Hout and About

News from Residents’Association of Hout Bay

PO Box 27031, Hout Bay, 7872

rahb@houtbay.org.za www.houtbay.org.za

December 2007

HOUT BAY HARBOUR

“A Sense of Place – Spirit of Place”

Try and describe this sense or spirit of place in relation to the unique Hout Bay Harbour, was what we asked an eminent architect to do for us. We know that Hout Bay has many unique features and our working Harbour is one of them. Here’s what he had to say:

“The HB Harbour is located around the central point of a natural amphitheatre, with the surrounding mountain landscape forming its backdrop, juxtaposed with the sea and HB valley. If one draws axis / lines linking the opposite located mountain peaks, (Chapman's Peak - Klein Leeukoppie, Kaptein's Peak - Constantiaberg, they all virtually intersect at the end of the pier which extends out from Mariners Warf. Try experience the spatial feeling of the 'place' and the natural elements that make it, by walking down to the end of the pier and swivel around 360 deg. The uniqueness of this place is heightened by the contrast of these natural elements, the sea, the mountains and the valley floor with the river - to me the term 'Spirit of Place', as identified by Norberg Schultz, comes to mind.”

“It is a great scenic viewing spot, with tremendous 3D dimensions. The transition zones between these major elements are also places of particular significance, creating intense activity 'places' - the beach, the river mouth, the rocky coastline, etc. They are dynamic natural zones. Hout Bay is blessed with probably the most attractive natural landscape on the Cape Peninsula, but unfortunately it has suffered some of the worst man-made environs on the Peninsula.”

“Considering that timeless and sustainable man-environments are often engineered by someone or a community who have vision, (and who fear not failure), and appreciate a balance between generosity, informed positions and the art of 'place' making, acting during relatively short time periods when the opportunity arises, there is always hope that enlightenment could prevail in the long-term. 'May the force be with you.'”

Hout Bay Wetland Rehabilitation Project

Report compiled by Dr M. Justin O’Riain Project leader & RAHB ExCo Member, Portfolio Wetlands, Environment & Beach.

[This Project is a contribution by the Kronendal Retirement village - we are awaiting final approval from the developer].

Time frame: 1^st to 21^st December 2007

Motivation: Currently the ecological functioning of the Hout Bay wetlands is being adversely affected by the proliferation of alien invasive vegetation. Most alien tree species consume large amounts of water through transpiration and thus their presence within a wetland is considered to be highly undesirable. The most abundant alien tree species within the Hout Bay wetland is the Gray poplar (Populus canescens) that is known to flourish in water meadows and river valleys. Failure to check the spread of the poplars will result in an irreversible transformation of the ecological character of the Hout Bay wetlands and with that the loss of many endemic plants and animals.

Objectives: In this proposal we outline a project that aims to reduce the adverse effects of Gray poplars by employing both mechanical (ring barking) and chemical (poisoning) control measures. This approach will have the immediate benefits of killing the root system of the trees and thus preventing further suckers from being established and the long-term benefit of curbing the transpiration rate of the trees and thus loss of water from the wetlands. Furthermore, the proposed methods do not require specific skills or mechanised equipment and may thus be carried out using people from both previously disadvantaged communities (Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg) within Hout Bay.

Integration with other work: The proposed work is complementary to the wetland rehabilitation work initiated by the Working for Wetlands project in 2003 in which the removal of alien vegetation has been prioritised. Furthermore the project is in line with the current partnership between the City of Cape Town and the local residents association to rehabilitate the Hout Bay wetlands as an ecological and recreational asset for the entire Hout Bay community.

Location and description of the proposed rehabilitation site: The three proposed work sites are located immediately adjacent to the Hout Bay River (between the Victoria and Princess Bridges). All three sites are comprised of mature stands of poplar trees that are fringed by young suckers. At present the three sites are separated by a mixture of indigenous vegetation and a variety of other alien plant species (e.g. Acacia longifolia). All three sites are accessible by both foot and vehicle.

