Hout and About

News from Residents’ Association of Hout Bay

PO Box 27031, Hout Bay, 7872

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

February 2010

 

Imizamo Yethu

 

 

On the 18th of January, the following objectors were afforded a 15 minute interview each at a Special Sub Council meeting following the highlighting, by Cllr Hayward, of irregularities in the IY development planning processes.

 

Mr T Brummer (Penzance Action Group and others)

Mr L Swimmer (Residents Assoc of Hout Bay)

Mr G Ngwangwa (Sinethemba Civic Assoc)

Mr C Nathan (Hout Bay Ratepayers Assoc)

Mr R Timms (Hout Bay + Llandudno Heritage Trust )

Mr E Schaug (Architect)

 

The resultant report to the Executive Mayor, dated 25 January is quoted in full below:

 

At a Special meeting of the Spatial Planning, Environment and Land Use Management Committee held on Thursday 21 January 2010, the following matters were considered:

 

a)       Supplementary report dated 13 January 2010 plus accompanying Annexures A (delegations), B (layout plan), C (Council minute extract   dated 26 November 2009), D (Spelum minutes  dated 14 October 2009), and E (summary public participation land use Imizamo Yethu Hout Bay dated 07 September 2009) from Mr R Walton;

 

b)       Report to Spelum from the Good Hope Subcouncil from their special meeting held on 18 January 2010 as per Annexure F with Addendums A (Supplementary report dated 13 January 2010 from R Walton), B (layout plan tabled by Mr Dods), and C (layout plan submitted by Mr T Brummer).

 

The special meeting was also attended by the Good Hope Subcouncil Chairperson ( Cllr T Amira) and the Ward Councillor  (Cllr M Haywood).

 

The matter was deliberated on at length with specific changes proposed after having reached agreement thereon by those present.

 

      Concern was expressed as to sewage flow/ seepage into the stormwater ponds during the heavy rain periods in that area.

 

RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SPATIAL PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (SPSPEL 03 /01/10) 21. 01.10

       

       RESOLVED

 

1.    TO RECOMMEND to COUNCIL that it recommends to the Competent Authority that:

 

1.1           the proposed Amendment of a Condition of Designation, in terms of the Less Formal Township Establishment Act, 1991 (Act 113 of 1991) shown as per the “Amended  Annexure “A” of the report, BE APPROVED, and

 

1.2           the proposed amendment of the Approved Layout Plan required in terms of the conditions imposed in the notices of promulgation in terms of Section 3(1) read with Section 4 of the Less Formal Township Establishment Act, 1991 (Act 113 of 1991) on portion of Remainder Erven 6355, Hout Bay, as per the ”Amended  Annexure “A” of the report, BE APPROVED, and

 

1.3           the proposed Layout Plan required in terms of the conditions imposed in the notices of promulgation in terms of Section 3(1) read with Section 4 of the Less Formal Township Establishment Act, 1991 (Act 113 of 1991) on Erf 7309 and on portions of Remainder Erven 2848, Hout Bay, shown as per the  Amended  Annexure “A”  of the report, BE APPROVED, and

 

1.4           the proposed Rezoning in terms of Sections 17 of the Land Use Planning Ordinance, 15 of 1985, and 7296, Hout Bay, as per the ”Amended  Annexure “A”  of the report , BE APPROVED.

 

1.5           All approvals are subject to the conditions as per the”Amended Annexure “A” of the report.

AMENDED

ANNEXURE A

_

 

File Reference: LUM/33/2848

Application No.: 181161

 

In these conditions:

 

“Council”                       means the City of Cape Town.

“The Owner”                  means the registered owner of the property.

“The property”              means Portions of Remainder Erven 2848, 6355 and 7296 and ERF 7309, Hout Bay, Main Road

“scheme regulations”   has the meaning assigned thereto by Ordinance 15 of 1985.

 

 

1.    AMENDMENT OF A CONDITION OF DESIGNATION IN TERMS OF THE LESS FORMAL TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT ACT, 1991 (ACT 113 of 1991)

 

1.1   To amend the condition in Designation Notice PN 383/1993 of July 1993 that;

“Only 18 ha of the total area shall be utilized for residential purposes”.

