“We were invited to the meeting to ask questions, but it seems as if the mayor came unprepared to the meeting as he does not have the answers.”
This was the comment of one resident who attended a public meeting on Tuesday last week where newly appointed mayor of the City of Cape Town, Dan Plato, was the main speaker. Plato, accompanied by ward 113 councillor Joy McCarthy, addressed close to 70 Table View residents. The meeting was held at the Leibrandt van Niekerk Hall in South Road at 19:00.
After delivering his opening speech, Plato opened the floor to the public to pose questions on matters they feel need attention. Several questions were asked and issues raised; however the large majority was left answered or not conclusively explained. Throughout the evening Plato, who has been in the mayor’s seat for just over two months now, said that he would schedule meetings with the relevant role-players or ministers and report back to the community. However, no clear date was confirmed for when these meetings will take place.
On the last point of order, Plato indicated that he too would prefer the use of fireworks to be banned, but this is not as easy as it seems – some decision makers may not be in favour, while others may be, he said.
The fireworks debate was brought up by Mandy da Matta, deputy chairperson of the Table View Ratepayers’ Association, who has been calling to have fireworks banned nationally for a while now. Her plea was supported by several residents and non-profit organisations who often have to deal with animals negatively affected by the use of fireworks.
With regard to the policing of taxis, another sore point for motorists in the area, residents had their swords out for traffic officers and Law Enforcement staff, citing poor service delivery.
Taxis are a major concern in Table View, especially down Koeberg, Blaauwberg and Sandown roads.
One resident said the taxis often use the designated MyCiTi bus lane and requested that something be done about it before more accidents are caused.
Another matter discussed at length was the need for a night shelter. Here residents were informed by ward 107 councillor, Nicky Rheeder, that a motion for the construction of a shelter had been put forward at a subcouncil meeting. She indicated that JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, is currently focusing his attention on this matter.
It is not clear where exactly the shelter will be built, but it will fall within subcouncil 3, Rheeder assured.
In his opening remarks the mayor said it is important for the government to be seen on the ground and to deal with issues. That, he said, was the purpose of the meeting held on Tuesday.
