Monday, November 23, 2009

City Service Delivery on track despite economic downturn

CITY OF CAPE TOWN - MEDIA RELEASE - 16 NOVEMBER 2009

After three years of record infrastructure investment in Utility Services the residents of Cape Town need have no fears that their municipal services will be curtailed says Alderman Ian Neilson, Executive Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Finance.

“In fact, the proposed investment in Utility Services (Water and Sanitation, Electricity and Solid Waste Management) this year, despite the restructuring of the City’s budget, remains an all-time record and will significantly add to the capacity of the City to enhance its service delivery,” Neilson said.

“Projects have not been cancelled; they have only been rescheduled, on average by a few months, to match available funding. This is to ensure that the City does not face the more undesirable risk of inadequate cash flow that is required for continuing operations,” Neilson said.

The existing municipal service delivery levels will be maintained. The City is reprioritizing the manner in which it implements key projects and striving to do more with less. Austerity and prudent financial management will be compelling themes in a new City management approach based on a determination to protect ratepayers from unaffordable tariff increases. Services also need to enhance their revenue collection and sharpen their pencils so that the delayed projects can be proceeded with as soon as possible.

The budget allocations to the Utility Services Directorate has doubled in the past few years - from R960 million in 2005/6 to R1.8 billion in 2009/10. A total of R3.2 billion has been invested in utilities infrastructure in the intervening three years.

“Despite the fact that the City is re-phasing 17% of capital projects for Utility Services, the budget is still the highest recorded thus far,” Neilson said.


End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Ald Ian Neilson, Tel: 021 400 1306 or Cell: 083 306 6730

City's diesel vehicle emissions testing a success - public urged to report smoking vehicles

CITY OF CAPE TOWN - MEDIA RELEASE - 20 NOVEMBER 2009

Statement by Councillor James Vos: Chairperson: Health Portfolio Committee, City of Cape Town

Air pollution is an urgent problem as it represents a major health risk to our citizens and creates negative perceptions about Cape Town among tourists and residents alike.

According to the Brown Haze Study of 1997, conducted by The Energy Research Group at the University of Cape Town (M Wicking-Baird et al), diesel vehicle emissions contribute to 48% of the visual degradation of the urban air quality in Cape Town. For this reason it was imperative for the City to establish a diesel vehicle emissions testing programme. In 2000 the Diesel Vehicle Testing Unit, consisting of three teams, was established. With the assistance of the City's Traffic Services and Metro Police the Unit conducts daily emission tests of diesel vehicles at various roadside testing sites.

During the year of the inception of the programme, in 2000, the failure rate was 17%. Since then, there has been a steady decline in the failure rate of vehicles tested. Currently the failure rate is 0.66%. This decrease is due to:

* Visible policing

* Fuel reformulation. The sulphur content in diesel decreased from 5500ppm in 2000 to 500ppm in 2006.

* New engine technology

* Improved maintenance programmes by major fleet owners

The change in the composition of both commercial and private vehicles operating in the city, as the average age of vehicles decreased from 14 years to 12 years since the year 2000.

International research has shown that 20% of vehicles are poorly maintained. Such vehicles contribute to 70% of the total contribution of vehicle smoke (48%) to poor urban air quality.

In line with international trends the City started a programme to gradually decrease the failure threshold for smoking vehicles over a period of time. The current proposal is contained in the draft Air Quality Management By-law which has been made available for public comment.

According to the draft by-law the failure threshold will decrease from 60 Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU) to 50HSU for naturally aspirated compression ignition engines (diesel powered engines) and from 66HSU to 56HSU for turbocharged compression ignition engines. At present, approximately 20% of all diesel vehicles tested register smoke readings above these respective proposed thresholds. These proposed new measures should bring about a further reduction in the level of brown haze in the city.

Within the City of Cape Town, a programme has been established to regularly test all City-owned diesel vehicles for emissions compliance.

In its quest to decrease the number of polluting vehicles on the road, the City has started a programme to test diesel vehicle fleets of major fleet owners free of charge. The emissions testing is carried out at the fleet owners’ premises and affords the owner an opportunity to proactively assess and repair vehicles before they are stopped and summonsed at a roadside testing site. The City also implemented a voluntary roadside testing program in June and members of the public were encouraged, without fear of prosecution, to submit their vehicles for testing.

During the past two years the City has been assisting other local authorities - such as the eThekweni, Nelson Mandela and Sedibeng Municipalities - in implementing diesel vehicle testing programmes. Various workshops were conducted to train officials and guide the management of those municipalities in establishing diesel emissions testing units.

We would like to encourage members of the public to report badly smoking vehicles to the City so that the necessary follow-up action can be implemented to force the owners of these vehicles to carry out the necessary repairs.

Smoking vehicles can be reported to the City’s Air Quality Management Unit during office hours on 021 590 1419. The following information must be supplied when making such a report:

The name of the complainant with contact telephone number
The registration number of the vehicle (not of the trailer being towed)
Make of vehicle
Type of vehicle i.e. truck, bakkie or sedan
The name of the road on which it was travelling
The direction of travel
The area.
Time
Date


We encourage all members of the public to assist us with this important task. Both private and fleet owners of diesel vehicles are requested to ensure that their vehicles are serviced regularly and maintained in a good state of tune at all times so as to contribute positively to improving Cape Town’s air quality.

End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Cllr James Vos. Tel: 021 590 1680 Cell: 083 640 7640

Monday, November 16, 2009

CPF Community Put-foot Walkathon 2009












The Community Police Forum consists of organisations and institutions working in partnership with the local police. The aim is to guide and encourage a safe and secure environment for citizens living within the CPF area.