 

To the following:

 

“Not more than a maximum of 21 ha of the total area of 34 ha as contained in Designation Notice PN 383/1993 of July 1993 shall be utilized for residential purposes. The remaining 13ha will be used for non residential purposes which include any land required for roads (including reserves), open spaces, roadside fringes, thoroughfares, public spaces, and/or public-service facilities in the total area concerned.”

 

“That the MEC be requested to declare that the provision of the Land Use Planning Ordinance (No 15 of 1985) be made applicable to the designated land”.

     

2.    AMENDMENT OF APPROVED LAYOUT REQUIRED IN TERMS OF THE CONDITIONS IMPOSED IN THE NOTICES OF PROMULGATION IN TERMS OF SECTION 3(1) READ WITH SECTION 4 OF THE LESS FORMAL TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT ACT, 1991 (ACT 113 of 1991)

 

2.1   That the layout plan on Site 1 as it appears on the subdivision plan attached as Annexure D2; portion of Erf 6355, be recommended to the Competent Authority for approval, subject to the following amendments being made to such plan prior to the submission to the Competent Authority:

 

2.1.1       A 5 metre Public Open Space to be provided along the boundary with Hughenden Estate,

 

2.1.2 That the loop roads in this layout be extended to the 5 metre Public Open Space,

 

2.1.3 Single Residential Erven to be provided where the layout abuts the 5 metre Public open Space or any property affronting towards such Public Open Space.

 

3.    APPROVAL OF LAYOUT REQUIRED IN TERMS OF THE CONDITIONS IMPOSED IN THE NOTICES OF PROMULGATION IN TERMS OF SECTION 3(1) READ WITH SECTION 4 OF THE LESS FORMAL TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT ACT, 1991 (ACT 113 of 1991)

 

3.1   Layout of Sites 1, 2 and 3 as it appears on the subdivision plan attached as Annexure D2. Portions of Remainder Erf 2848 and Portion of Erf 7309 are recommended to the Competent Authority for approval subject to the following:

 

      “Site 1”

 

3.1.1 That, prior to the submission of the layout plan on Site 1 as it appears on the subdivision plan attached as Annexure D2; the Competent Authority regarding portion of Erf 6355, needs to approve the following amendments to such plan:

 

3.1.1.1    A 5 metre Public Open Space to be provided along the boundary with Hughenden Estate,

 

3.1.1.2    That the loop roads in this layout be extended up to the 5 metre Public Open Space,

 

3.1.1.3    Single Residential Erven to be provided where the layout abuts the 5 metre Public Open Space or any property affronting towards such Public Open Space.

 

“Site 2”

 

3.1.2 That, the layout plan be supported subject to:

 

3.1.2.1     The construction of the proposed 19 metre service road running parallel to Hout Bay Main Road, to the North of portion 57 as per the layout plan for Site 2; as well as the construction of the proposed taxi rank and informal trading area on this service road (portions 44, 49 & 62) not be proceeded with until a further investigation and a TIA of the NR Mandela Road has been completed to replace such service road as the main collector and feeder route for the larger Imizamo Yethu development. Any amendments to the layout that may result from such investigation and findings must be submitted to SPELUM for further recommendation to the Competent Authority.

     

3.1.2.2     That the Competent Authority be requested to consult with the Department of Education about the possible need to provide a High School within the layout plan for Site 2.

 

“Site 3”

 

3.1.3  That, prior to the submission of the layout plan to the Competent Authority for approval, the following amendments be made to such plan:

           

3.1.3.1 A 10 metre wide Public Open Space abutting Penzance Road be provided,   

 

3.1.3.2     A road between the proposed Single Residential Erven and the Public Open Space be provided,

 

3.1.3.3     GAP housing be provided on the Single Residential Erven facing Penzance Road, as reflected on the plan (see Addendum C under cover of Good Hope Subcouncil report dated 21 January 2010),and

 

3.1.3.4 That no wall to be permitted between the GAP housing and Penzance Road.

 

4.    APPROVAL OF REZONING IN TERMS OF SECTION 17 OF THE LAND USE PLANNING ORDINANCE NO 15 OF 1985 

 

4.1   That, prior to the submission of the plan of subdivision for approval, the following amendments be made to such plan:

       

4.1.1 A 10 metre Public Open Space abutting Penzance Road be provided,

 

