www.MyPE.co.za

To see how Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Ward 8's councillor, Gustav Rautenbach's newsletter below, and don't forget to see what Jeremy Davis has been up to in Ward 5; Andre Goosen in Ward 3; Retief Odendaal in Ward 6, Heinrich Muller in Ward 9, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, Dean Biddulph in Ward 2 and Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1.

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From Councillor Gustav Rautenbach...

WARD 8 NEWS - September 2009

In This Edition:

1. Traffic Law Enforcement
2. Traffic Calming Measures (Speed Humps)
3. Beggars
4. William Moffet Hawkers
5. Kabega CPF
6. Know Your 24 Hour Emergency Numbers
7. Save Water
8. Liquor Licence Applications
9. Future New Developments
10. Parks
11. Crime Forums
12. Full Revenue Collection Measures

1. Verkeerwetstoepassing
2. Verkeerbeheermaatreeels (Spoedbulte)
3. Bedelaars
4. William Moffet Smouse
5. Kabega GPF
6. Ken Jou 24 Uur Noodnommers
7. Waterbesparing
8. Dranklisensieaansoeke
9. Beoogde Nuwe Ontwikkelings
10. Parke
11. Misdaadforums
12. Volledige Inkomste-insamelingsmaatreels

To read more of Councillor Rautenbach's newsletter, follow the 'Read More' link below

1. Traffic Law Enforcement

I have received the following reports from the Traffic Department:

(i) Kabega Road

Speed law enforcement was conducted in the Kabega Road dip on 3 August 2009 between the hours 08:40 and 11:24. The speed of 1287 vehicles was measured and a highest speed of 83 km/h recorded. Seventy four [74] motorists were prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit of 60 km/h.

Further speed law enforcement was conducted in the Kabega Road dip on 4 August 2009 between the hours 10:46 and 14:00. The speed of 2173 vehicles was measured and a highest speed of 80 km/h recorded. Twenty six [26] motorists were prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit of 60 km/h.

(ii) Kragga Kamma Road

Speed law enforcement was conducted in Kragga Kamma Road on 9 July 2009 between the hours 14:18 and 15:20. The speed of 1500 vehicles was measured and a highest speed of 91 km/h recorded. Sixty [60] motorists were prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit of 60 km/h.

(iii) Centenary Road

Video law enforcement was conducted in Centenary Road on 11 August 2009 between the hours 06:00 and 08:00. Eighteen [18] motorists were prosecuted for driving on the incorrect side of a public road.

2. Traffic Calming Measures (Speed Humps)

Due to the huge demand, the current backlog and limited funding available for such measures, priority is being afforded strictly as per the current Policy for Traffic Calming Measures. The Municipality's current Traffic Calming Policy deals with traffic calming request in the following order of priority:

• Priority 1: Forms part of an area-wide Traffic Management Plan, based on accident statistics and documented history of traffic safety problems.
• Priority 2: Located at Public Amenities (schools, crèches, churches, parks etc.)
• Priority 3: There is (scientifically proven) excessive speeding.
• Priority 4: There is excessive intrusive (cut-through or "rat run") traffic.
• Priority 5: An Engineering Analysis justifies a traffic calming solution.
  

I have requested that 'cat eyes' be installed at speed humps and traffic circles to make them more visible and safer for motorists at night. They have started implementing this. However, speed remains the biggest cause of accidents at traffic circles.

3. Beggars

I appeal to residents not to support beggars and street children. This causes huge social problems. I suggest that you rather make a donation to a welfare organisation which is of service to the needy.

4. William Moffet Hawkers

After receiving numerous complaints from residents that some of the hawkers at the William Moffet and Cape Road intersection swear at them, I have requested the Traffic Department to intervene.

On Monday, 14 September 2009, 16 hawkers were issued with warning notices to remove themselves from the intersection. The Traffic Department undertook to monitor the situation and take further action should it become necessary.

5. Kabega CPF

Congratulations to Peter Rich, the Chairperson of the Baakens Valley Crime Forum, with his election as Chairperson of the Kabega Police Forum. Peter, be assured of our support.