Anticipated impacts of the proposed actions: At present these three sites are ecologically degraded with a substantial fuel load from senescing vegetation. Furthermore the existing poplar stands are expanding rapidly into the wetland, out-competing indigenous plants and further lowering the water table as a result of high transpiration rates. Ring-barking and poisoning of these trees will ultimately result in their death and with that a reduction in water use and the spread of the alien stands. Removal of the fuel load within the existing stands will reduce the threat of fires and encourage the establishment of indigenous plants that are either stunted through competition or smothered under the debris associated with the trees. Ultimately, once the poplars in these three sites have been killed, they will have to be mechanically removed and the areas replanted with indigenous vegetation. This latter objective will be realised as part of the long term project to rehabilitate the Hout Bay wetlands.

This project will further create employment for the Coast Care team of Hout Bay. This is a poverty relief initiative which entails ad hoc employment of people from both Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg on projects that enhance the environment within 1km of the beach area. The more employment that can be offered to these teams the more sustainable the initiative will be and ultimately residents of Hout Bay that are amongst the poorest of the poor can rely on a more stable income.

Help the Kronendal Farm folk replace stolen Electricity cables!

Thursday night (14 Nov 07) was very windy and the electricity supply to the Kronendal farmworkers’ cottages shorted. This allowed cable thieves to strike – they cut down a pole on the farm and removed a substantial piece of copper cabling several hundred metres long, connecting the Council electricity supply on Main Road to the farm cottages. This needs to be replaced urgently as electricity is required to pump underground water to irrigate the flower fields where thousands of rand have been invested in bulbs and other flowers – without water the plants will die and the farm workers’ livelihood will be lost if the electricity is not re-connected soon.

Leader of the farm families, Clive Moses, is working hard to try and elicit advice and help from the rest of the community. Electrician, Ian Kolevsohn, owner of Ocean Currents, was on site early on that Friday morning and he measured up what was needed to replace the cabling – he has agreed to donate his labour but the cabling will have to be paid for. This was estimated to be about R20 000, but we got an offer of cabling (after our Webmaster put out an electronic please for help) from a factory in KZN for R6000.

The Hout Bay Rotary have kindly offered their assistance and Roy Graham has visited the site on numerous occasions. Roy is in charge of Social & Community Affairs for Rotary. RAHB will hand over all the funds it has collected to Rotary as well as the cable received from Clive Mervis who is in the process of demobilising his factory in Pinetown, Kwa Zulu Natal. Clive’s daughters live in our Valley and are members of RAHB this is how their father got to hear of the “Cable Call” for the farm workers in their desperate plight. Thanks to the Mervis families for responding quickly.

However, more cable is still needed as a second theft took place on Thursday night 22 November. The police released the suspect they apprehended prior to this latest theft. The cable will now be buried underground. Please contact Roy Graham of Rotary on 083 226 8889 or RAHB, if you can help with any donations or willing to dig trenches.

Planning & Development Applications

Erf 223, Cnr Albert & Earle Street: Application for Rezoning, Consent & Departures to Construct a New Workshop & 4 Townhouses. We received a copy of the letter addressed to the Municipality from the Developers’ architects & planners which states: “We have discussed the various objections raised by the public with our client, and after due consideration, have been instructed to withdraw the above application”.

Report Back - Goodhope Subcouncil 16 – 19 Nov 2007:

Erf 666 between Berg-en-Dal & Disa River & adjacent Bay Mews - Application for Land Use Departure. RAHB’s objections were heard and after listening to the Applicant’s Attorney, the Chairman ruled that the Chamber were unanimous in finding that there was “nothing to indicate any advantage and the recommendation supports refusal of the application”.

Erf 4819 & Erf 2230, Victoria Ave (next to The Glassman): application for development of 2 identical office buildings. Councillors supported the planners’ recommendation to approve. RAHB asked that energy & water saving devices be stipulated as a condition of approval and this will be a request to the Developers from Council.

Erf 1120, Beach Crescent: application for rezoning & various departures to permit the building of a three storey block with 12 flats. The Application was recommended for approval by Council. Councillors were concerned with proper landscaping and “not just a planter box with pansies”. The adjacent Milkwood trees need to be protected from trucks and damage during building operations and RAHB suggested that the trees be fenced off for their protection. The Consultant to the Applicant was asked to pass on the warning against damage to the protected trees.

