www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Dean Biddulph in Ward 2, Andre Goosen in Ward 3; Retief Odendaal in Ward 6, Heinrich Muller in Ward 9, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, and Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1 have been up to on your behalf.

To subscribe to the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

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WARD 5 Newsletter
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
May 2010

In This Edition:

1. The Fate of the Nation
2. 2011 Local Government Elections: Become a Registered Voter!
3. Council Ignores Community Views
4. IDP Budget: Ward 5
5. Heritage Buildings: Buildings falling into a state of decay
6. Heritage Act of 1999
7. IDP Budget: Ward 5
8. Launch of DA Bhisho Website
9. Quote of the Week
10. Procedure to be followed for the Application for Council's Special Consent

1. The Fate of the Nation by John Kane-Berman

Large-scale failure threatens South Africa. It also threatens key policies of the ruling party, which are coming under increasing attack from all sides.

Although many people are unwilling to read it, the writing is on the wall for SA. From the thuggishness of the police to moribund public schooling, from the endemic corruption of the ruling party to the chronic incompetence of the civil service, from assaults upon the Judiciary to official cowardice in the face of violent trade unions, from hazardous public hospitals to potholes in the roads, from failed land reform to declining life expectancy, from poisonous rivers to rampant crime and killer drivers, we are in trouble.

What makes all of this worse is the contempt with which the Government routinely treats the public, even as it filches more money from our pockets. Ministers, even the president, jet in to communities in violent revolt and make promises they have no more intention or ability to fulfil this time round than last. When a president with Jacob Zuma's track record wants to start a public conversation about morality, one can only conclude that he is either a complete and brazen cynic or worse, that he does not understand that he has done anything wrong. When the Gauteng premier can send the cops to block off half Johannesburg for half a day while she makes a speech, you know we have a mini Mrs. Mugabe in the making.

We are note a failed state, but that is where we are heading. (The comrades don't notice this because they are forever busy with parties, launches, summits, lekgotlas, conferences, grandiose occasions, overseas trips, etc). Even if SA can pull off a soccer World Cup where tourists don't get mugged or raped to the extent that South Africans do, or where they don't disappear into potholes or down manholes, we all know that when the party is over the country will resume its downward slide. Bits of the place spruced up for the benefit of World Cup visitors will be nothing better than Potemkin Villages.

Fortunately, criticism of the ANC's deployment policy and of poor public service is growing, even within the three-ring circus sometimes known as the tripartite alliance. Unfortunately, we know from the apartheid era how long it takes for failing policies to be reversed, even when the penny has dropped. But we also know from the apartheid era that change is not a function of government alone.

The private sector, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and ordinary citizens can bring about change without waiting for the Government. This is already happening in the labour field, where regulatory rigidities are being undermined by labour brokers and non-compliant clothing employers. Like apartheid, the ANC's "national democratic revolution" will eventually disintegrate.

Read Jeremy's full report

Dear Executive Mayor,

LIBRARY WEEK: 22 – 27 MARCH 2010

Taking cognizance of what you said at yesterday's Council meeting with reference to the competence of Portfolio Committees and the Departments they represent. I must draw your attention to what occurred at the Library Conference at the Newton Park Library today, 26 March 2010.  This conference was to be part of the Library Week Programme running from 22 – 27 March 2010 of which, incidentally, I only got notice on the 25th March 2010. The meeting in the Newton Park Library was fairely well attended by representatives of most of the Metro Libraries.  We were provided with very nice bags containing various items of stationary including a reading light.  Finger food was also available and the parks department had decorated the Newton Park Library Auditorium appropriately.  Before the meeting could take place representatives of the South African Municipal Workers Union called a halt to the proceedings stating, and I quote, "that there are too many issues that need to be addressed about the way that library workers are treated". Councillor Maria Hermans, the Chairperson of Economic Development and Recreational Services Portfolio (Libraries) was conspicuous by her silence. I, having apologized to those who had taken the trouble to be present, then left the meeting.