The Walkathon was a fundraiser in aid of the Kirstenhof Community Police Forum.

Photographs supplied by Frenske Otzen

Sunday, November 15, 2009

The First Opening of the Cape Town 2010 Soccer Stadium - 14 November 09








The Cape Town 2010 Soccer Stadium in Greenpoint was opened last night by Premier Helen Zille and Executive Mayor Dan Plato, along with the team from WBHO and Murray & Roberts, for the official 'roof-wetting' ceremony.









What is usually an informal braai as a roof-wetting to any new building, turned out to be quite a spectacular evening for 2000 people. The contractors and representatives from the various professional teams were in attendance - Entertained by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Richard Cock, Mezzo Suprano Magdalene Minnaar, The Twenty Tennors, Neal Prinz and the Sterling Electric Quartet.











These are some of the first photographs of the inside of the Cape Town 2010 Soccer Stadium.























The official hand-over to the City of Cape Town will be on Monday, 14th December 2009. In the Premier's own words, "Good Job! I knew I could trust this team."



Well done, City of Cape Town!






Photographs courtesy of Union Structural Engineering, taken by Norah Papanicolaou.
















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Residents can comment on Draft Problem Building By-law at public hearing

CITY OF CAPE TOWN - MEDIA RELEASE - 09 NOVEMBER 2009

Residents will have a further opportunity to comment on the City of Cape Town’s draft Problem Building By-law that provides for the identification, control and management of dilapidated and problem buildings at a public hearing on 30 November 2009.

Badly neglected buildings and abandoned erven are increasingly becoming a problem as well as the cause for the rise in complaints in this regard, across the city. These buildings are unsightly, unhealthy and often unsafe because of associated anti-social behaviour and criminal activities.

While existing legislation on dilapidated buildings is adequate, there are practical difficulties implementing it. More often than not, the owners of the buildings cannot be traced or have died or the bond holders have abandoned the properties. There are usually large sums of money owing to the City.

These buildings are often occupied illegally or are being rented out illegally by people who do not own them.

Through the proposed by-law the City of Cape Town intends identifying, controlling and managing problem buildings in the formal areas within its area of jurisdiction to ensure that compliance of the by-law by owners and tenants of such buildings.

The proposed Problem Building By-law will assist City officials in:
· Formulating a plan to counter problem buildings and defining the necessary processes and procedures
· Turning problem buildings around by restoring and renovating the buildings rather than demolishing them
· Consulting the owners about redeveloping the property where problem buildings can’t be restored
· Facilitating the sale or demolition of problem buildings to achieve compliance with the by-law

The City acknowledges that many of its residents live in informal settlements and it will thus not require structures in such areas to comply with the by-law.

Public hearing
The Planning and Building Development Management Department will be hosting a one day public hearing on Monday 30 November in the Council Chamber, 44 Wale Street, Cape Town. Commencing at 09:00 it will give representatives from ratepayers associations, interest groups and concerned individuals the opportunity to make representations on the draft by-law.

The closing date for submissions for the public hearing will be Tuesday 24 November 2009.For enquiries and to reserve a time slot at the public hearing please contact Michelle Viney Tel 021 400 2399, Fax 021 425 6495 or e-mail Problembuilding.Bylaw@capetown.gov.za

The closing date for submission of written comment is 07 December 2009.

Copies of the draft by-law are available at the City’s District Planning Offices, Libraries and Subcouncil Offices. It can be viewed via the web link: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/ByLaws

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: Marius Lourens, Building Control Officer, Tel: 021400 1802 or Cell: 084 432 2574

Thursday, November 5, 2009

City Extends Deadline for Comment on Draft Spatial Development Framework

CITY OF CAPE TOWN - MEDIA RELEASE - 04 NOVEMBER 2009

The public participation process is currently underway in respect of a range of City of Cape Town draft plans and policies that will guide the future development of Cape Town. It includes a draft Cape Town Spatial Development Framework, draft Spatial Development Plans/Environmental Management Frameworks for each of Cape Town’s eight planning districts, a draft Densification Strategy and a draft Development Edges Policy.

At the request of civic organizations in Cape Town, the deadline for public comments on these draft plans and policies has been extended until 30 November. Interested members of the public now have until then to comment.

Alderman Brian Watkyns, Chairperson of the Planning and Environment Portfolio Committee, said: “To date, the City has held 44 meetings to present and discuss the draft proposals contained in these draft plans and planning policies with the public. These meetings have included open days in each of the sub-councils as well as district and city-wide stakeholder workshops. The City would like to thank the public for its enthusiastic participation in these events and the contributions made to date towards achieving this very important goal.”

The draft Spatial Development Framework (SDF) sets out the City’s strategies and policies about how and where Cape Town should develop in the future, and is a required part of Cape Town’s Integrated Development Plan.

In support of the SDF, the City has also prepared:
a draft Densification Strategy
a draft Development Edges Policy
Integrated Draft Spatial Development Plans/Environmental Management

Frameworks for each of the City’s eight planning districts

These district plans identify:
a spatial vision per district
what should inform development in that district
what should be protected
where new development should be planned and implemented
where there should be change to the existing urban environment and what this change should be

“It is anticipated that the SDF will be submitted to Council and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape for approval next year once the public participation processes are complete and the SDF has been redrafted to incorporate the input and comments received,” says Catherine Stone, the City’s Director: Spatial Planning and Design. “The supporting plans and policies will also be submitted to the Council for approval when the public participation processes are complete.”

Once approved, the SDF and the district Spatial Development Plans and Environmental Management Frameworks will enable the City to replace the existing Guide Plans approved in terms of the Physical Planning Act as well as, where appropriate, to review, update and replace historic (five years or older) existing Structure Plans for the Cape Town jurisdictional area approved in terms of s 4(6) of the Land Use Planning Ordinance.

All the draft plans are available for public viewing at the City’s subcouncil offices, libraries and Planning & Building Development Management Department district offices. They are also available for download at http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/sdf/

Questions and comments can be sent to futurecapetown@capetown.gov.za, PO Box 4511, Cape Town 8000 or faxed to 021 425 4327.

Alderman Watkyns said: “Spatial planning aims to positively shape the way Cape Town develops in the next few decades. It includes the preparation of plans that will guide the physical development of Cape Town (where, what and when).

“Spatial plans are used to assess applications submitted by property developers. They also guide changes in land-use rights and guide public investment in infrastructure.

“The implementation of these plans relies on partnerships between the private sector, communities and other spheres of government.

“An SDF is therefore a useful and effective tool with which to manage and monitor growth and development in the city, and informs investors about what they are ‘buying’ and where development opportunities exist in the short and longer term.

“It will offer predictability, as once it has been approved by the full Council and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape, it will be the basis on which City officials decide on new development proposals.

“The City sincerely looks forward to your comments and inputs on these important draft policies aimed at guiding development in Cape Town towards a sustainable future. Your comments and inputs must reach us by no later than close of business on Monday 30 November 2009,” Watkyns said.

Further information please visit the City's Spatial Development Framework website –http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/sdf


End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: Catherine Stone, Tel: 021 400 3263 or Cell: 084 577 4846
Ald. Brian Watkyns, Tel: 021 531 3716 or Cell: 083 444 4807

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

2010 Soccer Stadium - Cape Town





These are the latest photographs of the Cape Town Soccer Stadium in Green Point.

Update on the Development of Firgrove and Soetvlei Fields 20 October 09

From the Steering Group of Residents [including CHRA, CPOA and TRA]

It has been a year since the public participation meeting at Bergvliet High School on 23 October 2009, when we first heard the proposal for high-density, low-income housing from the Western Cape Government for the Firgrove and Soetvlei fields.

The current status is as follows:
The administration of the Western Cape Government has changed from ANC to DA.
The DA Provincial Government has disputed the pre-election handover of the land by the previous Provincial Government to the National Housing Development Agency.

The resultant uncertainty of the situation is unsettling, which is why the steering group of residents continues to investigate options for the Firgrove and Soetvlei fields, and engage with all possible stakeholders in order to establish a fair and equitable outcome.

Our current focus is threefold:
1. We support the application of the American International School to expand their lease to include much of the vacant land on Soetvlei Avenue.
2. We support the City’s Spatial Planning Guidelines for residential development on the fields, at a slightly higher density in comparison to the properties adjacent to the fields.
3. We support the continued discussions between the Constantia Land Claimants, the Land Claims Commission and the Western Cape Government.
The claimants wish to conclude the land restitution process that started 14 years ago. During this process, the previous Provincial Government identified the Firgrove field as a settlement land claims in lieu of land that is no longer available for restoration. We are satisfied that the claimants’ intended use of the land would be in compliance with the City’s guidelines for development.

Your information, comments or questions are always welcome.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Mandela grateful for open hearts and hands - 67 Minutes on Mandela day 2009

Former president Nelson Mandela on Tuesday thanked people for their involvement in Mandela Day."We have been pleased, and honoured, by the way Mandela Day has been responded to. People have made it an occasion not to focus on one man, but rather to work with each other in communities to make the world a better place.

"Most importantly, they have gone beyond 67 minutes, or one day, and have found ways to promote continuing work that will make a difference. I thank each one of you who made a contribution. We value your continued support," Mandela said in a video message at a function in Midrand.

The function was to mark the 10th anniversaries of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Vodacom Foundation.The message was played at the presentation of the Gift of Giving Award where Kaya FM and the City of Matlosana were each awarded R67 000 for their efforts in promoting Mandela Day.

The Johannesburg-based radio station and the North West city said they would donate the money to community organisations.The Vodacom Foundation had given it to the Nelson Mandela Foundation to mark the organisations' tenth birthdays.The amounts of R67 000 were symbolic of the 67 minutes people were asked to give of their time on Mandela Day in honour of the 67 years Mandela had given in service.Acting Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Verne Harris, told the gathering: "The key measure of success for us remains the difference that we are making in the world. But our identity, our organisational ethos, is now shaped by the idea of people making a difference in the world."The life-work of Nelson Mandela is honoured and his legacy made, not by memorialisation of him, but by enduring commitments, big and small, to making the world a better place for all.

"Mandela Day mobilised energies which are critical to the rebuilding of social fabric in South Africa and beyond."The awards were accepted by Rose Thabanchu, the Speaker of the Municipality of Matlosana and Greg Maloka, Managing Director of Kaya FM. - Sapa

Monday, September 28, 2009

City's Traffic Officers confiscate Taxis in Fish Hoek

CITY OF CAPE TOWN - MEDIA RELEASE - 23 SEPTEMBER 2009

Traffic Officers were out at 06:00 on Tuesday, 22 September to assess the extent to which illegal taxis are operating in the Fish Hoek area. Thirteen taxis were stopped and checked and the drivers of eight of these vehicles were found to be operating illegally. Various fines were issued for driving without a valid driving license, failing to carry a license in the vehicle and other offences.

“Eight taxis were impounded for not having transportation permits and these vehicles are being stored for safe-keeping at our pound in Ndjamena,” says Chief Inspector Merle Lourens, media spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services.

“Taxi owners also face charges for permitting their employees to drive without licenses. Dockets were opened at the Fish Hook SAPS and the charges are being followed up,” says Lourens.

The Ghost Squad also conducted a sting operation in Sacks Circle and Modder dam Road, Bellville, and in Sea Point, Camps Bay and Clifton, concentrating on reckless driving. Twenty nine cars were suspended from being operated on the road because of faulty brakes, smooth tires and illegal or no number plates fitted. Seventeen motorists were charged for not wearing their safety belts and 92 speeding cases were recorded, with the highest speed being 117km/h in a 60km/h zone.

Three hundred and eighty-nine vehicles were checked for outstanding warrants and 15 drivers were warned to appear in Court.

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: Merle Lourens, Tel: 021 918 2572 or Cell: 072 200 1512
Kevin Jacobs, Tel: 021 980 1257 or Cell: 083 264 9661

Mayor's Road Show

Mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato will be at the Alphen Centre, Constantia on 29 October between 19h00 and 20h30 as part of his road show.

please diarise this event, and come along to meet your mayor.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

We all have a future here in Cape Town - by Anel Lewis

The pristine high walls and security entrances of Strawbery Lane, Constantia do not reveal much about the vibrant community that once lived there, growing flowers and vegetables before they were forcibly removed 38 years ago.

But about 250 former residents, and their children and grandchildren, on Thursday reclaimed the upmarket suburb's street to celebrate the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Mayor Dan Plato.

The plaque honours the "people of colour" who lived in the area before the Group Areas Act forced them out, scattering them to the dusty, barren suburbs of Mitchells Plain, Manenberg and Lotus River.

anel.lewis@inl.co.za

This breaking news flash was supplied exclusively to iol.co.za by the news desk at our sister title, Cape Times.

Springtime in Constantia Hills



These photographs were taken by local resident, Pat Tudsbury. They are of the field on corner Cushat and Soetvlei Avenues... We don't need to go to Darling to see the daisies. Pat advised that one wears gum-boots - the grass is quite long.


Val Deuchar and the Daisies.
















Monday, September 21, 2009

Community Braai 20 September 2009

What a wonderful turn-out to the CHRA bi-annual community braai!

Thank you to everyone who participated in making this such a successful and enjoyable event! The weather played along beautifully too.

It is always lovely to meet new residents and catch up with old friends from the neighbourood. One feels the community spirit that is so part of what the people of Constantia Hills stand for.

A couple of photographs taken at the Braai by Frenske Otzen...




























Thursday, September 17, 2009

C3 Electronic Reporting System for all Service Delivery Complaints.

The C3 electronic reporting system for all service delivery complaints and queries is now in place.

Call 0860 103 089 or e-mail contactus@capetown.gov.za to log a service delivery query or complaint. You can also SMS it to 31373 (no more than 160 characters).

Your contact will then be logged and a reference number issued to you so that you can track our progress. The procedure is working extremely well - try it!

For issues relating to cable theft, call the toll free 24/7 hotline: 0800 222 771.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Jungle Theatre company presents 'INDLOVU PEOPLE' - one night only!

Jungle Theatre Company presents “Indlovu People” a family show about elephants from their creation to the present day.

The mystical Xama from the clan Indlovu is our story teller. He tells of a time before people, when elephants lived freely without the boundaries set by humans. We meet a family of masked elephants and are invited into their magical lives. Enter the colonial clowns who start popping their guns and begin the rough and tumble, love-hate relationship that we have with elephants until today. Through catchy music, visual humor, innovative puppetry and fun involvement “Indlovu People” compels the audience to help find a safe future for these majestic creatures. It is best suited for ages 8 and up.

The show was directed by Heather Mac with performers Mfundo Hashe, Nimray Kruger, Charity Mkhasibe and Vincent Meyburgh. The development of the show was funded by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the performance by the Cape Tercentenary Foundation.

ONE SHOW ONLY!
26th September 12h00
Baxter Main Theatre
Tickets only R30
Book through Computicket
Block bookings call Yvette on 021 788 5641

Yvette Joshua
Arts Administrator
Jungle Theatre Company
Tel: 021- 788 5641
Fax: 021- 788 5643
www.jungletheatre.co.za
info@jungletheatre.co.za

Friday, August 28, 2009

Deadline for Applying for Rates Rebate Extended to 31 October 2009

CITY OF CAPE TOWN - MEDIA RELEASE - 27 AUGUST 2009

Are you, as property owner, struggling to make ends meet?
Is your current monthly income R8 000 or less and are you older than 60 or disabled?

To provide relief in the current economic climate, when increasingly people are facing the re-possession of essentials such as homes and vehicles, when rising prices of fuel, electricity and food are forcing all but the very rich to cut back on necessities, the City of Cape Town has implemented compassionate policies that will bring some measure of financial aid to those who need it most.

A rates rebate, which is implemented on a sliding scale of 10% - 100% was made available during June 2009 to registered homeowners whose total household income is R8 000 a month or less, where the occupants are aged 60 years or more, or if they are the recipients of a disability pension/grant.

To maximise the benefits of this policy and make sure that enough people know about it, the City has extended the deadline for applications from 31 August to 31 October 2009.

"The City wants to register everyone who qualifies for the rates rebate, so that the relief measures we have put in place can restore their dignity and take away the increasing fear of impending poverty," says Alderman Ian Neilson, Deputy Executive Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Finance.

"We call on community organisations to encourage potential candidates to register with the City," he said. Neilson pointed out, however, that everyone who qualifies for the rates rebate will have to re-register annually and prove that the circumstances which enabled them to benefit from the policy still apply.

“Anyone who turns 60 within the City’s financial year which runs from July 2009 until June 2010 and to whom the other conditions such as income and disability apply, qualifies as a beneficiary of the rebate,” says Trevor Blake, Director: Revenue. “The rebate will however be implemented on a pro rata basis.”

Various rates rebates are also available to bona-fide farming operations, non-government organisations, public benefit organisations, religious organisations, health and welfare institutions, educational institutions, historical monuments, charitable institutions, sporting bodies, cultural institutions, youth development organisations and animal protection organisations.

For more information, please call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 or visit your nearest municipal office.


End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Alderman Ian Neilson Tel: 021 400 1306 or Cell: 083 306 6730

Trevor Blake, Tel: 021 400 9988 or Cell: 084 433 5727

City Acts Against Illegal Businesses

CITY OF CAPE TOWN - MEDIA RELEASE - 27 AUGUST 2009

Anyone thinking of starting a business from home should first check with the City of Cape Town to find out whether the zoning scheme regulations for their area allows this activity.

The City’s Planning and Building Development Management (PBDM) Department is responsible for enforcing compliance with the zoning scheme regulations created in terms of the Land Use Planning Ordinance no 15 of 1985. These regulations define what properties can be used for.

The PBDM Department has recently increased the staff complement in its Land Use Enforcement Section. Thirty seven personnel have already been appointed out of an eventual 40 who will be allocated to different districts.

The department uses an eight district model and four enforcement regions, each comprising two districts. Each region will be headed by an Enforcement Coordinator. At present, one Enforcement Coordinator has been appointed and three people are acting in the remaining positions.

The Enforcement Section’s staff are guided by a Land Use Enforcement Policy which was adopted by the Planning and Environment Portfolio Committee (PEPCO) and came into force on 01 January 2009. The approach taken is to ensure people cease an activity which contravenes the zoning scheme regulations until such time as the land use rights are in place.

The process is complaints-driven and once a written complaint is received, it will be investigated and if necessary, a notice will be served. Transgressors are given deadlines and if they fail to close down in time, the matter is prosecuted in the criminal courts. If the prosecution is successful, the Land Use Planning Ordinance allows the Magistrate to impose a fine of up to R100 000.00 or a term of imprisonment.

Cheryl Walters, the Director:PBDM, says, “While the department is dependent on the criminal court process, which can take a long time to complete, it has nevertheless achieved notable successes since the enforcement policy was implemented eight months ago. In excess of 500 cease unauthorised business notices have been served, 286 unauthorised businesses have closed down and in 32 court cases, 29 guilty verdicts have been handed down and fines imposed”.

“It should be noted that a prosecution will be instituted even if a person has, subsequent to the notice, submitted a land use application to rectify the unlawful land use,” she added.

Anyone thinking of starting a business from home should therefore first contact the PBDM Department’s district office to find out whether the zoning scheme regulations for their area permits this. If a home owner or tenant wishes to run a business or a crèche in a residential area, they will probably first need to apply for some form of permission from the Department.
Application forms for permission to use a property for a use other than the allocated zoning are available on the City’s website www.capetown.gov.za or at the eight district offices. Completed application forms must be submitted to these offices.

Should anyone wish to complain about an unlawful activity, they must lodge a written complaint on the standard complaint form by fax or e-mail with the Regional Manager’s secretary or at this stage, to the relevant officials detailed below:

Districts A & B
Cape Town & Blaauwberg area
Alma Stoffels: Regional Manager’s secretary
Tel: (021) 400 6442
Fax: (021) 419 4694
E-mail: alma.stoffels@capetown.gov.za

Farrel Smith: Technical Assistant
Tel: (021) 400 6407
E-mail: farrel.smith@capetown.gov.za

Charles Mcgrath: Acting Principal Admin Assistant
Tel: (021) 400 6500
E-mail: charles.mcgrath@capetown.gov.za

District C
Northern Area
Wilma Ludick: District secretary
Tel: (021) 980 6265
Fax: (021) 980 6179
E-mail: wilma.ludick@capetown.gov.za

Nico Lombard: Technical Assistant
Tel: (021) 980 6007
E-mail: nico.lombard@capetown.gov.za

District D
Tygerberg area
Antoinette Loubser: District secretary
Tel: (021) 938 8432
Fax: (021) 938 8509
E-mail: antoinette.loubser@capetown.gov.za

Eduann Howburg: Senior Technical Officer
Tel: (021) 938 8038
E-mail: eduann.howburg@capetown.gov.za

Districts E & F
Helderberg, Khayelitsha & Mitchells Plain Areas
Estelle Goosen: Regional Manager’s secretary
Tel: (021) 850 4386
Fax: (021) 850 4354
E-mail: estelle.goosen@capetown.gov.za

Shaun Manuel: Senior Technical Officer
Tel: (021) 850 4335
E-mail: shaun.manuel@capetown.gov.za

Districts G & H
Southern and Cape Flats areas
Anita Fabe: Regional Manager’s secretary
Tel: (021) 710 9410
Fax: (021) 710 8039
E-mail: anita.fabe@capetown.gov.za

Moosa Barnes: Senior Technical Officer
Tel: (021) 710 8261
E-mail: moosa.barnes@capetown.gov.za


End

Review of the 5 year Integrated Transport Plan

INVITATION TO SUBMIT COMMENTS ON THE INTEGRATED TRANSPORT PLAN

The City of Cape Town is in the process of reviewing and updating its current statutory Integrated Transport Plan (206 – 2011) and has appointed a consortium of specialist service providers to assist with its coordination.

The Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) is a holistic and overarching five-year plan for managing and developing Cape Town’s Transport system. The ITP is a statutory requirement in terms of the National Land Transport Transition Act (No. 22 of 2000). While preparation is also strategically aligned with the National Land Act (No. 5 of 2009) Process. The ITP must be updated each year in terms of legislation. It covers all modes of public transport, non-motorised transport, freight and movement of private vehicles, airports, ports, etc.

The ITP was taken through a second round of public consultation from mid November 2008 to the end of January 2009 in order to assist the technical team in the update and revision process. It is now being made available for public comments to ensure that the content is relevant and up to date before submission for approval, as required in terms of the Act.

This is your opportunity to:

· Identify any possible gaps/shortcomings in the revised ITP.
· Submit proposals on addressing any shortcomings.
· Provide feedback on the City’s progress, achievements and/or proposed strategies, action plans, Implementation programmes and priority projects that have been included in the revised ITP.

Please submit your written comments:

· By post to the ITP Public Participation Office, Attention Tamara North, P O Box 494, Cape Town, Telephone: 02 481 2400, Fax: 021 424 5588
· By email to Lindiwe.Gaika@af.aurecongroup.com or Tamara.North@af.aurecongroup.com


The full document may be viewed at your local library or at the South Peninsula Subcouncil Offices. You may also view the doc electronically on the City’ website: www.capetown.gov.za
Attached is also a response form on which you can list your comment issues or concerns.

The closing date for comments is Monday, 28 September 2009.

Contact Person: Subcouncil Manager (Desiree Mentor)
Contact Number: 021 784 2010/11

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Graffiti Blitz and Plascons' New Wonder Product - Sunday 23 August 09

A great Thank you to all who participated in the Graffiti blitz on Sunday. Within 2 hours, the neighbourhood was cleared of all unsightly graffiti. Thank you to Adrian Jessop, Frenske Otzen, Andrew Pollock from Plascon, Michael and Isabelle Franzen, Ronnie Weber, Ann Coltham and family and Alison Thiel.

Plascon sponsored our anti-graffiti day and used the opportunity to launch their new product called PLASCON REMOVE-ALL. A 100% bio-degradable, water based solution that is neither a solvent, nor a stripper, it works within minutes.

“We hope that it stays clean for as long as possible,” Adrian Jessop noted. “But if the graffiti comes back, the artists won’t get much satisfaction. It is far easier for us to remove the graffiti than it is from them to paint it.”





Adrian Jessop demonstrates how PLASCON REMOVE-ALL works.


Spray the surface, leave for a couple of minutes and simply wipe away.

Ronnie Weber and stop-sign before Plascon RemoveAll...

Ronnie Weber and Stop sign after a couple of minutes of using Plascon RemoveAll.







Friday, August 21, 2009

Graffiti Busting Sunday - 23rd August 2009 - REMINDER

Thank you to all the residents who have identified areas in our community where graffiti has been spotted. A reminder of the details of Sunday’s Graffiti Busting.

Date – Sunday 23 August
Time – 3pm
Where – Welgelee Road, close to Firgrove Way
What is needed ? – 1 Bag Cement
1 x 5 litre Roofing Paint, Grey
Half a tin of White PVA
5 – 6 Bottles of Laquer Thinners
Cloths
2 tins of Q20

Plus – ladders, brushes, buckets, buckets or bottles of water, paint remover

We are being joined by Andrew Pollock who represents Plascon. Andrew has agreed to demonstrate ground-breaking anti-graffiti and gunk technology.
A 100 % bio-degradable and environmentally friendly product just launched in South Africa.

Please contact Adrian Jessop at 083 68 000 76 or adrianjessop@gmail.com for further details about Sunday. Please join us for a fun afternoon of cleaning up the neighbourhood

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Graffiti Busting Sunday - 23rd August 2009

Please join us on Sunday afternoon, 23rd August 2009 to bust all the graffiti in the neighbourhood.

We'll meet at 3 pm at Welgelee Road [close to Firgrove Way].

We'd also appreciate it if you could contact us and let us know about any specific area where you may have noticed new graffiti. Contact Adrian Jessop at adrianjessop@gmail.com or
on mobile 083 68 000 76 for further information.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

City Of Cape Town Media Release 3rd August 2009

Use less electricity – it ensures the supply and saves you money

After another round of national price increases for electricity, which came into effect at the beginning of July, many Cape Town residents are agonising over how to pay their higher electricity costs.

Alderman Clive Justus, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, says we can avoid most of the increases and ensure the continuity of our supply by making a concerted effort to use less electricity.

He said Capetonians have done well in the past year to reduce the overall demand for electricity by about 5%, but most of us can still do much more.

Residents should firstly be aware of the recently approved Council budget and tariffs for the 2009/2010 financial year and that, following a national determination, the price increase for electricity increased by around 34 % from 1 July.

“The peak demand occurs between six and ten o’clock in the mornings and again in the evenings. If we all try to reduce our power consumption, particularly at these times, then the possibility of blackouts will be significantly reduced and we will at the same time, save on our own electricity useage.

Geysers can be a substantial source of savings, particularly if they are insulated, because they lose very little heat if they are switched off during these peak times. At the same time, turn down the thermostat to a comfortable 55 degrees and don’t run hot water un-necessarily. Anything which comes out of the hot tap has to be replaced by putting cold water into the geyser and heating this takes a lot of your money,” he said.