6. Know Your 24 Hour Emergency Numbers

• Fire Department: 041 585 1555
• Traffic Department: 041 585 1555
• Security Department: 041 585 1555
• Disaster Management: 041 585 1555
• SAPS: 10111
• Ambulance Services: 10177
  

7. Save Water

The levels of the dams supplying the NMBM of water is dropping at an alarming rate. I urge residents to use water wisely and to report water leaks to my office so that the Municipality can immediately repair it and thus prevent further loss of water.

8. Liquor Licence Applications

Applications for liquor licences were received from two (2) businesses.

A consultation process was followed with residents and other role players who reside in the immediate vicinity of the said applications. All objections received were forwarded to the Liquor Board as well as to the Municipality for further consideration.

(i) Siva's Regal Sports Bar, Walker Drive Shopping Centre, Brymore - Thirty Four (34) objections were received.

(ii) 4-Lees Liquor Store, Avondale Business Centre, Avondale Road, Kabega Park - Seventy Five (75) objections were received.

9. Future New Developments

(i) Erf 169, Kabega

This future development will consist of 444 units with an average of 64,4 m².

• 206 ground floor units,
• 190 first floor units, and
• 48 second floor units.
  

Assess to this development will be gained from Walker Drive into Alleman Road (south).

(ii) Erven 1070, 409 and 385, Theescombe (Heatherbank)

This future residential development will consist of 1005 units which include the following:

Erf 409 and Erf 1070

• 394 single residential
• 234 medium density residential
• 275 high density residential
  

Erf 385

• 102 single residential
  

Although development signifies economic growth, I must however express my concern regarding whether our current infrastructure can sustain such large developments.

In the instance of the proposed Heatherbank development I am very concerned regarding the beautiful green hills, the natural beauty and the fauna and flora which will be lost when it is substituted with a concrete jungle on our doorstep.

10. Parks

After a lack of service delivery of four months contracts have now been rewarded to contractors to cut the grass of our public open spaces and parks.

11. Crime Forums

I want to express my sincere thanks towards the Garden Suburbs- and Baakens Valley Crime Forums whose members sacrifice their free time to safeguard our suburbs against criminals. I urge all residents to become actively involved in our forums. The volunteers are doing a great job. The safeguarding of our suburbs rests with all of us and not just on a handful of people.

12. Full Revenue Collection Measures

Please take note of the Municipal policy regarding non-payment:

"There has been a 15% decline in the revenue collection rate of the Metro. A large number of customers (i.e. owners and consumers) of this Municipality are not paying for services used.

In order to guarantee the prosperity of our beautiful Metro and to ensure payment of municipal accounts the current debt collection policy will be strictly adhered to and leniency will no longer be allowed on the down payment requirement.

In addition, with immediate effect, where account holders are in arrears, their pre-paid electricity meters will be blocked and no further purchases will be allowed until all arrears owing by the household have been settled or suitable arrangements have been concluded to repay such arrears.

All account holders who are in arrears with their account are invited to call at any of the thirteen customer care offices throughout the metro between 8:00 and 15:30 (Monday to Friday) in order to pay their accounts or conclude an arrangement, should they be unable to settle their full arrears.

The Municipality is here to help you, but we need your co-operation in reducing the Metro's arrears of R927,3 million.

For more information: Contact Tel. (041) 506 555; Fax no. (041) 506 1304."

I urgently appeal to all residents to adhere to these measures before unexpectedly being left in the dark without essential services.

AFRIKAANS WEERGAWE:

1.Verkeerwetstoepassing

Ek het die volgende verslae van Metro Verkeer ontvang:

(i) Kabegaweg

Spoedwetstoepassing is uitgevoer in die Kabegaweg-'dip' op 3 Augustus 2009 tussen die ure van 08:40 en 11:24. Die spoed van 1287 voertuie was gemeet met die hoogste spoed van 83 km/h. Vervolging is teen 74 motoriste ingestel.

Opvolg spoedwetstoepassing is uitgevoer in die Kabegweg-'dip' op 4 Augustus 2009 tussen die ure van 10:46 en 14:00. Die spoed van 2173 voertuie was gemeet met die hoogste spoed van 80 km/h. Vervolging is teen 26 motoriste ingestel.

(ii) Kragga Kammaweg

Spoedwetstoepassing is uitgevoer in Kragga Kammaweg op 9 Julie 2009 tussen die ure van 14:18 en 15:20. Die spoed van 1500 voertuie was gemeet met die hoogste spoed van 91 km/h. Vervolging is teen 60 motoriste ingestel.

(iii) Centenaryweg

Videowetstoepassing is uitgevoer in Centenaryweg op 11 Augustus 2009 tussen die ure van 06:00 en 08:00. Agtien [18] motoriste is vervolg omdat hulle aan die verkeerde kant van 'n publieke pad gery het.

2. Verkeerbeheermaatreeels (Spoedbulte)

Weens die groot aanvraag, die huidige agterstand en beperkte befondsing besikbaar vir die oprigting van hierdie maatreëls, word streng prioriteit gegee soos per die huidige Beleid vir Verkeerbeheermaatreëls. Die Munisipaliteit se huidige Verkeerbeheerbeleid handel met verkeerbeheer versoeke in die volgende rangorde van prioriteit:

• Prioriteit 1: Vorm deel van 'n omvattende Verkeerbestuursplan wat gebaseer is op ongeluksyfers en die gedokumenteerde geskiedenis van verkeersveiligheid probleme.
• Prioriteit 2: Plasing by openbare geriewe (skole, bewaarskole, kerke, parke, ens.)
• Prioriteit 3: Waar daar (wetenskaplik bewys) buitensporige jaery plaasvind.
• Prioriteit 4: Waar daar oormatige indringende verkeer is. ("rat-run")
• Prioriteit 5: Waar 'n Ingenieursanalise 'n verkeerbeheer oplossing regverdig.

Ek het versoek dat 'kat-oë' by spoedbulte en verkeerssirkels opgesit word om dit snags vir motoriste meer sigbaar en veiliger te maak. Daar is begin met die toepassing daarvan. Spoed blyk egter die grootste oorsaak van ongelukke by verkeerssirkels te wees.

3. Bedelaars

Ek doen 'n beroep op die gemeenskap om nie bedelaars en straatkinders te ondersteun nie. Dit veroorsaak groot sosiale probleme en sterk hulle in hul kwaad. Ek beveel aan dat indien u tot hulp wil wees u eerder 'n skenking aan 'n liefdadigheidsorganisasie maak wat tot diens is vir behoeftiges.

4. William Moffet Smouse

Nadat my kantoor verskeie klagtes ontvang het vanaf inwoners dat sommige van die smouse op die hoek van William Moffett en Kaapweg, Newtonpark op hulle vloek, het ek die Verkeersdepartement versoek om in te gryp.

Op Maandag, 14 September 2009 het die Verkeersdepartement waarskuwingskennisgewings aan
16 smouse uitgereik om hulself van die interseksie te verwyder. Die Verkeersdepartement het onderneem om die situasie te monitor en verdere aksie sal geneem word indien nodig.

5. Kabega GPF

Baie geluk en sterkte aan Peter Rich, Voorsitter van die Baakensvallei Misdaadforum, wie verkies is tot Voorsitter van die Kabega Polisie Forum. Wees verseker van ons ondersteuning, Peter.

6. Ken Jou 24 Uur Noodnommers

• Brandweer: (041) 585 1555
• Verkeersafdeling: (041) 585 1555
• Sekuriteitsafdeling: (041) 585 1555
• Rampbestuur: (041) 585 1555
• SAPD: 10111
• Amabulansdienste: 10177
  

7. Waterbesparing

Die vlakke van die damme wat die NMBM van water voorsien daal teen 'n groot tempo. Ek doen 'n ernstige beroep op inwoners om water spaarsamig te gebruik en om waterlekkasies aan my kantoor te rapporteer, sodat die Munisipaliteit dit dadelik kan herstel om sodoende die verlies aan water te voorkom.

8. Dranklisensieaansoeke

Aansoeke om dranklisensies is ontvang van twee (2) instansies.

'n Konsultasieproses is gevolg met inwoners en belanghebbende partye wat in die onmiddelike omgewing van die aansoek woonagtig is. Alle objeksies wat ontvang is, is aan die Drankraad en aan die Munisipaliteit deurgegee vir verdere oorweging.

(i) Siva's Regal Sports Bar, Walker Drive Winkelsentrum, Brymore - Vier-en-dertig (34) objeksies is ontvang.

