On Friday, 8 September 2017, the Provincial Minister of Human Settlements Bonginkosi Madikizela, along with Overstrand Executive Mayor Rudolph Smith, launched the multimillion rand Hawston Housing Development Project with a sod turning ceremony. The event was marked with much elation from community members, contractors and stakeholders concerned.

The Hawston Integrated Residential Development Project (IRDP), situated on a portion of land adjacent to the R43 in Hawston forms an extension of an existing residential area and is approximately 13 hectares in extent.  It comprises 489 sites that include 107 residential sites for the affordable housing market, i.e. Grant Assistance Programme (GAP) and Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP), 378 residential sites for the Breaking New Ground (BNG) market, two business sites, two community zoned sites and nine open public spaces, roads and a storm water retention pond.

This development is representative of the Department’s mandate to deliver integrated and sustainable human settlements in which beneficiaries have access to the resources they need in order to thrive in life.

As part of the International Coastal Clean-up Day on Saturday, 16 September, Overstrand Municipality is planning a clean-up operation along its coastline. To that end residents, businesses and schools, are urged to assist with cleaning the local beaches and waterways.

Plastic and cigarette butts are two of the most widespread problems threatening the ocean. As was seen recently in Kleinmond, a whale came close to the threat of drowning on becoming entangled in old rope or fishing nets. There have also been many instances where fish, birds, and animals have often ingested rubbish they mistook for food. “Something that can result in suffocation, as well as slow starvation from a false sense of satiation,” said Liezl de Villiers, Overstrand’s Senior Environmental Manager.

An ordinary plastic container can take anywhere between 50 and 100 years to disintegrate as it is not bio degradable. Alarmingly, since it’s advent in the 1950’s over one billion tons of this type of plastic has been discarded.More concerningly, ocean trash has the added detriment of choking coastal economies, deterring tourist visits and causing enormous clean-up bills.

Let's keep litter off our beaches and out of the sea by thinking twice before using plastic straws. Let’s be mindful   of where cigarette butts are thrown. Let’s get into the habit of carrying re-usable shopping bags with us.

Let's all do our part in keeping our communities clean. Let’s look after our environment and save the planet one bag at a time!

WHY?

Because what ends up in the stomach of a fish can also end up on your dinner plate!

Dedicated wildlife enthusiast, Sue-Ann Shutte, explains it best in the George Herald: “Plastic is made of chemicals that are poisonous to marine life and us. Plastic pollution affects more than 600 species of marine animals and South African seabirds are among the worst affected in the world."

Thieves targeting homes and stealing tap fittings are doing the rounds in the Overstrand again. This time

This time round, Sandbaai has been targeted by copper thieves. During August several incidents occurred where copper taps and fittings were stolen from private properties.Besides the theft of the water meters and taps, the water wastage in the middle of a drought emergency is uncalled for.

Besides the theft of the water meters and taps, the water wastage in the middle of a drought emergency is uncalled for.It is believed thieves steal taps to sell as scrap metal.  Captain Fadila September of SAPS Hermanus issued a stern warning to scrap yard owners who buy stolen copper meters.

It is believed thieves steal taps to sell as scrap metal.  Captain Fadila September of SAPS Hermanus issued a stern warning to scrap yard owners who buy stolen copper meters. Residents are urged to assist the Municipality by reporting any water leaks, burst pipes, illegal connections, blocked sewer drains, water supply interruptions and any other water-related issues to the different administrations during office hours (07:45 – 16:30) at the following numbers: