Ward 113 councillor Sue van der Linde has described the past week as another busy one, with the ongoing search for a mysterious humming noise, waste management, resident concerns and service delivery issues keeping her office occupied.

One of the more unusual issues has been the continuing hunt for a mysterious humming sound reported by residents, particularly in the early hours of the morning.

Van der Linde recently discussed the matter on CapeTalk and subsequently opened a WhatsApp group where residents can share recordings and report when and where they hear the noise.

The matter has also been escalated to the City of Cape Town’s Noise Pollution Unit, which is investigating.

Following a tip from Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Van der Linde and her constituency head, MP Nicholas Gotsell, set off at about 03:00 to investigate areas in Montague Gardens and Killarney, where residents have frequently reported hearing the sound.

The search did not produce an answer, but Van der Linde said the investigation has gained momentum after the mystery was also discussed on radio.

“We haven’t found it yet, but we’re certainly not giving up,” she said. “The hunt continues.” Van der Linde said she would continue monitoring reports from residents and planned another early-morning drive based on the times and locations being reported.

Tackling waste

Waste management was another issue on the councillor’s agenda after she had attended a webinar focused on the City’s landfill plans and the future of waste management.

She highlighted the importance of separation at source in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Van der Linde also praised a Ward 113 resident who has started a recycling initiative aimed at encouraging and assisting residents with separating their waste.

“Separation at source is essential if we are going to reduce the amount of waste ending up in our landfills,” she said.

Supporting local families

The councillor also attended the opening of The Treehouse Family Centre on Blaauwberg Road, a newly registered non-profit organisation offering reunification and supervised visiting services to families requiring support.

She said the centre would provide an important service to families in the ward.

Resident engagements also included a proposal for a water-free car wash on a servitude currently affected by illegal dumping and vagrancy.

Van der Linde said she welcomed residents who came forward with ideas to improve neglected spaces while creating opportunities within the community.

Service delivery follow-ups

The councillor also inspected outstanding reinstatement work in Gill, Athens and Hoff streets in Flamingo Vlei, which also falls within Ward 113, and she said she would continue following up on the matters.

Another long-running issue was resolved after a resident had been living with a temporary Eskom air bridge.

Van der Linde said the matter had taken more than eight months of meetings, correspondence and escalation, with the work eventually completed by Eskom following continued engagement with the utility and Mayco member for Energy Xanthea Limberg.

“Real service delivery often happens away from the cameras, through persistence, follow-up and refusing to let an issue disappear until it is resolved.”

MyCiTi feedback

Van der Linde also joined Mayco member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas for a MyCiTi ride-along on the B routes.

The pair spoke to commuters, with Van der Linde saying she received largely positive feedback about the service.

Several faults at stations were also pointed out during the trip and were noted for follow-up.

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