagoon at the eastern end of Grotto Beach was lifted yesterday, 25 March 2021 and the lagoon is open for recreational activities.

According to the Overberg District Municipality's Health Department (ODM), who is responsible for recreational water quality for estuaries, the signage board can be removed as they are satisfied that the water is safe for public recreational use.

The warning signage was erected as a precautionary measure even though no sewerage spill was visible in the estuary at the time of the incident.

The Draft IDP Review, Draft Water Services Development Plan, Draft Budget and Draft SDBIP for the financial year of 2021/22 as well as the draft audited Annual Report for 2019/20 will be open for public comment from
1 - 30 April 2021.

The documents will be available from 1 April 2021 on the municipal website and in public libraries after it has served before Council on Wednesday, 31 March 2021.

All comments and contributions related to the Draft IDP review, Draft WSDP and Draft Budget 2021/22 as well as the Draft audited Annual Report for 2019/20 will be considered for final tabling to Council in May 2021.

The following time-frames and process are applicable with regard to inputs from the public:

The public has been warned not to swim in the lagoon near Grotto beach, due to a potential sewage spill at the municipal pump station inside the Hermanus Scout Camp near the mouth of the Klein River estuary.

The incident occurred earlier this month after the pump station experienced an electrical problem after the heavy rains. The sump was emptied immediately after the problem had been detected, and the electrical fault was repaired on the same day that the incident occurred.  The warning signage was erected as a precautionary measure, although no sewerage spill was visible in the estuary at the time of the incident.

Overstrand Municipality has issued a warning to residents, business owners and visitors to remain vigilant and stay safe during the forthcoming Easter long weekend. Familiarise yourself with whom you can call in an emergency and remember to put those numbers on your phone.

Thieves, robbers and fraudsters are looking for easy targets; therefore Hermanus Police Station Commander, Colonel Nosilela, asks that we remind the elderly people in our community to be aware that they could be targeted by criminals.

Although Overstrand law enforcement officers together with your Neighbourhood watch, HPP, SAPS and security companies will have patrollers and members on duty - please try and make the task easier for them and more difficult for criminals by: