Watch water use during loadshedding

Residents are requested to use water sparingly during Stage 4 and higher stages of loadshedding to avoid interruptions in water supply.

Mossel Bay Municipality has noted that during Stage 4 and higher stages of loadshedding, residents in certain areas experience low water pressure. This is due to higher stages of loadshedding, which may cause potable water to be used faster than the reservoirs can be refilled, especially during warmer weather.

The pumps are currently operating at maximum capacity to meet the demand.

At this stage the demand, in some cases, cannot be met due to extended hours of loadshedding which cause reservoirs to not be filled to the optimal capacity.

Mossel Bay Municipality received a R5 million grant from the Western Cape Provincial Government to mitigate risk associated with prolonged loadshedding.

Therefore, standby generator equipment was ordered for two water pump stations. Site preparation work to install the equipment is in progress and it is anticipated the project will be completed around February 2024.

With the holiday season at hand, families are gearing up to hit the beach.

The rules for dogs on Mossel Bay beaches should be noted.

Mossel Bay boasts five beaches with Blue Flag status. These include Santos, De Bakke, Hartenbos, Little Brak River and Glentana beaches. Tweekuilen and Suiderkruis have been named Blue Flag pilot sites this holiday season.

Dogs are not allowed on any of the Blue Flag beaches or pilot sites especially while the Blue Flag is hoisted during the holiday season.

During the period of 1 December to 31 January annually, dog-owners are allowed to walk their dogs on certain beaches, only on the demarcated areas, from 05:00 to 08:00 and from 18:00 to 20:00.

These are:

Dias beach - between the estuary and Bayview

Hartenbos - between Hartenbos and Klein Brak River mouths

Little Brak River - excluding the Blue Flag Beach between the river mouth and the northern boundary of the parking lot, between Little Brak and Hartenbos river mouths

Reebok/Tergniet

Dana Bay - between First and Second Beach

Souwesia

Take note:

The Pienaarstrand and Glentana areas are not on the list of dog-friendly beaches. The closest alternative would be Great Brak River or Souwesia.

As far as Hersham is concerned, Hersham is considered part of Great Brak River.

Santos is not a dog-friendly beach at any other time, unless it is an officially proclaimed “doggy walk”. Boggoms Bay and Vleesbaai:

Dog owners are allowed to walk their dogs between the hours of 06:00 and 20:00 on the beach area between the southern part of the beach at Boggoms Bay and the north of First Beach at Vleesbaai. During the period from 1 February to 30 November annually, dog-owners are allowed to walk their dogs daily on the aforementioned beaches.

Dog owners must also note the following:

Dogs must be leashed and under strict control of its owner or a dogwalker at all times.

Dogs must be under control of their handlers and not interfere with the pleasure of others using public beach areas.

Dogs that are ferocious, vicious or dangerous must be muzzled and held on a leash and under control of some responsible person when in a public place.

Right of way must be given to people unaccompanied by dogs.

Dog handlers are responsible for removing their dog’s faeces from all areas used by pedestrians. Removal of faeces must be done immediately and placed in appropriate bins.

Bitches in heat may not be walked in public beach areas.

Dog handlers must ensure that their dogs do not disturb, chase or injure wildlife.

Dog owners must comply to public beach notices.

Dog handlers are to remain on public beach access areas, approved paths and tracks at all times. No new paths or shortcuts may be created.

Failure to comply may result in fines being issued by municipal law enforcement officers.

Report concerns to 044 606 5000, download the Collab Citizen smart phone app from Apple App Store, Huawei AppGallery or Google Play Store or send an email to admin@mosselbay.gov.za.

Animals

Section 13 of the municipal by-law relating to the control of seashore and sea states that no animals (including, but not limited to house pets) are allowed in the bathing area, unless demarcated so by the municipality and indicated by use of signage. The only exception is guide dogs, performing their duties.

Any monkey/primate (pet monkey with or without a nappy) is unlawful in terms of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Ordinance.

Within the boundaries of the Western Cape, all primates must have an import permit/transport permit and captivity permit.

In other words, all primates within the boundaries of the Western Cape must be kept in captivity. Any sighting of a primate in a mall, on the street or at the beach, can be reported to CapeNature (George office – 044 802 5300 or 087 087 3000). - Municipality