Ward 1 Newsletter – 20 December 2013 MyZA

To see how hard working Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Ward 1 councillor, Werner Senekal’s newsletter below.

You may contact Ward 1 using the contact form at the bottom of this report.

For your convenience – Emergency Contact numbers:

The NMBM Joint Operations Centre 24/7 – 0800 20 50 50
Remember to get a reference number for follow up purposes.
Electricity problems – 041 374 4434
Quad Bikes control room – 041 585 2311
Illegal Dumping/Refuse – 041 506 2018
Stray Animals – 079 490 0540

SUMMERSTRAND BOARDWALKS

I conducted a site visit to the boardwalks near Summerseas on 12 December 2013. I was joined by the Municipal Director of Beaches and the Beach Manager.

During our unannounced visit, repairs were under way and I highlighted the need to maintain them.

It was very obvious that recent winds caused a major sand build up, seriously affecting the integrity of the boardwalks. An entire section of the boardwalk was removed behind the Summerstrand Surf Club due to sand build-up. Geo bags (sandbags) have been placed along the boardwalks as a means to stop sand build-up. Please exercise caution when using the boardwalks as sections are uneven in certain areas.

I will be inviting stakeholders to a site meeting in the week of 13 -17 January where we will be briefed by the NMBM Chief Environmental officer regarding the relation between the boardwalks and the impact of the Coastal Management Act. Should you wish to attend this meeting, please make contact with Vedette at the Ward office

SEASONAL EVENTS

The summer season has commenced. Role-players in government and the private sector have intensified their services along the beachfront, due to the high influx of visitors. Additional temporary cleaning staff have been employed to assist in the big clean ups along the beachfront.

Humewood SAPS, in addition to their police officers, are utilizing administrative staff to do foot patrols. The SAPS mounted unit is also visible each day.

ERF 2542 – PROPOSED TAXI RANK

There has hardly been any movement in this regard and this is a process which will unfold over the next 12 months. The vehement opposition by residents and role players to the proposed taxi rank is well noted. During my short tenure I will ensure that the concerns raised by residents, remain the basis for further engagement.

SCHOENMAKERSKOP

Street lights remain a problem in Schoenmakerskop and I have engaged with the Residents Association Chair in this regard. Some lights have been repaired, but many still require attention. Officials are kept up to date on all street light problems.

With the help of the Residents Association Chair and the Municipality, we managed to secure the services of the Coast Care cleaning team to clean along the shoreline.

WALMER HEIGHTS, MIRAMAR, MOUNT PLEASANT, PROVIDENTIA, LOVEMORE HEIGHTS / LAKE and LOVEMORE PARK

I have, during December, received many complaints relating to overgrown public and private open spaces in this part of the ward. I have brought this to the attention of the Acting Executive Director for Public Health. I am aware of backlog in issuing of compliance notices (notices issued to private land owners to maintain properties). As for municipal public open spaces, the Municipality has the responsibility of maintaining these and I have also raised this with the Health Directorate.

The custodian directorate for the reservoir in Lovemore Heights have still have not acceded to our request to have the grass cut. We will pursue this matter, if needs be to committee level.

During a ward tour in December, I noticed a quite a few faded street names. If the street name you reside in is not clearly visible or legible, please forward the name of street and suburb to Vedette at the Ward office. I will take up this issue in January 2014.

I have also received a request for traffic calming measures on the corners of Boundary Lane, Hilltop Road and Gladys Road in Mount Pleasant. Residents should note that the speed limit in Boundary Lane is 40km/per hour. I will make every effort to make our roads safer not only for drivers, but also for pedestrians.

LOVEMORE PARK

Although I could not visit each road, street and lane on my ward tour, I was happy to see the general cleanliness of the area. I noticed road markings are a bit faded on the Sardinia Bay road and I will request that the markings be touched up during 2014.

The New Cash Store matter is ongoing. The Eastern Cape Liquor Board, at the time of writing this letter, was not able to inform us whether the transfer of liquor licence was approved or not. The enquiry by the municipality is still underway and I hope to present feedback in this regard to the Residents Association by February 2014.

CHELSEA

I have received an application for the transfer of a liquor licence from Le Domaine Wedding and Function Venue to Champagne Events, situated at plot 149 Old Seaview Road. I hereby request that any objections and comments you may have in this regard, be forwarded to me by 16 January 2014.

THEESCOMBE

Erf 2389 (Opposite Erf 267 – Upper Seaview Rd) refers – the Metro has asked to view approved building plans for this construction. We are awaiting feedback in this matter.

REFUSE COLLECTION

There will be no refuse collection on Christmas day. Collection for Mount Pleasant, Pari Park, Salisbury Park, Miramar (Godlonton avenue to Glendore road) and Providentia will take place Monday, 23 December 2013. Collection for Lovemore Heights is to take place 24 December 2013. For further enquiries please phone Harrower Road depot (PE city areas) (041) 506 2018

GENERAL

I intend, for the duration of my service in Ward 1, to continue using the existing resident associations structures for consultation and decision making processes. A meeting of the Ward 1 committee will have to be held in the fourth week in January 2014. Notice of this meeting will be sent in the second week of January 2014.

I will be taking some time out between 24 December 2013 – 6 January 2014, but in the event of a major issue warranting urgent attention, please email or give me a call. Details are provided
below.

I wish you and your families an enjoyable, safe and relaxing Festive season.

Warm regards

Werner Senekal
Caretaker Councillor Ward 1

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