(ii) 4-Lees Drankwinkel, Avondale Besigheidsentrum, Avondaleweg, Kabegapark - Vyf-en-sewentig (75) objeksies is ontvang.

9. Beoogde Nuwe Ontwikkelings

(i) Erf 169, Kabega

Die beplande ontwikkeling sal bestaan uit 444 wooneenhede met 'n gemiddelde grootte van 64,4m².

• 206 grondvloer eenhede,
• 190 eerste vloer eenhede, en
• 48 tweede vloer eenhede.

Toegang tot die ontwikkeling sal verleen word vanaf Walkerrylaan na Allemanstraat (suid).

(ii) Erwe 1070, 409 en 385, Theescombe (Heatherbank)

Dié beplande residensiële ontwikkeling bestaan uit 1005 wooneenhede en sal die volgende insluit:

Erf 409 en Erf 1070

• 394 enkel residensiële huise
• 234 medium digtheid behuising
• 275 hoë digtheid behuising
  

Erf 385

• 102 enkel residensiële huise

Alhoewel ontwikkeling groei in die ekonomie beteken, moet ek egter my kommer uitspreek of ons huidige infrastruktuur ontwikkelings van hierdie grootte sal kan dra.

In die geval van die beoogde ontwikkeling in Heatherbank is ek uiters bekommerd oor die pragtige groen heuwels, natuurskoon en fauna en flora wat in die slag sal bly wanneer dit vervang word met 'n betonoerwoud op ons voorstoep.

10. Parke

Na 'n gebrek aan dienslewering vir ongeveer 4 maande is kontrakte nou weer toegestaan aan kontrakteurs om ons openbare ruimtes en speelparke se gras te sny.

11. Misdaadforums

Ek wil my opregte dank uitspreek teenoor die Garden Suburbs- en Baakensvallei Misdaadforums wie se lede hul vrye tyd opoffer om ons woonbuurtes te beveilig teen kriminele. Ek doen 'n beroep op alle inwoners om aktief deel te wees van ons forums. Die vrywillige lede doen 'n uitstekende werk. Die beveiliging van ons woonbuurtes berus by almal en nie net op 'n handvol mense nie.

12. Volledige Inkomste-insamelingsmaatreels

Neem asseblief kennis van die Munisipaliteit se beleid rondom wanbetaling:

"Daar is 'n afname van 15% in die inkomste-insamelingskoers van die Metro. 'n Groot aantal klante (d.w.s. eienaars en verbruikers) van die Munisipaliteit betaal nie vir die dienste wat gebruik word nie.

Ten einde die voorspoed van ons pragtige Metro te waarborg en die betaling van munisipale rekeninge te verseker, sal die skuldinvorderingsbeleid streng toegepas word en geen toegewing rakende die depositovereiste sal gedoen word nie.

Daarbenewens sal die vooruitbetaal-elektrisiteitsmeters van rekeninghouers wat agterstallig is, met onmiddellike inwerkingtreding afgesluit word en geen verdere aankope sal toegelaat word totdat alle agterstallige skuld wat deur die huishouding verskuldig is, betaal is nie of geskikte reëlings om sodanige agterstallige skuld te betaal, getref is nie.

Alle rekeninghouers wie se rekeninge agterstallig is, word uitgenooi om enigeen van die dertien klantesorgsentrums regoor die Metro tussen 08:00 en 15:30 (Maandag tot Vrydag) te besoek om hul rekeninge te betaal of reëlings te tref indien hulle nie die volle agterstallige bedrag kan betaal nie.

Die Munisipaliteit is bereid om u te help, maar ons het u samewerking nodig om die Metro se agterstallige skuld van R927,3 miljoen te verminder.

Vir meer inligting: Skakel (041) 506 5555; Faksnr. (041) 506 1304."

Ek doen 'n ernstige beroep op inwoners om hieraan gehoor te gee om sodoende te verseker dat u nie onverhoeds sonder noodsaaklike dienste betrap word nie.

-----------------------------------------------

I encourage residents to participate by sending in your comments, questions, proposals or anything you wish to share.

Friendly Greetings

Gustav Rautenbach
Councillor: Ward 8
Ron Forlee Business Complex, Dijon Road, Lorraine, Port Elizabeth
Cell: 079 490 0054
Tel: (041) 368 7008
Fax: (041) 368 3301