Erf 7309, Main Road (next to IY): application for land use departure for installation of cellular base station on existing infrastructure. The Consultant to the Applicant claimed that there was no fear of danger to anyone’s health & that the locality is within the guidelines. RAHB objected to the application and the Chairperson asked that the Environmental Health Authorities be approached for reports on Cellular Base Stations and that proper public participation takes place. The application was recommended for approval by Council.

Erf 8509 Hillcrest: application for an amendment of an approved design manual. It was stated by Council Officials that the application complies with zoning criteria apart from the design manual for an extra metre in height. Cllr Belinda Walker agreed with RAHB that “developers buy a small erf and push the envelope – it’s an absolute standard response,” she said. The voting was 3 in favour and 2 against, so the application was recommended for approval to permit the deviation from the design manual and the height to 9 metres.

CRIME WATCH WARNING!

Message from: Capt Gerhard van den Bergh
Deputy Station Commissioner, Hout Bay. tel.021-791-8681 fax.021-791-8661
cell.082-469-2293

S.A.P.S Muizenberg have asked us to alert people in Hout Bay about a spate of thefts of vehicle number plates recently. This theft usually happens at night. The number plates are generally used to disguise cars (stolen or otherwise) about to be used in robberies or heists.  Please lock you car away, if you can, and be particularly vigilant about night-time activities.  Contact SAPS – 021-791-8660 or WatchCon – 02-790-9333 or your respective Security Company if you see anything suspicious. Do not intervene!

If your number plate should be stolen, please report it to SAPS as soon as you notice the theft.  You could help prevent a really serious crime, here or elsewhere.

PLEASE REPORT ALL CRIMES as knowing what's happening helps SAPS plan patrols and deploy personnel and equipment. Please assist the police to help you.

SOME USEFUL TEL NUMBERS

Roads & Stormwater: Director is Henry Du Plessis, Tel. 021 400 2016 / 3720, Fax 021 421 1891, Email: Henry.du_Plessis@capetown.gov.za

Recycling: Residents who have ‘wheely’ bins and who do not receive the bags for the Waste Separation At Source Programme, can report their problems and street addresses to Chantall Louw. Her contact details: Tel 021-951-8420, chantall@millenniumwaste.co.za

Parks, Cemetery and Street tree pruning enquires can be made at 021-791-8300.

Beach Management: District Manager Sport and Recreation, is responsible for beaches in the area. Area Manager, Byron Kemp. His numbers are 021-7883655/26.

SA POLICE Services: Main Switch Board (office hours): 021-791 8660;

All hours Police Centre: 10111

BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Since this will be the last “Hout and About” for 2007, the Residents' Association Executive Committee and I, wish to thank all those who have given of their time to contribute to community efforts. We wish the whole Community a restful, secure and joyous festive season and a prosperous and happy New Year. Please be careful with regards to personal and house security. Remember to notify your Neighbourhood Watch if you are going away and leave contact details. Have fun and a well-earned holiday, remembering those in need.

Len Swimmer

Chairperson, Residents’ Assoc of Hout Bay

Tel: 790-0268, Email: lens@telkomsa.net

Dear Hout Bay Resident,

We invite you to join the Resident’s Association by sending an email to rahb@houtbay.org.za and we can send you details re membership and alert you to some of the important issues that might affect you as a resident of Hout Bay in our monthly newsletter.

You might also want to use your skill to help the Association operate and participate in community affairs

MEMBERSHIP

(R50 per couple, R30 per individual)

Forms from Chairperson or Library. Association’s Banking Details: FNB, Hout Bay(code 204009) A/c: Residents Association of Hout Bay, A/c Number – 5345 1027 173.

Subscriptions may be paid electronically (please use your full name as a reference on the payment – to ensure that we correctly credit your membership as this information appears on our Bank Statement

If you prefer, payment may also be dropped into our wooden box at the Library (next to the Hall doors) or posted to our Post Office Box: 27031 Hout Bay, 7872.