REGIONAL NEWS - Garden Route residents have until November to comment on a new municipal health by-law aimed at strengthening public health standards across the district.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council approved the draft by-law on 31 August, paving the way for its publication in the provincial Government Gazette and local media for public comment.
The by-law is being updated for the first time since 2018 to bring municipal health regulations in line with changes to the National Norms and Standards for Environmental Health.
It covers a wide range of issues that affect residents and businesses, including water quality, food safety, waste management, the health of premises, communicable diseases, vector control, environmental pollution, the disposal of the dead and chemical safety.
"Activities that can create a risk to people's health or create a public health nuisance may be regulated," said Johan Compion, the senior manager: municipal health, solid waste management and air quality control at GRDM.
"The by-law sets the rules for protecting public health in our communities."
Among its objectives, the draft by-law also seeks to promote safe business practices, prevent environmental health risks, ensure compliance with national standards, improve quality of life and clarify the responsibilities of property owners and occupiers.
Public meetings
Public participation meetings will take place during the rest of September, with all sessions starting at 09:00. In the George area, meetings are scheduled for Thembalethu (16 September), Conville (17 September), Pacaltsdorp (18 September), Blanco (22 September) and Touwsranten (28 September).
The deadline for written comments is 2 November. Enquiries: Johan Compion at [email protected] or 044 803 1525/082 803 5161.
Other scheduled meetings
- Oudtshoorn: Toekomsrus (21 September), Dysselsdorp (22 September), De Rust (28 September)
- Kannaland: Ladismith (29 September), Calitzdorp (30 September)
- Hessequa: Riversdale (15 September), Heidelberg (17 September), Slangrivier (22 September), Albertinia/Gouritsmond (25 September), Stilbaai/Melkhoutfontein (29 September)
- Mossel Bay: Great Brak River and KwaNonqaba (16 September)
- Knysna: Hornlee, Sedgefield and Rheenendal (15 September)
- Bitou: Various communities, including Kranshoek, Harkerville, Fisanthoek, Piesang Valley, Kwanoquthula, New Horizons, Wittedrift, Kurland and the Crags, from 21 to 23 September.
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