4.1.2       A road between the proposed Single Residential Erven and the Public Open Space be provided,

 

4.1.3 GAP housing be provided on the Single Residential Erven facing Penzance Road, as reflected on the plan (see Addendum C under cover of Good Hope Subcouncil report dated 21 January 2010), and

 

4.1.4 That no wall be permitted between the GAP housing and Penzance Road.

 

5.    CONDITIONS IMPOSED IN TERMS OF SECTION 42 OF THE LAND USE PLANNING ORDINANCE 15 OF 1985 AND IN  TERMS OF THE LESS FORMAL TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT ACT, 1991 (ACT 113 of 1991)

 

      Land Use

 

5.1   The submission of development plans on all the General Residential zoned sites for the approval of the Director: Planning and Building Development prior to building plan submission. 

 

5.2   That General Residential portions 32 to 35 and 66 to 71, as it appears on the subdivision plan (Annexure D2) be limited to 2 storey or 8 meters as per the relevant Zoning Scheme Regulations.

 

5.3   That a Site Development Plan (SDP) be submitted for approval for the local authority, business and civic/community purposes zoned sites in the new layout of Site 2.  This should preferably be in the form of a comprehensive plan indicating structures, uses, access, parking etc, but could also be on an erf to erf basis. The SDP are to be approved by the Director: Planning and Building Development Management, after consultation with the Subcouncil, prior to any building plans being submitted.

 

Transport

 

5.4   The roundabout-controlled intersection of Hout Bay Main Road, Victoria Road and Nelson Mandela Drive should be improved by means of the implementation to dual-approach lanes.

 

5.5   The existing single-lane, west-bound approach to the Victoria Road / Victoria Avenue (from the direction of Main Road to the Suikerbossie hill) should be doubled to allow a two-lane right-turn approach, the left lane being right-turn or straight-through, to the intersection.

 

5.6   Pedestrian paths must be provided along Nelson Mandela and Hector Peterson Drives, within the development area.  A continuous, 1.8m-wide footway should be provided along Main Road, between the Hector Peterson and Nelson Mandela Drive intersections.

 

5.7   Appropriate measures must be investigated and implemented to improve shoulder-sight-distance at the Hector Peterson main Road intersection.

 

5.8   The OR Tambo Road access to Main Road must be closed, in order to alleviate potential congestion on Main Road.

 

5.9   An internal road link should be provided, linking the two main access roads, and a road hierarchy should be established, with reserve widths of between 8 and 16m, and “black-top” widths of between 4 and 7m, depending on the road function.

 

Environment Management

 

5.10  Landscaping Plan, compiled by a registered Landscape Architect / Technologist / Technician for the property concerned, must be submitted and approved by EHRM, in consultation with the Subcouncil 16 (Good Hope Subcouncil) prior to building plan approval.

 

5.11  The Landscaping Plan must also specifically address the public interface along Main Road, in consideration for the visual impact of the area. Implementation shall be to the satisfaction of EHRM.

 

5.12  The developer shall be responsible for the maintenance of the landscaping for a minimum period of twelve months from the date of completion.

5.13  Construction Phase Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for the site preparation, the installation of all services and all built structures on the proposed development must be submitted to Council for the final approval of EMS, by the Developer before any site clearance, earthworks or site camp establishment commences.  The CEMP must include a site layout showing the exact locality of the no-go areas, stockpiling, contractor’s camp, toilets, etc.

5.14  The developer shall appoint at his/her cost, an independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO), with appropriate environmental qualifications and experience for the duration of the works contemplated in the CEMP, in order to monitor compliance by all parties with the CEMP and requiring the ECO to liaise with the Council’s Environmental Officers / EHRM on a regular basis, including the submission of monthly reports.

      SERVICES

 

5.15    That all services to be provided shall be in accordance with the Council’s required standards for the provision of services.

5.16     

 

An Open Letter from Su Ball to Cllr Hayward

“The lay-out plan for IY must provide for a sustainable community and add value to Hout Bay, not be a drain on its resources.

Hout Bay can be characterized as a tourist Mecca, the jewel of the Peninsula. Its economics revolve around the fact that it is a tourist destination.

The lay-out plan presently envisaged by the City Planners and consultants does not take this fundamental aspect of Hout Bay’s economy into account.

To tightly pack as many people as possible like sardines in the heart of the Valley is a recipe for disaster. A visual blight will be created scarring the slopes of Skoorsteenkop. Without sufficient job opportunities and educational facilities, people will live squashed together without hope for a better life, a breeding ground for sickness and crime.

Such a plan for high density walk up flats robbed of screening trees and a gradual interface with the surrounding suburbs will create a visual blight in the centre of the Valley. Instead of tourists being attracted to the area they will be repelled. Tourist numbers will dwindle causing businesses dependent on the tourist industry to collapse having an economic domino effect on Hout Bay of joblessness, crime and squalor in an ongoing downward spiral. Wealthy landowners and businessmen will abandon Hout Bay diminishing the rates base of the City.

Let Hout Bay fulfil its destiny not as a slum and but as a thriving tourist village and an asset to the broader Cape Town economy.

Hout Bay should be planned as an economic asset to the Unicity and not as a future economic liability or human dumping ground.

65% of Hout Bay’s people are poor. Why increase the burden of poverty on an already delicately balanced community by implementing recommendations that do not promote growth and a flourishing community but do the opposite – causing the Hout Bay economy to implode and the people to go into economic decline?

The preferred alternative option motivated by the community including IY civic organisations modifies the ideas of the planners and consultants so that IY can become a fully integrated suburb with the rest of Hout Bay - a vibrant self-sufficient neighbourhood with schools and other facilities promoting human dignity and upward mobility.

Such a plan would be met with goodwill by the other residents even local philanthropists like Niall Melon who would be prepared to invest in upliftment projects and housing schemes in the community.” 

 

Humans vs Horses vs Humanity

 

Unfortunately, a nasty incident escalated on Hout Bay Beach in December when two competent Hout Bay riders were verbally insulted by a group of people on foot.  Both horses and humans were trying to get across the polluted river. 

The incident was not left there and ended up being publicly aired on Facebook. There are always two sides to a story and as one party wrote. “I do hope however that you will be able draw the complainant's attention to the often unpleasant and unintended results of inaccurate, incomplete and exaggerated reporting and of using those reports on social networking sites such as Facebook to target organizations or individuals.”

In the words of Chairman, Len Swimmer “The horses and their riders are vital part of our community and an asset to the Hout Bay community, giving it the rural ambience that so many would deny.” 

Publicly humiliating others does not resolve problems and leaves everyone with a sour taste in their mouths. With the diversity within our Valley, our beautiful beach deserves tolerance. Our horses and their riders are very much part of our community.

 

Dinglestock


The Association is grateful that the City Councillors and City Officials agreed with public comments and the objection was upheld in the case of the Dinglestock Music Concert planned for the 16th of January in Valley Rd and eventually relocated to Albert Hall, Woodstock.

 

 

 

Advertised as follows:

“THE MONTONY OF MONOGOMY” is a big fist up the ass of conservative boredom that is plaguing modern society. If this isn't enough for you, Half Price have raised a dirty middle finger at the recession by sliding the album into a neat 64 page magazine filled with all the filthy but intelligent visual stimuli guaranteed to get your anarchistic juices flowing.”


Following the Association’s objection, Chairman, Len Swimmer, was on the receiving end of vulgar and derogatory commentary posted on Facebook and e mailed to him. Len responded in a letter published in The Sentinel Newspaper, Below, an excerpt and the official City response to the applicant Markus Becker:

“Since the event was refused by the City officials (see their official notification below and reasons), I have received a large number messages containing very inappropriate language slating me personally; these have been posted on face book and also e-mailed to me.  Along with this ‘hate mail’, however, I have also received many warm congratulatory letters from relieved residents pleased that the rock concert was moved to another venue.  I am copying some of them for you below:

 

“I am sorry that you seem to have been on the receiving end of some unpleasant words in the latest issue of The Sentinel. Please accept a donation to RAHB in appreciation”


 
And please don’t slate Mr. Swimmer – he was doing his job.  Did it well.  If he had not drawn the attention of the Hout Bay ratepayers he would have been in serious breach of his duty.

Please guys – advertised several times on the internet and twitter etc does not mean you were restricting the function to a mere 400 people. Sorry but you had no consideration of your ‘Bay’.