Executive Mayor, I draw this incident to your attention in the Spirit of "Ubuntu", working together to address matters that create what can only be described as a disfuntional Metro.

Yours sincerely,

CLLR JEREMY DAVIS
WARD 5

1. When did this 'dispute' start
2. Is there a backlog in staff employment
3. If so, why
4. What are normal working hours for library staff
5. Is this 'dispute' a legal one
6. How many and which libraries are affected
7. Can people return books to the 'unaffected' libraries
8. Many people are unable to return books during normal working hours and will now have outstanding fines - will they receive some form of clemency
9. What is planned to resolve this situation

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Dean Biddulph in Ward 2, Andre Goosen in Ward 3; Retief Odendaal in Ward 6, Heinrich Muller in Ward 9, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, and Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1 have been up to on your behalf.

To subscribe to the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
November 2009 to January 2010

In This Edition:

Monday, 2 November 2009
I contacted Sipho Mafongosi (Cleansing) re 49 St. Phillips Street, Richmond Hill to report rubbish not being collected.

Fettes Road sewage pipe leak. I reported this to Ian Cateley. This was to be an ongoing saga. Finally, after several phone calls, I suggested that the Metro sewage department visit the site and assess the situation for themselves instead of passing the buck to the Roads contractors, this they duly did. Kenny Gie, on the instructions of Phylis Kolani, went on site and identified the problem, unblocked and relined the pipe. I must comment on the patience shown by the businesses affected by this sewage leak. The smell was unbearable for several weeks and as a result customers were reluctant to visit the premises.

Copy of Letter to Herald re Kupido's comment:

I refer to Kupido Baron's extraordinary comment in the Herald 11/11/2009, that the pipe was accidentally damaged on Monday and was repaired the same day. I have correspondence going back to 26 October 2009 when the fractured sewerage pipe was reported to me.

I reported the matter to the relevant Metro Department and the contractors working around the stadium. The stinking sewage water was running past residential homes, the Salvation Army and businesses for four weeks.

Finally, I suggested rather firmly that the officials in Harrower Road should go and see for themselves and speak to members of the community who were now at their wits end having lived with this dreadful penetrating smell for weeks.

I visited them yesterday and spoke to the contractor/plumber who assured me the repair would be completed today 11/11/2009.

Trocadero Lodge, Havelock Street, Central. I was contacted by the students who came to see me in my office. They described the action taken to evict them for refusing to pay their rent until the building was repaired. I suggested they sought help from the Legal Aid Board which they duly did, but to little or no avail. I have been informed subsequently that Peter Hughes who is employed by Denton Properties was arrested and the case is pending. Attached letter (Attachment B) from Denton which indicates the state the building was in.

St Albans, Witteklip, Seaview  -  Some years ago when I was the Councillor for Ward 37, housing development in the St. Albans, Witteklip and Seaview areas was raised. My main interest was the protection of the environment in these areas taking into account that St. Albans is a declared wetland and the necessary EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) would have recognised this and precautions if feasible would have to be in place. Witteklip is an existing nature reserve and home to many indigenous plant species and would have to be protected. Seaview  -  The Coastal Forest Environmental department brought a case against a senior official of the Metro for destruction of indigenous forest. I have the case number and have requested information from the prosecutor's office and Kabega Police Station as to why this case has not been proceeded with. I await their reply!

29 Victoria Street, Central. This property, Erf 2022, has been offered for two years rent free to Ramah Rescue, a street children counseling organization. The catch is that there are considerable rates outstanding which I am trying to deal with and in the light of what our new Mayor said on the 8th December 2009 at the Council meeting in terms of his first 100 days in office intentions where he assured us that he would be addressing the problem of street children. To introduce a counseling service in this area can only lead to discourage drug dealings and prostitution. I have written to the department concerned and await their reply.

