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www.thevillagenews.co.za
4 December 2019
Blue Flags hoisted in Overstrand T
mental Society of South Africa) to improve its beachfronts and coastline. Blue Flag status is an international accreditation and municipalities must apply annually to renew the status of their beaches. Blue Flag beaches must adhere to strict criteria, spanning over four areas of coastal management. The four areas are: water quality, environmental education, environmental management and safety.
he beginning of the Blue Flag beach season in the Overstrand started on 1 December after Grotto, Hawston, Kleinmond and Castle Beach were declared open for the summer. The flag-hoisting ceremony was attended by various stakeholders and officials who are all extremely proud that the municipality retained this status, as it is international confirmation that the Overstrand is a quality holiday destination. Residents and holidaymakers alike can revel in the waves with the knowledge that they are safe and will have the best amenities at their disposal. Blue Flag status will last until 15 January for Hawston and Kleinmond. In the case of Castle beach in Pearly Beach, received Blue Flag beach status for the first time ever, the Blue Flag will fly until 11 January. Grotto’s Blue Flag status will remain in effect until 31 March. Onrus Beach has been granted pilot Blue Flag
At the hoisting of the Blue Flag in Kleinmond on Friday were (back, from left) lifesavers Rodrigo Majiet, Law Enforcement Officer Reginald Smith, Kleinmond Area Manager Desmond Lakey, Ward 10 and Ward 9 Councillors Fanie Krige and Grant Cohen, Kleinmond Blue Flag supervisor Dencil Arendse and Councillor Charmaine Resandt. In front are lifesavers Niezaamoedien Trollip, Mlondi Jula , Nhlanhla Maphumulo, Raziel Henkeman and Riyaad Isaacs. status for the first time and water sampling will be done between 1 December and 15 January. During these periods, lifesaving and security
Good and clean and fresh tra-la-la Fed up with the bad odours coming from your wheelie bin, which has become a breeding place for germs and flies? Then it’s time to contact Whale Coast Bin Cleaning, a new business operating from Sandbaai, where owners Johan and Leentjie van Schalkwyk have had a family holiday home for many years. “When we lived in Durbanville we regularly used a bin-cleaning service, but we realised that there was nothing of the kind here in Hermanus,” says Leentjie. Using only eco-friendly, bio-degradable products, Johan and his team will come to your premises and in no time your bin will be jet-washed and disinfected, leaving it clean, fresh and germ-free. The dirty water is then recycled, reducing wastage of this precious resource. For only R70 per month, your bin will be cleaned every two weeks, and for
R120 per month it will be done weekly. For two or more bins, special rates apply, so the more bins the lower the cost, making this a great deal for residential and business complexes. “People don’t realise how unhygienic their bins become if they are not cleaned regularly,” says Johan, “and trying to do it yourself is a messy and wasteful business.” Whale Coast Bin Cleaning can be contacted on 061 752 1423 or wcbc2020@gmail.com. For the new year, they plan to also offer restaurants the extra service of having their fat traps cleaned.
The Whale Coast Bin Cleaning team: From left are Johan van Schalkwyk, Michelle Blom, JD Blom, Frank Matiya and Tichaona Murairwa. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner
services will be fully operational daily from 09:00 – 18:00 on all the beaches. The municipality is working closely with WESSA (Wildlife and Environ-
This is the 19th time that Grotto Beach has received Blue Flag status, while Hawston and Kleinmond received it for the 14th time. People living with disabilities can make use of the beach wheelchairs at Grotto and Kleinmond. Dog owners making use of Overstrand’s beaches that earned Blueflag status must respect the Blue Flag requirements for this period. Pet owners are also requested not to bury dog poop in the sand or throw it out to sea, but to pick it up and dispose thereof in an appropriate and hygienic manner.
Why choose Whale Coast Bin Cleaning to clean your bin? • We come to you • No more hassles • Eliminates diseases and germs • No more bad odours • Affordable • We are eco-friendly
Bins are left good...
Guidelines for Fernkloof With thousands of holidaymakers on their way to spend the festive season in the Overstrand, Fernkloof Nature Reserve will also experience a spike in visitors’ numbers. While everyone is encouraged to enjoy this natural gem in the heart of Hermanus, please remain respectful of the following guidelines: Dogs are allowed on the Blue Route, as well as in the botanical garden, but only if they are on leads. Please make sure to keep dogs on the designated trails only, respect the rules, and be considerate of other dog owners and nature reserve
users by keeping dogs on-leash and under control at all times. Dogs are also welcome on the Cliff Path if leashed. Cliff Path brochures are available from the visitors’ centre in the reserve. Entrance Fee: No charge Opening times: 06:00 to 19:00 Parking: Cars can be parked in the garden area and at the visitors’ centre 500m further on at the end of the tarred road Toilets: In the gardens and at the visitors’ centre Restaurant: NO restaurant or café facilities
...fresh...
...and clean tralalalaaa
Prices for one bin per month: Every second week cleaning R70.00 Every week cleaning: R120.00 Special rates for restaurants and two or more bins. Call 061 752 1423 or email us at wcbc2020@gmail.com
