23 JANUARY 2019
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Another 'Bambi' rescued
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What was that big bang?
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What's new in review
21
PLANT, TOOL & TRAILER HIRE
Schools Colour Sport
Counting the cost T
he devastating fires that raged across the Overstrand in the last few weeks have resulted in unforeseen and unavoidable expenditure in the estimated amount of R9,348 million. This announcement was made by Mayor Dudley Coetzee at a special council meeting on Tuesday, 22 January. According to the report that served before council, the provisional estimated cost of the fires at this stage is: • Fire Fighting Services (external): R3 500 000 (pending final accounts from other municipalities); • Replacement costs of the de stroyed fire engine: R2 420 000; • Additional vehicle fuel costs: R450 000; • Overtime estimates: R1 900 000; • Water services infrastructure (booster pumps, replacement of domestic water meters and con nections, markers of fire hydrants and valves, signage): R978 000; • Infrastructure damaged in the Fernkloof Reserve: R100 000. “The exact details of these estimated costs will be finalised as soon as possible and will be appropriated in a forthcoming adjustment budget at the end of February 2019,” said Coetzee. Daniel Hanekom (U14) raced through the 90m hurdles at the Hermanus High School Interhouse Sports Day on Friday 18 January. Hermanus Primary, Generation Schools Hermanus and Curro Hermanus also held their sports days on Friday. See pages 21 and 24 for more information and photos. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
The blazes left a number of people homeless and others evacuated to places of safety. Although a man from
Mooiuitsig in Betty’s Bay was arrested for allegedly discharging a flare on New Year’s evening that caused the initial fire, no arrests have been made with regards to the fire that started in Masakhane on Friday, 11 January and spread to Franskraal. “As mayor I sympathise with the people who were injured and those who suffered the impact of this tragedy during the fires in the Overstrand,” Coetzee said in an earlier statement. He added that it was heart-warming to witness the courageous efforts of members of the different communities working together to help fight the blaze. “A young schoolgirl made small thank you cards and stapled a fruit sweet to each one. Inside she had written ‘You’re awesome. Thank you.’ She then gave one to every firefighter as they came off shift. Your endeavours and the spirit of community unity are commendable. “To the team of firefighters who put in place the emergency evacuation plans, and who were supported by co-operative residents, and to the firemen who had to endure sleepless nights, who had to battle gale-force winds and who faced many other extraordinary challenges in order to protect lives, property and the environment, I thank you all most sincerely.” Read more on P3