Read Jeremy's full report

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, Andre Goosen in Ward 3 and Dean Biddulph in Ward 2

To subscribe to the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
April and May 2009

In This Edition:

April 2009
I went to visit Greenshields Bakery at the request of the owner, Mr. John Viera. The streets in the vicinity are in a very rundown state and all the storm water drains are blocked. There appears to be little or no waste management. There is a huge rodent problem and in general the area is in a disgusting state. I have taken this matter up with the relevant officials. The streets concerned are Diesel Street, Solomon Roe opposite Pier 14, North End.

I went to see Titus Pemba in his home in Dora Street, New Brighton. He kept me entranced for well over an hour concentrating mainly on Zuma's history and how many Xhosas were murdered by the Zulu's outside our borders at the time of the formation of Umkhonto Wesizwe. We then went to see The Pemba Art Foundation Gallery in 28 Ferguson Road, New Brighton. To my horror we found that the paintings had been removed and a nephew of Titus Pemba, BoBo Pemba, was living in the house. I think BoBo Pemba needs to be asked a few questions!

I have taken up the issue of 25 Kent Road, North End. The resident/tenant was fixing cars in the back of the building in 24 Kirkwood Street, North End. I have informed the building inspector and contacted the agent for 25 Kent Road, North End.

Read Jeremy's full report

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, Andre Goosen in Ward 3 and Dean Biddulph in Ward 2

To subscribe to the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
1st-31st January 2009

In This Edition:

1. Day by Day Report Back
2. Copy of Letter sent to Housing and Land Committe with reference to the Tulla Street development.

Monday, 12th January 2009
Back to work: An interesting year ahead is anticipated. My concern is that with all the political activities governance and service delivery will suffer. I will continue to address all matters as best I can but am already finding officials less available and my correspondence with them, including the Municipal Manager and the Executive Mayor, neither acknowledged nor replied to.

To read Jeremy's full report, follow the 'Read More' link below

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, Andre Goosen in Ward 3 and Dean Biddulph in Ward 2

To subscribe to the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
1st-31st Ocober 2008

In This Edition:

1. Day by Day Report
2. Public Meeting Richmond Hill Proposed SAPS Radio Base Station
3. Bethelsdorp Village Development Trust Motion of Exigency

Wednesday, 1st October 2008
Govan Mbeki Avenue upgrade: My attention was drawn to the fact that the contractors involved in the Govan Mbeki Avenue upgrade, part of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) project were using Trafalgar square as a site to store sand and gravel and other unsaleable products. They have also indicated that they will install an irrigation system, plant trees and repair the grass where necessary when they are finished.

To read Jeremy's full report, follow the 'Read More' link below

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, Andre Goosen in Ward 3 and Dean Biddulph in Ward 2

To subscribe to any of their newsletters and/or the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
1st-30th September 2008

Monday, 1st September 2008

Properties owned by members of the Moslem Community: I contacted the Moslem Judicial Council in the person of Mr. Riage, in Johannesburg, with respect to illegal occupation and activities being carried out in properties owned by members of the Moslem community in our midst. I spoke to Naushad Adams who has subsequently written a letter to his tenants, giving them 30 working days to vacate his family's properties. I must point out that there are property owners from many different backgrounds and nationalities whose tenants are causing the same problems experienced by the Adams Family. I have said it on many occasions and once more would like to state that landlords are responsible for many of the problems experienced in Central, Richmond Hill and North End because they do not vet their tenants and monitor their behaviour. In many cases property speculators hand their properties over to agents who then let the property to all and sundry, resulting in corrupt and discreditable tenants. The Asset Forfeiture Unit must be made aware of this situation and act as should the police by submitting dockets indicating the criminal activities identified in these properties to the Asset Forfeiture Unit.

To read Jeremy's full report, follow the 'Read More' link below

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, Andre Goosen in Ward 3 and Dean Biddulph in Ward 2

To subscribe to any of their newsletters and/or the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
1st-31st August 2008

Monday, 4th August 2008
Pier 14 - Once again I have taken up the problem with street trading in Govan Mbeki Avenue outside Pier 14.  This problem is becoming untenable.

