Letter to the Editor: Adhere to by-laws on Hermanus Cliff Path

Hermanus Cliff Path Management Group

The Hermanus Cliff Path is part of Fernkloof Nature Reserve. It is a top attraction for tourists and locals alike.

It is the pride of Hermanus. It is up to all of us to take responsibility for making the cliff path experience as beautiful and special as possible – and the majority of users are justly proud of this wonderful asset and do their best to cherish it.

The cliff path falls under the by-laws of the Overstrand municipality.

Unfortunately some people who do not follow the by-laws. Here are the main points of the by-laws:

1. Littering is not permitted. Rather take your litter home with you, or place it into a bin. Cigarette butts are not biodegradable, but toxic waste. Please dispose of them in a bin as well. Do not dump household rubbish into the bins on the cliff path.

2. All dogs must be kept on a leash, without exception.

3. Dog owners must pick up after their dogs, whether on the path or next to the path. Dog faeces is not fertilizer. It is harmful to fynbos, bad for the environment and is full of pathogens. Many dogs are treated with a systemic insecticide to kill ticks and fleas. This powerful insect poison is excreted unchanged in the dog’s poo and kills any insects in the surroundings, including dung beetles. Apart from the environmental harm done by dog poo, it is also disrespectful of other users of the cliff path if the dog’s owner fails to remove it.

Signage will shortly appear on the cliff path to remind dog owners of their responsibilities under the by-laws. HPP officers will help to spread the message. Law enforcement officers will be deployed on the cliff path to enforce the by-laws. Let us all work together to look after our special environment and make the cliff path a truly wonderful experience for everyone who uses it.

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