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.

No one can deny the profound influence advertising has on a business; nor the importance of it.

“Unfortunately signage on certain street poles, including those on stop streets, as well as A-boards and illegal trailers that are parked along the roads and is causing an obstruction, can distract motorist while driving, therefore becoming a hazard and that is why there are by-laws about it,” Mayoral Committee Member for Protection Services, Cllr Arnie Africa explained.

In addition, outdoor advertising and signs should not compromise the functioning and safety of traffic and/or pedestrians. Neither should it affect the character of a town by way of appearance, size or illumination. Illegal signage on fences and dustbins can also have a negative impact on the environment as a whole.

No less than six back yard dwellings and one house were destroyed in a fire in the early hours of the morning (Friday, 19 May) at Poppedorp, an informal settlement in Kleinmond.

“The chilly winter nights are fast approaching and we ask that people please be careful when working with flammable objects and not to leave any open flames unattended,” requested Fire Chief, Lester Smith.

Any emergency and/or distress call regarding a fire Incident or accidents can be reported to the Municipality’s 24-hour EMERGENCY ONLY number on 028 312 2400.

For day to day law enforcement complaints, phone 028 313 8980.

For general enquiries ring Overstrand’s control room on 028 313 8000/8111

Outrage over ‘new sign’ that says no dogs on Onrus Beach

A newly erected ‘no dog on beach sign’ seen over the weekend at Onrus Beach, has angered dog walkers who have been using the facility for decades to exercise their pooches, and will be removed today.

This still applies: Dogs must be kept on a leash

While dogs will still be allowed to enjoy the beaches, their movements will be more restricted to comply with the municipality’s by-law on Dogs and Cats.

Section 6(2) and (3) of the above by-law are clear both in context and literal interpretation: “No person may or cause to allow any dog to be in a public place unless it is kept on a leash.” Note that public spaces include any beach, road, path, bridge, footpath or garden; and any other place under the control of the municipality.