15 Moffat Street, Richmond Hill - is busy creating problems for residents.  I phone the owner, Setipa Property Trust and requested they looked into this matter, students doing their usual thing backed up by alcohol.  I have since written to the Municipal Manager drawing his attention to the illegal use of this building.

Las Palmas Flat - The pavement is at last being reinstated, although they seemed to have stopped half way.

To read Jeremy's full report, follow the 'Read More' link below

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8, Andre Goosen in Ward 3 and Dean Biddulph in Ward 2

To subscribe to any of their newsletters and/or the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
1st-31st July 2008

Tuesday, 1st July 2008
Compensation for bodily injuries R700 000 - On enquiring, I was informed that the Metro has an Insurance Fund for this eventuality. This was paid for bodily injuries suffered by Mrs. Dawn Pook on the 25th July 2006. I am at present following up two similar cases of bodily injuries suffered by elderly people tripping and falling due to uneven pavements.

Traffic Calming, Edward Street, Richmond Hill - I have applied for traffic calming measures to be installed in Edward Street, Richmond Hill.

To read Jeremy's full report, follow the 'Read More' link below

www.MyPE.co.za

Monday, 2nd June 2008
Bus Shelter behind Cillie School, Kempston Road - This shelter is being used as a rubbish dump and public toilet. I informed the ever helpful Tony Arthur who said he would pass the matter on to the Department of Transportation.

Water Account - I managed to sort out a problem of an overcharge of R8 865.02, having it adjusted to a credit situation of R613.27.

To read Jeremy's full report, follow the 'Read More' link below

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8 and Andre Goosen in Ward 3.

To subscribe to any of their newsletters and/or the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
5th-30th May 2008

Monday, 5th May 2008
Loetitia Sebezo - Phoned me about a series of incidents involving crime at her home Sydenham. She gave me the docket numbers and I have continued to follow this up.

Environmental & Health Dept - I have written to this department to carry out inspections of the following buildings:
29 Campbell Street, Richmond Hill; 7a Elizabeth Lane, North End; 23 Russell Road Mansions; Hillside Mansions, Rose Str, Central
All these properties fail to meet standards of cleanliness and suitability for residence or are carrying on with illegal activities such as selling food without a permit or equally selling liquor.

To read Jeremy's full report, follow the 'Read More' link below

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8 and Andre Goosen in Ward 3.

To subscribe to any of their newsletters and/or the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
14th-30th April 2008

Monday 14th April 2008
To start this report on a very sad note, I must comment on the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Councillor Lesley Lowe. I was privileged to see her at 16h30 at St George’s Hospital surrounded by her dear family on the day she died. She will be much missed by all. Rest in peace, dear Lesley.

Erf 571, 9 Wesley Court, 29 St Patricks Road – I was summoned by Angus Wilson, MBDA (Mandela Bay Development Agency), to witness the eviction of ± 20 residents. The owner of the building, Ken Denton, arrived shortly after I got there. He immediately confronted me asking me what I was doing there. I responded by saying it was none of his business. He then asked me if I had received his summons. I replied cynically, "no", but was waiting with bated breath. I then got on with my job – observing the eviction process. Incidentally, I have subsequently received a summons which is now in the hands of my lawyers.

Tuesday 15th April 2008
Pier 14 – Tommy Spietz phoned to say that the street hawkers’ situation at the one entrance to the shopping centre was becoming untenable. I once again contacted the traffic department in the persons of Koos Visagie (Assistant Director Operations) and Assistant Superintendent Gounder both of whom had attended a previous meeting at the management office of Pier 14 and had undertaken to address this problem and at my further request will now do so.

Wednesday 16th April 2008
The flood lights at the Lawson Brown High School playing fields are causing discomfort for residents in Potgieter Street, Mount Road. I have followed this up with the school.

