Strandfontein Pavilion upgrade
The much-anticipated Strandfontein Pavilion upgrade received a major funding injection of R11 million to fast-track the project. Subcouncil 17 chair Elton Jansen announced that the sod turning for the upgrade was planned for next week, 25 February, at 11:00.
During the councillors’ meeting on Monday 16 February at the administrative building in Lentegeur, Jansen said: “This is a sub-council win.”
He added that the project has been in planning since 2021.
ALSO READ: Strandfontein Pavilion set for major makeover
“It may look like strategically just before the elections that this project is now happening, but we spoke about it in 2022 in the adjustment budget when the mayor made funding available.”
He added that the pavilion upgrade is different from the broader Strandfontein nodal development, which involves land around the pavilion. While the City had hoped to release that land this year planning applications and environmental studies will likely delay it until 2027.
For easy reference to more news about Strandfontein, click on this link and bookmark this tab
Electricity metre-replacement programme rolls out
Mitchells Plain residents will benefit from the city’s compulsory electricity metre-replacement programme running from February to May 2026. The initiative replaces old credit metres and some prepaid metres at no cost to residents.
Westridge councillor Ashley Potts raised concerns during the meeting about inconsistent implementation, noting instances where electricity-department officials told residents their old metres didn’t need changing despite being outdated units.
“When we log for residents to have new metres the department sends out a vehicle, they look at the unit and say ‘no, we don’t need to change it,’ even though it is the old unit.”
The new metres provide accurate readings, help residents monitor electricity use in real-time and allow eligible households to benefit from subsidised lifeline tariffs including free basic electricity.
Scam warnings
Officials issued urgent warnings about two types of scams targeting Mitchells Plain residents.
The City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management Directorate has become aware of WhatsApp scams promoting fake Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs through external links. Residents can verify legitimate EPWP opportunities by calling 021 400 9406 or emailing epwp.help@capetown.gov.za.
For easy reference to more Mitchells Plain news, click on this link and bookmark the tab
Potts also highlighted housing scams where fraudsters demand payment to place people on housing lists.
“The city will never charge you or ask you to pay for housing opportunities,” he emphasised.
Stormwater projects address flooding
Urban Mobility has commenced stormwater installation projects to address chronic winter flooding in informal settlements within Ward 43, which covers Strandfontein, Jansen announced.
The projects follow successful completion of similar work in Masincedane, which is also in Strandfontein. Every winter, unfortunately, all the informal settlements are in Ward 43, and every winter our residents are suffering flooding.”
City land up for auction
Two portions of City land currently up for auction were also tabled at the meeting.
The properties, which have been zoned for community use and are being auctioned at a reduced price, are in Portland and Strandfontein.
Jansen acknowledged the community’s expectation that in Strandfontien the mosque should receive preferential treatment, but emphasised council-approved processes must be followed.
ALSO READ: Residents object to auctioning of City land as mosque claims buying rights
“I as a councillor cannot say ‘give that property to the mosque.’ I support, in principle, the mosque’s getting it, but with open processes; one can’t guarantee the mosque will get it.” He encouraged the mosque trustees to participate in the auction process at DHL Stadium on 26 February.
He said during the previous term Subcouncil 17 had recommended the property be disposed of to the mosque, but the current open auction process means any qualified bidder may participate.
“I encourage the mosque to bid,” Jansen said. “As much as I want the mosque to get it, this is a council approved process that has to follow its course,” he said.
For easy reference more subcouncil news, click here and bookmark the tab
You must be logged in to post a comment.