 

The Official response from the City

 

I regret to inform you that the Events Office will not be able to issue you with a permit for your proposed event due to the following;

 

         Objection from Cllr JP Smith (in the absence of Cllr Haywood)

         Objection from the local sub-council manager

         Objection from the impacted residents, residents’ association of Hout Bay as well as the chairperson of the residents’ association

         The venue not being suitable for the type of event planned

         Possible negative environmental, residential and road impact

         Not sufficient guarantee of disaster management safety mitigations

Litter Trolley Service

Local resident Mick Feuilherade has initiated a Litter cleaning operation under the auspices of Rotary. It comprises a standard 2-wheeler litter-bin placed into a sturdier steel frame/cradle supported by rubber wheel-barrow wheels. Rotary covered the initial costs of the bin. The project is self sustaining through advertising revenues (ads placed on 4 sides of the bin). The bin which circulates around a prescribed route gives advertisers a 'roving ' advert.

 

For the moment Rotary are subsidising shortfalls as only 2 sides of the 4 available have been sold to advertisers. Anyone who would like to purchase an advert, please contact Mick on 021 7906096. Apart from ad revenues open donations will be welcome from the public direct to the vendor (the IY man) to assist his income package.

 

The amount of litter being picked up is amazing and if this initiative is successful Mick plans to introduce a second trolley service.

 

Message to Hout and About, from Patrick Mc Laughlin of Rotary: “Here’s a pic of "Mick's Marvellous Machine" which is now trundling around Hout Bay on a daily basis.

If all goes well, and we get more advertising support, we shall get a second one going. Moving advertisements are much better than static ones!

All credit to Mick Feuilherade for this great idea, personally put in place by him”.

 

 

Entelini and Aliens

 

After all the controversy with Entileni and our vigorous attempts to successfully re-open Chappies, Entileni are reneging on maintenance agreements for the Drive.

 

A local resident, who has single handed cleared Blackburn Ravine of alien invasive plant species, approached the Association asking where he could next focus his “alien hacking”. 

 

The Association approached Dr Preston, Chairperson of Working for Water, who agreed that Chapman’s Peak Drive would make a good project as there are wattles, gums, pines, pampas grass and other species spreading from the disturbance along the road. 

 

In addition, it was pointed out that kikuyu grass has been planted by Entilini in most inappropriate places along the Drive.  Dr Preston has previously met with Entilini and pointed out what needed to be done, but only a small number of wattles were treated.

In July last year, the local resident approached the Entilini office manager, Mr Jacobs, to remind him of Entinlini’s responsibility for clearing the road reserve.  Mr Jacobs was not even aware of his duty in this respect and said it was a priority to stabilise the cuttings above the road.

The local resident offered to do a survey and supplied Mr Jacobs with a list of aliens between the last parking and the lookout. When the resident returned in November, the roadside was indeed cleared, BUT the contractor had obviously not used the map in the contract so the work he has done was less than perfect.

 

Entileni must be held accountable for their incomplete actions and lack proactive intervention to keep alien vegetation off Chapmans Peak Drive.

 

                      Chappies, without paper!

 

When will Entilini get their act together?

 

Len Swimmer received this e-mail from RAHB member, Chris Grinton:

 

Saturday the 09th, and a group of us drove over Chappies, en-route to Fish Hoek.

There was just one lane open, on a weekend, in early January! Go figure?

I knew the boom in the left-hand lane had been broken for four days, (and another 4 days thereafter) but was perplexed why the lane was not being used, with someone ‘manually’ stopping the cars, etc, which seemed doable during peak tourist season.

 

So, I slipped out of the passenger seat in the long queue (20+ vehicles), and ran towards the closed booth with the broken boom. The boom was not the problem; they could have operated a manual system, but... they had run out of ... till paper!

 

This from Entilini who wish to build a large toll plaza, when they have frequent problems running the existing set up.

 

Till paper is like toilet paper – you do not buy more when you run out; you have a roll or 3 on hand, for just such emergencies!

(there was apparently none in the offices or any of the other booths – they had simply ‘run out’.

 

I considered NOT writing this letter, but 4 days previously had misplaced my frequent-user card, so called ahead to order a new one, was instructed to pop in ‘anytime’ to pick it up, and then followed a ‘Laurel and Hardy’ routine that would have had Leon Schuster reaching for his camera...

 

And single-lane closures are not the exception, they seem to be the rule, on many occasions. Even when the road is busy.

 

Speaking with various staff on both occasions, they admit (upon questioning) that much of the operations is in a ‘shambles’, and, to quote one attendant on the day, a ‘Mickey Mouse Operation’.

 

Entilini – get your act together – you are performing below par.

Chris Grinton

 

 

Sandcastle competition

 

Valley Pre-primary is holding their annual sandcastle building competition on Saturday 13th February on the Chapmans Peak side of the beach. 

The RAHB was initially concerned with the health threats created by the Disa River pollution.  They alerted the organizers and professional opinion was sought. Justin O’Riain, RAHB Exco member responsible for Environment compiled the following report:

 

Water quality in Hout Bay as determined by the Scientific services dept. In August and September 2009.

 

Levels of ecoli per 100ml in samples taken from the ocean (HB07 and HB09), the mouth of the Hout Bay river (HB08) and the harbour (HB10), in August and September 2009 by scientific services.  Values in excess of 1000 (see red line on graph) are regarded as being unsafe for human contact. 

 

 

As can be seen all sites sampled in August were unsafe for human contact but all samples in September were safe.  The reason for this is primarily rainfall with more rain falling in August which has the effect of “flushing” faecal matter into storm water drains and into the rivers and down to the ocean.  I would anticipate that the ecoli levels would be substantially lower in Dec/Jan and Feb than they are in the graph below which suggests the water on the east side of Hout Bay beach is safe for recreational swimming as far as pollution that emanates from the Hout Bay River.

 

The big picture divorced from the polluted Hout Bay River

I do wish to stress at this juncture that all of Hout Bay’s sewerage is pumped out to sea below the Sentinel and that the CSIR report commissioned to asses the consequences of this fallout suggests that under certain environmental conditions (such as sustained westerly and south westerly winds) this outflow will be blown into the bay and towards the beach.  Under such circumstances the health of people using the waters in Hout Bay for recreational use may be adversely affected.  The CSIR estimated that such conditions may arise only 10% of the time.  Thus the waters of the bay are not only polluted during winters by the river but may be polluted by the main sewerage line outfall being blown into the bay under certain wind conditions.

 

In conclusion:

The Hout Bay beach sand castle building competition is being performed at the safest time of year when the river is no longer flowing fast and thus is not polluting the ocean much and the prevailing winds are southeasters which tend to blow sewerage outfall from the main sewer line away from the bay.  I would thus support the use of the Hout Bay beach for this recreational endeavour.

 

Dr M. Justin O’Riain (Ward forum representative for the environment, Ward 74)

 

Poisonous Disa Water Watch

Following our article in last month’s Hout and About we received the following correspondence from a resident.

“I am responding to your article in January´s newsletter regarding the VERY toxic Disa River... I am today, for the first time in 3 weeks starting to feel marginally better having suffered from both eColi and a parasite infection. The cause of both is, without doubt, having crossed the Disa River whilst walking along Hout Bay beach. I had a wound at the time (which itself became very infected) and the bacteria entered my body that way. The signs on the beach do not suggest just how toxic this water is i.e. that one can become so sick from just crossing the river (something one is forced to do if you want to walk along our once lovely beach).”

It is unquestionable - our Disa River is a death trap.  The City’s choice to erect signage does not deal with the problem. The ratepayers and residents are covering the cost of every infection, hospitalization, doctor’s visit and medication. It would be an interesting exercise to compare the cost of signage vs. the cost of medical intervention. When walking across the Disa River mouth is one engaging in “recreational activities” or utilizing a right to public passage below the high water mark?

 

 

Damage to Council property: Perpetrators to Pay

 

The city is in the process of drawing up a system wherein damages to city property can be claimed against the perpetrator.  This document is now in its final stages.  The most problematical issue is the proper identification of the driver or in instance of vicarious responsibility the owner of the vehicle.

However, parallel to this the City have a test project wherein rewards can/may be paid to suppliers of information and this is being considered to tow truckers in the “test period”  who invariably attend scenes first and then whisk perpetrators away before they can be correctly identified.

 

In October last year (2009) the City Manager instructed that the pursuit of persons responsible for damaging Council property, including those who do so via vehicle accidents, and the preparation and management of claims against them IS TO BE HANDLED BY THE SPECIALISED SERVICES BRANCH OF THE CITY’S SAFETY AND SECURITY DIRECTORATE. That Directorate has accepted the assignment and has already designated senior persons to take charge of the activity. Those persons are:

 

Senior person overseeing the function:

Mr Rudi Wiltshire

Chief – Specialised Services

Ph 021 900 1719 or 084 599 8884

Offices: Municipal Offices at Kuils River

Corner of Carinus and Van Riebeeck Streets

Kuils River

Rudolf.Wiltshire@capetown.gov.za

 

 

Manager directly handling the function

Mr Neil Arendse

Assistant Chief - Metals and Theft Unit

Ph 021 900 4021 or 078 472 5903

Offices: Ground floor of Housing offices

Corner of Kool and Ganna Streets

Melton Rose.

Neil.Arendse@capetown.gov.za

 

 

To All HBNW Beach Estate members:

Firstly, a happy and above all a safe 2010 for all.

The general crime situation in Hout Bay saw an increase in the November and December periods. There were a number of night time robberies in estates in the Northshore area. The Sandy Bay and Karbonkel berg also had three armed muggings in the span of 10 days.

Beach Estate is still one of the hardest hit areas in terms of crime in Hout Bay. (North shore and IY are the others)

There is a clear trend that House breaking and attempted house breakings are occurring mainly between 17h00 and 18h00. The assumption is that this is the time frame when most domestics have left, that the alarm is probably not set and that perpetrators and thieves can disappear amongst the general flow of traffic when others are going back to IY etc. SSPs shift changes and SAPS changes are also occurring during this time and they are not keen to respond as they will then work (unpaid) overtime.

 

HELP FIND FOUR BIKES

 

STOLEN FROM

HOUT BAY ALCOHOL & DRUG ACTION GROUP COMMUNITY PROJECT

REWARD OFFERED

PHONE : 021 790 3089 or 076 556 2462

OR WATCHCON ON 021 790 9333

 

Please help us to find our four stolen Red/Black AVALANCHE mountain bikes that were sponsored by the Pedal Power Association as a diversion programme from substance abuse.  On Sunday evening 4 bikes like those in the pictures below were stolen from a double locked area so the thief came prepared and knew the bikes were inside.

 

 

House Robberies: Some Advice from SAPS

Reject and report stolen goods: If you buy stolen goods, more victims will suffer, because you provide a market for these goods and an incentive for criminals to keep stealing them. Receiving stolen goods is also punishable by law. Reject any goods you suspect could have been stolen and report it to the police on Crime Stop 08600 10111.

PREVENT HOUSE ROBBERY AND THEFT

• Know all emergency numbers.

• Never open the door automatically whenever the bell rings or if someone knocks. Make completely sure the person wanting to enter is expected. Domestic workers, garden staff and children are often approached by robbers who act as telephone or TV repairmen, electricians, plumbers, TV licence or municipality inspectors and many other professions. In an effort to gain entrance robbers use a cellphone and make as if they are talking to the owner of the house so as to put pressure on unsuspecting victims to open the gate or door. Those remaining at home should be made aware of these scams.

• Report suspicious characters who pose a threat to the police. When employing someone request their identity document and make a copy thereof for safekeeping. Check their previous employment references and do security clearances at the police.

• Always keep you keys safe to prevent duplication thereof. Never leave your house keys under a doormat or in a pot plant. Once you have locked your door from the inside remove the key and place it in a safe place.

• Know your neighbours and build a relationship of mutual trust and support. When going away inform them.

• It is always best to arrange with persons living in the same street as you to be ready at all times to come to the rescue of one another in dangerous or suspicious times. Exchange phone numbers or signalling methods when you find yourself in distress. Your strength always lies in how many people are able to support you in an emergency.

• If you buy luxury goods, cut up the boxes and dispose of these in tied black bags- a branded box is a telltale sign of what thieves could find in your house.

SAPS CRIME STOP : 08600 10111
SAPS EMERGENCY LINE : 10111

www.saps.gov.za

 

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.

 

Len Swimmer

Chairperson, Residents’ Assoc of Hout Bay

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