Thursday 17th April 2008
Sydenham Primary School Sector Police and Public Meeting. Cllr Leon de Villiers spoke on objecting to the proposed 8.5% budget increase and the fact that we cannot support this budget until our concerns have been addressed.

Friday 18th April 2008
A number of problems in and around Stebonheath Road was drawn to the attention of the officials concerned by me. They included Walker Street liquor sales, cars for sale in Powell Street, several manhole covers missing, reinstatement of the Sydenham Road after water leak repairs, street light out of order Cape Road and Bingley Street, Pole Number 2391/63.

Monday 21st April 2008
Slater Street, North End. As a result of visiting this street and experiencing the high speed that taxis and other vehicles fly past, I have applied for traffic calming measures to be constructed.

I asked the Fire Department, Electricity Department and the Environmental Health to check 7a Elizabeth Lane and I await their reports.

Furthermore, 29 Campbell Street – sewage cover missing, Hillside Mansions – coffee shop and food outlet. I asked the Environmental Health Department in the person of Gerald Foutie to inspect these two properties in order to address the possibility of unacceptable conditions within these properties.

To read more of Councillor Davis' report, follow the 'Read More' link below

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6 and Andre Goosen in Ward 3.

To subscribe to any of their newsletters and/or the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
Jan & Feb 2008

Thursday, 29th January 2008
Teachers Training College - It has come to my notice that the green tennis practice wall was serving as a toilet for some and providing cover for would be criminals with an eye on Lansdown Road. I shall be talking to the Department of Public Works with a view to demolishing this eyesore when they start the refurbishment of the buildings and grounds.

Belmont Terrace, Victoria Street, Central - This area is still the drug trading base for many, in particular in the car park. I get numerous complaints and pass everyone on to the police.

Thursday, 31st January 2008
Hutchinson Street, North End - Michael Anema drew my attention to problems in Hutchinson Street, North End, liquor sales and general filth, Insp. Mels from Mount Road knows all about it.

Tulla Wharf - I had a meeting with the architect, the developer Kamaron Kahn and his lawyer. At this meeting the community was represented by Richard Raath and Bridgitte Hills and her dear Mother of 11 Tulla Street. Also present were Alan de Vries and Elanor Jonck from Town Planning. The meeting indicated to me how little concern and attention is given to the concerns of the community nowadays!

Monday, 4th February 2008
Erf 1859, Mount Road - Illegal structure on the Lawson Brown playing fields. I found this to be a Department of Public Works problem. I contacted Mr. Van Dyk, the Regional Senior Manager, who immediately responded and with the help of the police the matter was dealt with.

Kerk Street - I contacted the Cleansing Department to attend to the filth in Kerk Street off Ambrose.

Sydenham Road - I contacted Traffic in the person of Supt. Gounder (0824484475) to attend to large trucks that park on the middle island of Sydenham Road.

Havelock Street - Meeting

Tuesday, 5th February 2008
Khumbulani High School, North End - At the request of the principal I visited the school, what an eye opener. 890 pupils – 60 to a class taught by a team of totally dedicated teachers. Unfortunately, the acting Director Department of Education, relocated the nigh security guards to schools in the Northern areas resulting in the theft at night of lead from the roof valleys, flashing, by removing the tiles. The building has been broken into and the premises used by vagrants to sleep and prostitutes for their activities.

Furthermore, I wrote to the Department of Education pointing out the above problems and the fact that the school has an outstanding balance for refuse, sewerage, water and electricity of over R158 000.00 on which interest is being charged! I also mentioned that the NMMM is carrying this debt at the rate payers’ expense and suggested the Department of Education accept the responsibility!

I paid a further visit to the school in the company of Sen. Supt. Moss and Dir. Collins from the Mount road SAPS who have agreed to up their surveillance of the area. Incidentally, this school had a 91% matric pass rate in 2006 and 75% in 2007, pretty good!

I have made arrangements for some sponsorship in the form of various stationary, furniture and other needs with the management of Pier 14 who so very kindly and generously agreed to assist.

