Clinton Lerm - Councillor - Overstrand Municipality

06/07/2025

*MEDIA STATEMENT
Western Cape Disaster Management Centre: Severe Weather Update
Issued: 6 July 2025 | 16h00*

The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre (WC: PDMC) continues to actively monitor the severe weather conditions that have affected parts of the province since 4 July 2025.

Weather & Response Update:
Light, scattered rainfall persists today across various regions. Disaster Management teams are continuing with mop-up operations and humanitarian aid in affected areas.

District & Departmental Highlights:
• City of Cape Town: Relief efforts remain ongoing. Collaboration with the Department of Social Development and various NGOs continues to support communities in need. Notably, Mustadafin Foundation is active in several areas, including Vygieskraal, where safety concerns have been reported. Law Enforcement has been alerted to assist where required.
• Overberg District: While no new incidents have been reported, teams remain deployed in Zwelihle. The R43 at Mount Pleasant has seen a significant drop in water levels, with clean-up efforts ongoing.
• Cape Winelands District: The Kannetvlei low water bridge remains closed. In Drakenstein, water levels have subsided and there are no evacuation needs at this time.
• Infrastructure & Roads:
Multiple roads remain closed across the Cape Winelands, West Coast, and Overberg districts due to flooding and high runoff volumes. Key updates include:
• Cape Winelands: DR1341, DR1397, and DR1398 remain closed.
• West Coast: MR215 and MR174 remain closed.
• Overberg: DR1257 and DR1276 are closed.
• In the City of Cape Town, key routes such as the Borchard’s Quarry off-ramp and lanes on the N1 Outbound at Old Oak have reopened.
• Humanitarian Relief: Relief efforts are coordinated by various organisations including the Red Cross, Community Chest, Mustadafin, Gift of the Givers, and RESPOND Coalition. Distribution of food packs, blankets, baby items, and sandbags is ongoing across high-impact areas including Philippi, Wallacedene, Khayelitsha, and Lwandle.
• Water & Sanitation: While no direct flooding from dams or rivers has been observed, rapid runoff and saturated ground continue to pose risks. The Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, Clanwilliam, and Berg River dams are all seeing rising levels. Enhanced monitoring is underway.

Closing Remarks:
Although weather conditions are beginning to stabilise, the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre remains on high alert and will continue to monitor all developments. This will be the final situation report for this weather event unless conditions change significantly.

Emergency Contacts:
For local assistance, please contact your district’s emergency services. Key numbers include:
• Cape Winelands: (021) 886 9244 / (021) 887 4446
• Central Karoo: (021) 449 8000
• Overberg: (028) 425 1690
• West Coast: (022) 495 0229 / (022) 495 0231
• City of Cape Town: 107 (Landline) / (021) 480 7700
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact: Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
079 694 3085
[email protected]

06/07/2025

Current update: 6 July 2025 – 09:15am

The Department of Infrastructure urges road users to travel cautiously during rainy weather as visibility is impaired, and roads can become slippery. Please stay clear of any flooded roads and use alternative routes.

Cape Winelands District
⛔DR1341 (Die Plaat), Bonnievale, Km0.99 - 1,10: Road temporarily closed
⛔DR1397 (Merwe Street): Drift over Breede River at km7.9: Road closed
⛔DR1398 (Slanghoek Road): Low water structure over Breede River: Road closed

West Coast District
⛔ OP7623 (Bergrivier Municipality), Uitvlug: Road closed
⛔ MR539 Low water bridge, N7 to Algeria: Road closed
⛔ DR1176 Matjiesrivier: Road closed to traffic
⛔ MR174 between Malmesbury and Klipheuwel: Road closed
⛔ MR215 between Darling and R27 (Yzerfontein): Road closed

Overberg District
⛔DR1257 (Solitaire Road) between Tesselaarsdal and Hemel en Aarde: Road closed to traffic
⛔DR1276 (Dassiesfontein Road) between N2 and Caledon (back road): Road closed to traffic

The Department will continue monitoring the roads and will instate precautionary lane closures if necessary.

Issued by Mr Tertuis Simmers, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure

06/07/2025

6 July 2025: FLOODING STATUS UPDATE - Weather and Road Update - @ 08:30

The Overstrand Joint Operational Centre (JOC) remains operational, and no major incidents have been reported overnight from towns within the Overstrand area.

Early morning rain and hail have caused flooding in low-lying areas. There are ongoing calls for assistance from residents in Zwelihle, where teams are currently on the ground.

No power outages have been reported at this stage.

All major roads remain open, but there are rocks and mud on the road surface. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through moving or deep water.

Note that:

- The traffic lights on the R43 in Sandbaai, near the Engen garage, are not working. Please treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

- The R43 in Mount Pleasant/Alwyn Street, is flooded. Drivers are urged to slow down and proceed with caution.

The Kleinmond Day Camp is flooded, and we are closely monitoring conditions in Betty’s Bay, where mountain streams may lead to further problems.

Please continue to report any issues as they arise.

Updates will only be provided if there are significant changes in the situation.

