The August Ward Committee meeting for Ward 107 placed the spotlight on growth, development and new opportunities, as its councillor Jonathan Mills made clear recently.
He began by thanking the City’s Roads and Stormwater teams for their efforts during Cape Town’s heavy winter rains.
“I’m very pleased to report that we had far fewer flooded intersections and blocked drains than last year.”
Mills highlighted the City’s annual Spring “no-mow” period for parks, verges and green belts, ecological approaches that “keep our city green.”
Keeping pace with population growth
Ward 107 had experienced significant growth in recent years, with new neighbourhoods Pioneer Valley, Rivergate North, Sandown Estate and Sunningdale.
“Therefore the City continues to invest in projects to keep up with this growth,” Mills noted. “Both the Potsdam Treatment Plant upgrade as well as the Beachfront upgrade are examples where we continue to make good progress despite challenges.”
New budget priorities
He said the new City budget cycle would deliver tangible changes, including weekly recycling collections and neighbourhood-security deployment.
“Additionally, the budget includes initial funding for the development of new facilities over the medium term, such as a new fire station and homeless shelter.”
Mills said lobbying for facilities such as an additional police station remained key.
With next year’s local elections in mind he drew attention to the Municipal Demarcation Board’s plans to introduce a new ward. “With elections such a change will lead to many questions from residents who, if not directly impacted by the new boundaries, will certainly be affected.”
Mills urged community organisations to share the information widely so residents are informed ahead of the change.
Recognising active citizens
He honoured two community members for their contributions; Gay Wheaden, with a certificate of appreciation by the Table View CPF for her efforts to keep her neighbourhood streets clean, and Champions City Football Club in Parklands, under the guidance of coach Nelson, received a full set of five squad kits sponsored by the City of Cape Town. Both, in very different ways, are making a real difference, for which he was grateful.
Mills ended the meeting by reminding residents he and the ward clerk remained available to escalate any service delivery concerns they may have.