Replacing tungsten filament light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) will substantially reduce electricity consumption. Furthermore, although they are more expensive than the tungsten filament light bulbs, the CFLs last much longer and quickly pay for themselves through electricity savings.

Alderman Justus said another way to make substantial electricity savings, is to fill the kettle with only the amount of water you need to use when you make tea, coffee or other hot beverages. “And how about putting a quilt or blanket over your knees and switching off those inefficient electric bar and space heaters when watching TV – after all, we keep warm in bed in winter by adding an extra blanket.”

“Capetonians responded magnificently when water-saving measures became imperative during the drought a few years ago and we need to be just as successful in reducing our electricity demand and our electricity costs now,” Alderman Justus said.

“If we all make the necessary effort now to reduce our electricity usage, the tariff increases can be minimised. What still looms over us, however, is the request by Eskom for further increases in electricity prices over the next few years,” Justus said.


End

Issued by: communication department, city of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Alderman Clive Justus, Tel 021 400 1206 or Cell 083 628 4136

City of Cape Town Media Release 3rd July 2009

City urges consumers to save electricity by monitoring consumption

As consumers brace themselves this month for an average electricity price increase of 33,5%, the City of Cape Town has urged households to save energy by monitoring their electricity consumption.

“By measuring your usage you can adjust your lifestyle to effect savings. For example, hot water geysers ‘guzzle’ electricity, but if you adjust the thermostat from 65C to about 55C, the energy savings are considerable,” says Alderman Clive Justus, Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services.

“Pre-paid meters and some of the older credit type of meters can be read daily to check the number of units being used. You can also monitor consumption through your monthly municipal account,” says Justus.

According to Don Early of Cape Town’s Electricity Services, the average domestic consumption is about 600 kWh per month.

“More affluent households average about 1 000 kWh per month, while consumption in informal housing areas is usually in the region of 90 to 150 kWh per month. These amounts will vary according to the size of a household, the usage of electrical appliances, and will be higher in winter than in summer,” says Early.

As from July 01, the City’s new domestic tariff for 600 kWh, has increased from R389,13 to R529,21. For 1 000 kWh, the price has gone up from R626.77 to R852,45. These figures include VAT.

“For low-income consumers, the City has introduced a ‘lifeline tariff’ increase of only 9%. Thus, the cost of 90 kWh has gone up from R22,55 to R24,58, and for 150 kWh from R84,58 to R92,17. These figures include VAT.

“Lifeline tariff customers who purchase 400kWh or less per month will continue to get an automatic free allocation of 50kWh,” says Early.

Commercial tariffs for small power users, large power users and very large power users have gone up by between 27% and 36%.

“These tariff increases only apply to the 550 000 electricity consumers in the Cape metropole who are served by the City of Cape Town. The other 140 000 consumers supplied by Eskom will experience different tariffs,” says Early.

Queries on the new tariffs can be sent to the Electricity Services new SMS line on 31220. The SMS of no more than 160 characters must contain the customer’s name, erf number, account number and brief description of query. Each SMS costs 85c. Alternatively, one can call the hotline 0800 220 440 or send an e-mail to frc@capetown.gov.za.


End

Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Alderman Clive Justus, Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 400 1206 or Cell: 083 628 4136

Don Early, Head: Key Customers & Tariff Development, Cape Town Electricity Services, Tel: 021 918 7125

Integrated Development Plan Public Participation Process

SOUTH PENINSULA SUBCOUNCIL
Invitation to relevant stakeholders: IDP Public Participation Processes 2010/11

The City of Cape Town wants to use this opportunity to thank you for your continuous support in the Integrated Development Plan Public Participation processes. Your suggestions and contributions will once more enhance our IDP which will be measured against the current challenges that the City faces particularly in the light of the economic meltdown that affect all of our lives.

The City of Cape Town would like to review and enhance the current Integrated Development Plan (IDP) in partnership with Ward Forums and other relevant stakeholders by raising the awareness of the major socio-economic, infrastructural and environmental challenges facing the City.

Your organisation is therefore invited to attend a briefing session with officials from the City of Cape Town in order to:

· Clearly define the challenges facing the City of Cape Town
· Seek various solutions to challenges faced by the City
· Investigate risks and dependencies impacting on the City
· Examine suggested plans of action
· Discuss the allocation of resources within the City of Cape Town

This briefing session forms part of a series of engagements and will be held at:

Retreat Civic Centre on 2nd September 2009 from 7 – 9 pm

Fish Hoek Civic Centre on 3rd September 2009 from 7 – 9 pm

Your views and input will form an integral part of enhancing the content of the 2010/2011 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and can be submitted during October 2009 to:

South Peninsula Subcouncil Manager (Desiree Mentor)
Fish Hoek Subcouncil Offices
Recreation Road
Fish Hoek

Contact number: 021 784 2010/2011

OR

Email: idp@capetown.gov.za
Sms “idp” followed by your short comment to 31766

Please RSVP to Sandiswa Mankayi by no later than 19th August 2009 in order to make the necessary logistical arrangements.

Email: sandiswafaith.mankayi@capetown.gov.za
Tel: 021 784 2010

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Baboons and Details of Service Provider

The name of the company who is the new service provider regarding Baboons,
is Nature Conservation Corporation [NatConCor].

It is headed by Mr. Dean Ferreira and the director in charge of this project is
Mr. Linden Rhoda.

The 24 hour HOTLINE number is 071 588 6540.

This number should be called in case you require assistance.

