Overstrand Municipality’s smoke alarm installation project is gaining momentum, with the latest rollout taking place in Zwelihle, Hermanus.
On 2 May 2026, a total of 127 smoke alarms were installed by Overstrand Fire and Disaster Management staff as part of ongoing efforts to improve fire safety in vulnerable communities.
Fire Chief Lester Smith said Councillor Masibongwe Sihlahla’s Ward 12, is the first priority area in the Hermanus area. As the ward covers a large geographical area, installations will be carried out in phases to ensure that as many households as possible benefit from the project.
Smoke alarms have already been installed in Die Kop in Stanford and Overhills in Kleinmond as part of the broader programme.
The installation of smoke alarms is voluntary. During visits, residents are informed about the purpose of the devices and how they function as an early warning system in the event of a fire. Residents are also reminded that the alarm does not replace the need to contact the Municipality and that they must still call the fire department immediately in the event of a fire on 082 312 2400.
Each dwelling is marked with a sticker indicating whether a smoke alarm has been installed, which will assist with follow-up visits and future assessments.
Residents who were not at home during the installation process will be contacted where possible. Alternatively, they can approach their ward councillor to arrange for an installation.
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Ald Archie Klaas, also acknowledged the Western Cape Provincial Government Department of Local Government for its contribution to the funding of the project, which aims to help reduce the tragic loss of life, personal belongings and burn injuries often caused by fires in informal structures.
MMC for Municipal Public Safety, Andrew Komani, said that with winter now setting in, the timing of the smoke alarm installations is critical. Early detection through smoke alarms significantly improves the chances of survival in these environments.
“In many informal settlements, homes are built from highly flammable materials and are often tightly packed together.
During the colder months, residents make use of open fires for heating, while candles and open-flame stoves further increase the fire risk. Research shows that residents may have less than three minutes from the start of a shack fire before facing serious injury or fatality.
This is why early detection is crucial to saving lives and protecting property,” he said.
The Municipality encourages all residents in informal settlements to take up this opportunity, as early warning can make a critical difference in preventing loss of life and property.