For emergencies, please contact the Municipality:

028 312 2400 – Fire or flood emergencies
028 313 8111 – Municipal service emergencies (e.g. stormwater issues)
You can also log service requests via the Collab Citizen App. Zoom in to view green location markers for existing service requests. Click ‘Follow’ to receive updates and help avoid duplicate reports.

Stay safe. Stay alert.

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

05/07/2025

5 July 2025: FLOODING UPDATE - ESKOM DIRECT SUPPLY CUSTOMERS @ 11:00

Eskom direct customers in Papiesvlei and the surrounding farms are currently experiencing a power outage.

The reference number for this outage is 969205140. Eskom has confirmed that the issue will be attended to as soon as a technician becomes available.

Residents are reminded that the municipality cannot log a fault on behalf of Eskom direct customers. If you are affected, please log a call via the Alfred chatbot on the Eskom website or app. The more individual reports Eskom receives, the easier it becomes to identify the source of the fault and determine the extent of the outage.

Please log a report via Eskom's online Alfred Chat Box on https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

04/07/2025

*4 July 2025: FLOODING STATUS UPDATE @ 14:30*

Widespread flooding has been reported across all towns within the Overstrand region, with water levels continuing to rise steadily.

Operational and disaster management teams from Overstrand Municipality remain on the ground, distributing sandbags and working to clear stormwater channels in affected areas.

By 13:00, teams had responded to 156 calls for assistance and distributed 649 sandbags.

Several trees were uprooted or lost large branches, obstructing roadways. Municipal workers responded swiftly, clearing the debris and reopening roads shortly after the incidents.

While all major routes within the Overstrand municipal area currently remain open, many are affected by water, sand, and debris flowing across the road surface. Traffic officials have warned that roads may be closed at short notice should conditions deteriorate further. Allow for additional travel time.

Provincial Traffic Services have confirmed that both lanes of the N2 have now been reopened.

*Areas of concern:*
Wind forecasts indicate a sharp increase in speed, with gusts of up to 71 km/h expected in the Gansbaai area. These strong winds may impact infrastructure.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant for flying debris - including branches and building materials - which pose a particular risk in informal settlements such as Overhills and Masakhane.

There is also concern that Eskom's pylon poles may not withstand the force of the wind. Please ensure that mobile phones are fully charged and that all necessary precautions are taken in case of a power outage during the night. Municipal digger loaders are on standby to support Eskom technicians, should the need arise.

We once again remind the public that wind conditions on the mountain are extremely strong. Please avoid the higher sections of Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Kleinmond Reserve until conditions improve.

*The 24/7 emergency contact numbers are:*
• 028 312 2400 in case of a Fire or Flood
• 028 313 8111 for municipal services emergencies relating to storm water issues
• When using the Collab Citizen App, zoom in to follow the green location markers, which indicate service requests that have already been logged. You can view and click on ‘follow’ for more details. This helps to avoid duplicating the same requests.

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

03/07/2025

*3 July 2025: FLOODING STATUS UPDATE @ 14:30*

The Overstrand Municipality's Joint Operational Centre (JOC) meeting was held at 13:00, and here is the feedback:

Between 07:00 - 12:00 the emergency contact centre received 79 calls, with call volumes subsiding after 12:00. So far, 118 sandbags have already been distributed.

*Weather outlook*
The South African Weather Service has forecast another cold front expected to reach our region by Friday afternoon, bringing more rain. Residents are urged to take the necessary precautions.

*Issues reported*
Operational teams are opening stormwater lines as needed, with assistance from the fire department to help divert water away from houses where possible.

Rooi-Els did not receive as much rain as initially anticipated, and no major issues have been reported.

Contractors currently working on infrastructure projects have been very helpful and are actively assisting with road clearing efforts.

Water streams continue to flow down from the mountains in the Betty’s Bay area, posing ongoing flood risks. However, the situation is being managed and remains under control.

In Hermanus, several roads and a few properties in Fisherhaven and Hawston were flooded this morning. Roos Street in Onrus, as well as areas in Zwelihle and Mount Pleasant, also experienced flooding, although water levels have since subsided. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

There is localised flooding and ponding in Stanford and Gansbaai, but no major challenges reported.

*Roads*
Localised flooding is affecting towns throughout the Overstrand. Disaster management and operational teams are actively clearing stormwater channels and managing temporary road and lane closures where required.

Roads are under continuous monitoring. Please drive with caution and keep safety top of mind.

The water level in the Stanford Klein River remains the same, posing little risk to property and infrastructure.

All major roads in the Overstrand remain open at this time.

*Evacuations*
No evacuations are required at this stage. If needed, families whose homes are severely damaged and who request assistance will be accommodated in community halls.

*Water supply*
There are currently no water supply issues. Reservoir levels are satisfactory.

*Pump Stations*
• The road to the Palmiet River pump station has been washed away. If issues arise at the station, access will be challenging due to the damaged road.
• After earlier difficulties, the Kleinmond sewer pump station is now operating normally.
• In Hermanus, the sewer pump stations at Sandbaai, Mosselrivier, and Scout Camp are still experiencing stormwater ingress and overflows. All other sewer pump stations in the Hermanus area are functioning normally.
• Stanford and Gansbaai: No reported issues.