FIRGROVE AND SOETVLEI FIELDS - UPDATE




The Environmental Partnership recently distributed a notice to Interested and Affected Parties, stating that the Environmental Impact Assessment is 'on hold'.

What does this mean?

We understand that the Environmental Partnership is still under contract and the terms of the brief have not changed. However, the profile of the client (Provincial Government) has changed, and the ownership of the land is in dispute. Therefore, until such time as these factors are settled, the Environmental Partnership will proceed no further with the Firgrove/Soetvlei project.

Meanwhile, we continue to liaise with the Provincial Government, the City of Cape Town and other key constituencies who have a direct interest in the intended use of this land. Our goal is to assist in finding solutions that will replace the current uncertainty with confidence and long term benefits for all stakeholders.

thank you from the SPCA - blanket drive


Dear Residents

An appeal for blankets for the Grassy Park SPCA was sent out and the residents of Constantia Hills have managed to collect and donate 27 blankets and tins of dog food.

Lamees Martin is the communications and Resources Development manager at the SPCA and she has communicated the following to us:
“Thank you very much for organizing the much needed blankets for our animals – we continue to be uplifted by the unwavering support from caring and compassionate people like the Constantia Hills Residents. “

We have delivered the last blankets on Monday, 20th July. Thank you very much to each of you who have contributed. I know there are animals who are warmer now due to your generosity and kindness.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Place of Hope Crawford - before and after 18 July 2009

Thank you to the community of Constantia Hills for supporting us on Mandela Day.

The CHRA wish to thank the following people for their time on Saturday, 18th July and for the many items and services contributed to improve Place of Hope in Crawford.

Amy Black from Amy’s Garden Company, Albert Bruins, Joan Rapp, Harry and Gabriella P., Val Deuchar, Ann Roux, Jo Dix, Geoff Hopkins, Lynn Mason, Melica McCrae from Colgate, Antoinette Dennis, Nikki Andrew, Gary from Ivodent Dental Supplies, Alison Thiel, Linda McNair, Norah Papanicolaou, Sheena Hutchings, Liz Brunette, Tracey and Sean Fraser, Andre and Becky Baldeo, Ronnie and Vanessa Weber, Thabane Khunjuzwa, Dorreen and Jackie from Ferndale Nurseries, Mica on Kendal Road, and Tony Moolenschot from Moolenschot Construction.

The crèche was cleaned, the kitchen cupboards were painted, a vegetable garden was planted in existing tyres and a space for a larger vegetable garden was created by clearing rubble. The plumbing problem has been assessed and plumbers will be in contact to fix the leak. Donations received ranged from food items to clothing for women and children, toiletries and bedding and linen for the many rooms.

It was truly a humbling day and a wonderful, uplifting experience to be able to work with the people at Place of Hope.

Their centre manager, Jennie Arendorf, writes “we are EXTREMELY indebted to the many, many individuals who have journeyed with us over the years, and have partnered with us in making a difference in the lives of victims of violence – helping them to break free from the cycle of abuse that had imprisoned them for so long. Thank you!”




the Creche before and during cleaning.

the creche after cleaning.


the children present helped [insisted on] plant the vegetable garden.


the vegetable garden before planting...













A bicycle parked next to a wall - the only one the children have with which to play.















The entrance to the diningroom is to the right of the picture.The blankets are there to soak up the spray created by the drip and the buckets are emptied every hour or so.

These are the cupboard doors in the kitchen which were painted by Tracey and Becky and Sean.
before...

and after...




67 Minutes on Mandela Day 18 July 2009

Former president, struggle hero and one of the world's most-celebrated political icons, Nelson Mandela, turns 91 on Saturday.

In his State of the Nation Address earlier this year, President Jacob Zuma outlined plans to commemorate the political life of the Nobel Prize laureate. Zuma's call was for all South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to service of others on Mandela's birthday. Each minute represents a year of Mandela's life spent fighting for freedom and justice in South Africa. How will you spend your 67 minutes on Mandela Day?

The CHRA plans to visit a safe house in Crawford on Saturday, 18th July. The Place of Hope is a sanctuary for women and children who have escaped violent and abusive domestic situations. They currently house about 30 women and 30 children [ranging between the ages of 3 months to 6 years, with a handful of pre-teens.]

The building is in a state of disrepair and at the moment the greatest need is to fix a leak in the ceiling above the dining room. The children walk into the dining room and get drenched. They change blankets and buckets on the floor at least every 30 minutes. The leaky pipe is like a gushing tap and is clearly visible as the ceiling boards have disintegrated due to the water. The centre does not have any finance to fix the problem and we are appealing to the residents to come forward and assist us in fixing this leak and supply materials to do this.

We are also aware of other areas in the centre where we can help better their living environment:
*spring cleaning the crèche
*painting of kitchen cupboards
*cleaning grounds of rubble and driving it away
*adopt a room program [ask me more about this]

In addition to this, if you have any of the following items that you’d like to donate:
*soil and plants for vegetable and herb garden
*crockery and cutlery
*tea towels
*big pot and big colander
*sand for the sandbox and a cover for the sandpit
*a computer that works
*copy paper
*providing dry goods for their pantry – they feed homeless people from the area every Thursday providing soup between 1 and 2 pm.
*toiletries for women and children
*toilet rolls

We are planning this for 1.30pm, but if you can’t make it then but still would like to help, please respond because we can arrange staggered timed help.

Community involvement and upliftment has always been a part of what CHRA stands for. Please give 67 minutes of your time and expertise on Saturday to assist us.

On behalf of the CHRA, I will be coordinating this project and ask that you email or phone me with the specifications of how you can assist us.

I look forward to hearing from you.