Our family has enjoyed living in Somerset West for 40 years, where we built our home in Heldervue and raised three children who thrived academically at Stellenbosch University.
Through the years we’ve witnessed governance by the National Party, ANC and the DA, and have consistently contributed to our community through active participation and dutiful tax payments, despite annual rate increases that seem disproportionate to the services received.
Gone are the days when municipal services included more frequent trash collection and maintained public spaces. Now, as we reflect on the natural beauty of our surroundings – from the pristine ocean views at Strand to the majestic mountains around Helderberg – it’s disheartening to see the contrast in how we manage our inhabited spaces.
Here are several pressing issues in the Helderberg that need addressing:
Dogs on the beach: Despite clear signage, dogs are frequently walked on beaches where they are banned, with no enforcement in sight. This poses risks to beach users’ safety.
Unsafe walkways: The deteriorated brick paving on walkways to the beach presents a hazard to pedestrians and has not been repaired, posing a liability.
Lack of amenities for surfers: The absence of a functional shower for surfers at the beach is a missed opportunity for improving local facilities.
Noise pollution from motorcycles: Excessive noise from motorcycles with illegal exhausts disrupts the peace in residential areas, yet there seems to be no enforcement to mitigate this.
Traffic and safety: The lack of effective speed enforcement on major roads such as the R44 allows dangerous driving behaviours to persist.
Infrastructure neglect: Numerous issues from open manhole covers to burst asbestos water pipes and potholes signify a broader neglect of essential infrastructure.
Waste-management failures: The accumulation of refuse and the stench of raw sewage in public areas are not only unsightly, but also health hazards.
Environmental concerns: The use of polluting two-stroke engines for municipal maintenance work contributes to environmental degradation and is more costly than alternative solutions.
Homelessness and inadequate facilities: The growing visibility of homelessness and underused public investments such as the pedestrian bridge over the N2 highlight a misalignment between municipal action and community needs.
These issues reflect a failure in municipal management and a lack of concern for the community that pays the salaries of our City of Cape Town officials. It’s disheartening to see our beautiful town marred by such neglect, especially when no major capital investment is needed. We just need the will to act.
Councillors [Norman] MacFarlane and [Gregory] Peck, as elected officials it is your responsibility to address these issues proactively. The community expects you to observe these problems first-hand and implement effective solutions, not just during meetings but through direct engagement with the community.
Our town, a hub for tourists, deserves to be as immaculate as our natural landscapes. We urge you to take immediate action to rectify these issues. If this letter serves as a wake-up call, then it has achieved its purpose. We expect better and so does the community.
Curran family, Heldervue
Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility, responds regarding transport and traffic matters highlighted by the writer:
The [pedestrian] bridge provides a safe-crossing opportunity in line with the desired direction of travel for pedestrians, which includes vulnerable users (small children) on their way to school or home and people working on the southern side of the N2. While there is a signalised intersection at De Beers Avenue, it is located away from the direct direction of travel. Observations indicated that the bridge is being utilised and behavioural changes comes with time.The City’s Road Infrastructure Management Department notes the complaint regarding the damages to the road surface the corner of Begonia Street and Aster Street, and can confirm that a temporary reinstatement has been done so far to make the areas safe until the permanent reinstatement repair work can be done. Over the last 10 months the City has repaired more than 30 potholes along Main Road, Somerset West. It is important to note that the department recently commenced with the resealing of Main Road to improve the condition of the road. This project is still underway.
Luthando Tyhalibongo, spokesperson for the City, responds on other issues shared by the writer:
Recently, Law Enforcement has increased its vigilance against dog walkers who violate local regulations, particularly on beaches such as the Strand area, where fines have been issued. Despite these measures, some individuals continue to flout the rules even after being fined. This has caused frustration among both the authorities and the public.The Recreation and Parks Department has faced challenges with vandalism, notably the repeated damage to newly repaired pavements and facilities like showers used by surfers, leading to their removal. Plans are underway to request additional funds for future repairs in the 2024-’25 financial year.Motorcycle noise and speeding are significant issues in the city, particularly on routes like the R44 towards Stellenbosch and Somerset West, and on Clarence Drive. Speed-enforcement efforts are ongoing, but challenges remain in identifying the drivers due to limitations in capturing their faces on camera.The City urges residents to assist in protecting sewer infrastructure by reporting any incidents of theft, vandalism, or damage to sewer drain covers. This cooperation is crucial to prevent sewer overflows and maintain sanitation standards. Residents are encouraged to report any requests, including vandalised manholes and infrastructure, sewer overflows, water quality concerns, burst pipes and so on via the following channels: WhatsApp on 060 018 1505; online at www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests; via email on water@capetown.gov.za; via SMS to 31373 (maximum 160 characters; standard rates apply); by calling 0860 103 089; or by visiting a City walk-in centre (see www.capetown.gov.za/facilities to find the one closest to you).The quality of tap water in the city is monitored rigorously and complies with SANS 241 standards, ensuring it is safe for consumption. The City is also proactive in maintaining and upgrading its water infrastructure, including replacing old pipes with new ones made from high-density polyethylene using trenchless technology to minimise disruption.Sewage management is another critical area, with established protocols to address spills and blockages promptly to mitigate environmental impact. The Water and Sanitation Catchment Stormwater and River Management (CSRM) branch actively monitors and manages refuse issues in waterways, employing both manual and mechanical means to maintain cleanliness.Waste management in informal settlements is handled through the Urban Waste Management Directorate, which employs local workers for litter collection and other sanitation services. However, misuse of provided resources like waste bags, which are sometimes used for personal dumping, remains a problem.The City’s approach to landscaping and maintenance varies by location, utilising different types of equipment based on the terrain. Teams are responsible for various tasks, including litter collection and lawn-mowing, to ensure public spaces are well-maintained. Lastly, the City’s Street People Programme Unit addresses issues related to homelessness by working with various stakeholders to provide services and support to those living on the streets, aiming to reduce homelessness by combining outreach, advocacy and coordination of services.