The JOC will meet again at 17:00, with an update expected around 18:00.

*The 24/7 emergency contact numbers are:*
028 312 2400 in case of a Fire or Flood
028 313 8111 for municipal services emergencies relating to storm water issues
Log service request on Collab Citizen App

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

03/07/2025

ℹ️ Heavy rain and flooding ⚠️

3 July 2025: FLOODING STATUS UPDATE @ 11:00

Overstrand Municipality's Joint Operations Centre (JOC) has been active since 06:00 this morning, with teams responding to ongoing heavy rainfall across the region.

Between 07:00 and 09:00, rainfall figures recorded were 52mm in Kleinmond and Betty's Bay, 30mm in Hermanus (Hemel-en-Aarde), and 53mm in Gansbaai (Grootbos).

Operational and municipal public safety teams are currently working to clear blocked stormwater drains and address multiple reports of localised flooding. Many of these incidents have been worsened by illegal dumping in the stormwater system, which has significantly contributed to blockages.

Before sandbags can be distributed, each site must first be assessed. Residents are urged to be patient during this process, as it may take some time. All available personnel are actively involved in the response effort.

The municipality is currently experiencing a backlog of 3–5 calls per area. All reports will be attended to, and we thank residents for their understanding.

Major road status update:
R320 Hemel-en-Aarde is open, with a contractor monitoring the situation
The R43 Kleinmond to Gansbaai remains open, although challenges have been reported along the route; where necessary, traffic officials are assisting.
R44 Clarence Drive is open at this time.

The 24/7 emergency contact numbers are:
028 312 2400 in case of a Fire or Flood
028 313 8111 for municipal services emergencies relating to storm water issues

Please avoid flooded roads and remain cautious. Further updates will follow as the situation develops.

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

01/07/2025

*NEW PREPAID VENDOR :*

The Overstrand Municipality’s contract with Ontec Home for prepaid electricity vending has *come to an END*.

From TODAY, *1 JULY 2025*, residents will be able to purchase their prepaid electricity via a *new app*, branded as *SwitchOne*.

Most existing vendor outlets across the Overstrand area will remain active, so residents can continue purchasing tokens from where they normally do.

This change will not affect customers who already buy electricity through their banking apps - you can continue to purchase prepaid electricity as usual via all major South African Banks.

Please note, this change *applies only to Overstrand Municipality customers* and does NOT affect Eskom direct customers.

How to *Register* on the *SwitchOne App* :
Step 1: Go to your App Store or Google Play
Step 2: Search for SwitchOne
Step 3: Look for the white and green icon labelled SwitchOne
Step 4: Download the app
Step 5: Open the app and tap the "Register" button
Step 6: Fill in your details - Name, Surname, Email, and choose a password (then confirm it)
Step 7: Sign in using your email and password
Step 8: Click on the Pay/Buy icon
Step 9: Press the ‘+’ (add) sign
Step 10: Add your prepaid meter number (the system will verify the number is correct).

If you *require any assistance* with prepaid vending, please contact the *Utilities World* Helpline :
031 833 0103
010 497 6291 [email protected].

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill
📢 * -*
*Info-&-Paaie-Groep*

26/06/2025

I remember how busy and vibrant the harbour was more than 20 years ago sprawling and bustling with fishing activities and other related industries... the Article in the Village News - Harbour of lost opportunity ... says it all.. we need to revitalize our Harbours in the Overstrand.. unlock economic growth and diversify the product offerings..

Councillor Overstrand Municipality

24/06/2025

Congratulations to Wilfred Chivell and his full team .. Marine Dynamics again the shining example of an amazing tourism business in the Overstrand..

24/06/2025

Save on Property Rates

Registered B&Bs and guesthouses with three to five lettable rooms can apply for property tax rebates of between 25% and 75%, based on the number of rooms.

If approved, rebates will apply for the full financial year.

Note that establishments with one or two rooms are not regarded as “businesses”. Therefore, the tariffs applicable to businesses do not apply.

Owners whose properties fall outside the municipal service area and are currently rated as “RESO” can apply to be rated at the “FARMS” tariff provided that they can provide irrefutable proof that the property is, indeed, used for genuine agricultural purposes.

If your property is already rated as “FARMS” and its primary use remains unchanged, you do not need to reapply. However, it remains your responsibility to notify the municipality of any changes in land use.

The relevant application forms are available at all municipal offices and can also be downloaded from Overstrand Municipality's website: www.overstrand.gov.za > Documents > Forms.

Completed application forms, along with the specified supporting documentation that must accompany the application, can either be forwarded to [email protected] or handed in at your nearest municipal office.

Should you require assistance with submitting your application, feel free to contact the Finance Department at your local municipal office.

• Please note that the mere submission of an application does not guarantee approval.

• Also do note that submitting false or misleading information could result in legal action being instituted against the applicant

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

Overstrand Municipality is a local municipality in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is located along the Atlantic coast between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas, within the Overberg District Municipality. The principal towns in the municipality are Hermanus, Gansbaai and Kleinmond.

17/06/2025

Westcliff Residents please note: Possible Power Interruption: