News Bulletin No. 1

Members of the Steering Committee have received a few queries in the following respects.

1.  More details on the services to be provided

Safety and Security:

We have two firm quotations from security companies to provide a foot patrol security service in respect of the public spaces in the SRA (i.e. pavements, parks, etc) on a 24 hours a day basis. Services from the currently favoured service provider would include:

• The provision of four security guards per shift. This could be adjusted to, for example, five during the day and three at night or whatever is agreed with the SRA Company.
• Spotter personnel on the mountain would work in conjunction with the patrol guards.
• The security company’s personnel in its patrol vehicle, who provide services to private clients, would also maintain contact with the foot patrol guards, on the understanding that private clients would have priority to the services of the   motorized personnel.
• A trained dog unit could also be utilized by the security company if required.
• Existing CCTV security cameras mounted in public spaces would also be utilized by the security company in their overall service.

The proposed security budget of R800,000 provides ample scope for 24 hour security patrols, but as is made clear in the Business Plan, a more detailed overall strategy regarding safety and security must still be formulated.  Also, the SRA Company will more precisely determine the scope and timing of these services as they gain experience.  This might include an approach that includes the temporary deployment of a higher proportion of foot patrol guards to identified “hot spots” from time to time.

As is also mentioned in the Business Plan, the SRA Company will work closely with the appointed security company and local law enforcement agencies (SAPS, SA National Parks etc) to co-ordinate law enforcement and security activities.

As mentioned at the public meeting, the Steering Committee is also investigating supplementary initiatives to promote community safety (for example trained personnel to identify potential problem areas or suspicious activity) at as low a cost as possible within the overall budget allocation.

Litter and Cleanliness and Maintenance of Public Spaces:

One full time worker will concentrate on these activities in Kalk Bay and a part time worker will concentrate on the St James area. These activities will supplement the services provided by the City Council and private initiatives in respect of such areas such as the Lever Street Park.

A more detailed strategy is still to be formulated on these issues, which might include the periodic focus on “hot spots” in addition to routine maintenance.

Social Services:

It is envisaged that the services of a trained social worker will be contracted on a part time basis (two or three days per week) to provide a service that would include:

• Assistance to try to re-connect vagrants and street children with their families
• Assistance to acquire disability and similar grants
• Assistance  with rehabilitation work opportunities
• Etc

Again, a more detailed strategy is to be formulated in this regard.

2.  Clarification on other SRA boundaries

Some people who attended the public meeting on 22 July 2013 have commented that the SRA proposal the presenters created the impression that the entire area of Muizenberg and Fish Hoek are included within approved SRAs and/or that these SRAs are primarily residential.

It was not the intention to create this impression. The intention was to emphasize that 26 SRAs have been approved by the City Council, and these include both commercial and primarily residential areas, and that Muizenberg and Fish Hoek are among the approved SRAs.

The Muizenberg SRA’s boundaries are demarcated by Main Road from Muizenberg Station in the south to the junction of Albertyn Road in the north, then in a north easterly direction along Albertyn Road and round Vlei Road up to Beach Road and along the beach front back to Muizenberg Station. The SRA is primarily a residential area and residential property owners contribute somewhat more than commercial property owners to the SRA budget.

Interest has been expressed by residents in areas adjacent to the SRA with a view to receiving the benefits of the SRA, and possibly joining the SRA.

The Fish Hoek SRA is concentrated in the area of the Main Road. It extends from the Clovelly traffic lights to the traffic circle at the Simonstown end of the Main Road, and includes Beach Road, Main Road, First Avenue and specific blocks in Second and Third Avenue.  This SRA is primarily commercially based, although this SRA also includes a significant proportion of residential properties.

3.  Rates Rebates

According to its 2013/2014 budget, the City Council provides the following rates rebates:

Pensioners and disabled ratepayers:  A rebate is allowed to pensioners aged over 60 years and disabled ratepayers in receipt of a disability pension, in either case whose gross household income does not exceed R12,000.00 per month and who occupy the property as his/her primary residence, provided that where the owner is unable to occupy the property due to no fault of his/her own, the spouse or children may satisfy the occupancy requirement.  The amount of the rebate is on a sliding scale depending on the level of earnings.

Indigent ratepayers:  According to the City Council a rates rebate is also available for ratepayers earning less than R4,000.00 per month after tax.

In either case, the rebate is applied on application.  In this respect, application forms can be obtained from the council offices in Fish Hoek (speak to Chantelle Edwards).

As is mentioned in the Business Plan, if any ratepayer receives a rates rebate, he/she will be 100% exempt from payment of any additional SRA rates.