2010 Stadium - I serve on the Environmental Management Committee for the Stadium and have been addressing the dust pollution problem for a very long time. As a result of pressure brought to bare on the Contractors who incidentally chose to ignore the R.O.D (record of decision) sec. 8.2.1.2 minimisation of dust 8.2.2.2 minimisation – removal and disposal of dust. 8.2.4 That an Environmental Control Officer be appointed to ensure that the conditions of the ROD as well as the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) be adhered to. In the light of the above lack of adherence a suggestion awaiting approval was made to use and spray bitumen, I assume we’ll hear something at the next meeting.

Electricity Cuts, Power Failures - I think this better describes power cuts than “outages”. I was distressed to hear from a well known and respected “baker” of bread about the affect these “cuts” were having on his business. This is just one example of the downside many businesses are suffering, imagine the dough just rising and the oven is switched off . . . . .!

Aloes Environmental Monitoring Committee Meeting - I now serve on this committee and we had a meeting on the 5th February 2008 with a site visit preceding the actual meeting chaired by Prof. R Midgley. The committee has representation from numerous interested parties and is extremely professional when it comes to matters of waste disposal and environmental protection.

Edward Street - Meeting

To read more of Councillor Davis' report, follow the 'Read More' link below

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6 and Andre Goosen in Ward 3.

To subscribe to any of their newsletters and/or the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
Dec 2007, Jan 2008

Wednesday, 5th December 2007
Dadin House, Parliament Street - A source of continual concern with regards to illegal activities that take place in and around this building. I spoke to the owner voicing my concern as I have had many complaints from his residents. This is one to be watched!

Thursday, 6th December 2007
Lawrence & Clyde Street, Central - I reported a fire risk at “Fred’s” shop, corner of Lawrence & Clyde Street, Central where he had piled empty cardboard boxes in the window of his shop.

Erf 2687 - once again I drew the attention of the Building Inspectorate to No. 66 Parliament Street, where the building activities were continuing unabated despite the fact that the PHRA’s consent had neither been sought nor given (See 21st December 2007).

Sherlock Street, Richmond Hill - Abandoned cars. I contact Actg. Sup. Edwards who in his usual manner reacted immediately and had them removed.

Friday, 7th December 2007
Vistarus - Deidre Stroh, Jeandre (1 yr), Nicita (5 yrs) and Dewain (9 yrs) were all taken to the Vistarus Centre. Here they have clean accommodation, employment for Deidre and a school and crèche for the children. Having come from the eight square meters of filthy accommodation in North End with no water, electricity or facilities apart from what they used in Pier 14, it is no wonder that Deidre come to me and said with great glee ‘’I’ve got 2 rooms!!”. Her blind mother is now also staying with her. Her Counsellor tells me that Deidre is responding well. She is also putting on weight and her children are blissfully happy. Thank God that albeit the Starfish Syndrome, one returned to the sea, has ended with the children being given a chance in life and possibly mother too. Thanks must be recorded to Kobus and Lynette Jacobs, and I quote:

“In 1998, Kobus and Lynette Jacobs, after being employed by Pick ‘n Pay for 21 years received a calling to serve the poor and the disadvantaged in our community.
In this project they have aimed to provide affordable furnished accommodation for the low-income groups, pensioners and people on disability grants. People from the streets with no income of whom some suffer from alcoholism, drugs, aids, depression etc. are subsidized, counseled by professional people and assisted to return to the mainstream.”

My thanks also to the following who made financial contributions:
Grey High School, Shawn Moodley, Michael White, Mark Davis and Jeremy Davis.

To read more, follow the 'Read More' link below.

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6 and Andre Goosen in Ward 3.

To subscribe to any of their newsletters and/or the MyPE weekly newsletter, click here.

