Facing ongoing challenges with blocked stormwater drains, Overstrand Municipality is renewing its commitment to educating the community about the importance of keeping stormwater pipes and networks clear. The Municipality’s Environmental Management & Conservation Division has relaunched the stormwater stencil awareness project to help prevent every day litter from entering local stormwater system.

Project Storm, which began a few years ago in partnership with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Whale Coast Conservation, uses educational stencils with messages like ‘Don’t litter. The Sea Starts here’ placed near storm water drains entrance to remind residents that waste dumped into these drains flows directly to the ocean. Complementing the awareness campaign, specially designed stormwater catchment nets, often called storm socks, have been installed at key drain outlets across the Overstrand. These nets help trap waste before it reaches waterways, reducing pollution.

Blocked stormwater drains are often caused by everyday items that can and should be disposed of properly – things like paint, soiled nappies, plastic and even used cooking oil. Flushing these items down the toilet or dumping them into the streets creates serious problems.

The current campaign involves schools such as Hermanus Christian Academy, Die Bron Primary in Stanford, Hermanus Primary School and Hawston Primary School, who are helping spread this important message through fun and engaging activities.