___________________________

WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(Central, Richmond Hill, North End and Sydenham)
Nov 2007

Thursday 1st November 2007

Copper pipe theft is rife in the entire ward, with particular emphasis on Central and Sydenham. St. Barnabas Church, Rhodes Street Sydenham and St. Cuthberts Church, Westbourne Road Central both had copper roofing stolen. Just to make matters worse the St. Barnabas Rectory was also broken into. This is all part of an organized crime syndicate that literally order their copper requirements!

Friday 2nd November 2007

Sunset Café, 19 Elizabeth Street, North End, have not yet been given authorization to sell liquor and as far as I can ascertain are not doing so at present. This has been a rough road; thanks must be recorded to Lindill and Dorathea Beets for the part they’ve played, both members of my Ward Committee.

Illegal Land Usage. With help of Mr. Ndoni and Ms. Olga York from the department, we had the container operating as a Hair Salon removed from the corner of the Eric Tyndale Building.

Wednesday 7th November 2007

Builders Rubble being dumped in the lane leading to the footbridge over Albany Road. Mr. Dominque Visagie (Superintendent Cleansing) has promised to deal with this matter.

Russell road Central the bushes hanging over the pavement at the bottom of the road need trimming - Parks Department have been informed.

14 Myrtle Avenue North End I took the Environmental Health Officials to see the most disgusting conditions that six people are living in. (area 8 sq metres). I have contacted Vistauris, Kobus Jacobs and we are trying to place the mother and her three (3) children in this caring facility that offers accommodation and education. I think it is of paramount importance that the children are given a chance in life.

To Read More Of Councillor Davis' Report, Follow The 'Read More' Link Below

www.MyPE.co.za

To see how hard working Ward Councillors goes about their jobs, see Jeremy Davis' report on what he's been up to thus far this month in Ward 5. Don't forget to have a look at what Annette Lovemore is up to in Ward 9, Dacre Haddon in Ward 6 and Andre Goosen in Ward 3.

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WARD 5 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT
24th September to 31st October 2007

Monday 24th September 2007

Operation Harmony continues to address the crime and grime problems in Parliament Street, with the assistance of Omega, the Traffic Department, Disaster Management and the Safety and Security Department. The police are patrolling the streets with great effect, the crime and drug related incidents have fallen off dramatically. I must take my hat off to the Humewood CPF John Preller and Dean Biddulph and in particular Dir. Koll for their efforts in setting this operation up. I’m in the process of having the street lighting improved in Parliament Street and have approached property owners to repair and improve the lighting outside their buildings in particular in the dark areas of Rose Street and Parliament Street.

14-16 Bain Street, Richmond Hill – I have been in contact with the owner and the letting agents describing the endless problem that emanate from these buildings. I am pursuing this issue

Tuesday 25th September 2007

Parliament Street Upgrade – The Parliament Street Business Forum that represents the community interests, property owners and business owners is meeting regularly headed by Etienne M Barkhuysen (082 490 2679). A full circle of possibilities from the worst scenario’s to the best are being addressed before final plans can be initiated. Regular public meetings are called and fairly well attended mainly by the business owners whose input is invaluable

Mount Road CPF – I contacted Dir. Collins to draw his attention to the non existence of the Mount Road CPF, I say this in the light of the fact that I have heard nothing from this CPF since it’s inception where I was present when the chairman and members were elected. I am an active member of the Humewood CPF as an ex officio member of the Executive, I would sincerely like to do the same with the Mount Road CPF, the need for an active CPF cannot be emphasised enough. It is the obligation of the Station Manager delegated the responsibility to make sure there is a Community Police Forum in operation. In this case I am told it is Director Nxabela who is responsible.

Tuesday 2nd October 2007

I got hold of cleansing to deal with the huge pile of rubbish that was growing daily outside numbers 29 and 35 Upperhill Street. The Cleansing Ranger for that area – Central – is Yussef Cassim (073 066 4142). He is a competent and highly efficient official, a sheer pleasure to work with, immediately a warning was issued with a time frame to the creators of this mess and the rubbish was duly removed on Monday 8th October 2007.

To read more of Councillor Jeremy Davis' Report, follow the 'Read More' link below