Ward 113 councillor Sue van der Linde has raised concerns about security and accountability after finding an unlocked mobile police unit at Dunoon Clinic, with commissioner of oaths stamps left unattended and no police officers present.

She said she inspected the unit after a scheduled meeting at the clinic car park was cancelled by police just 10 minutes before it was due to begin.

“I was shocked to find it unlocked, with commissioner of oaths stamps left unattended and no police members present,” she said.

“What I observed was unacceptable and raises serious concerns about security and responsibility.”

Safety and security in the ward

Van der Linde also reported progress on community safety initiatives, following a productive meeting with the local Neighbourhood Watch chair and a neighbourhood safety officer.

The councillor also addressed concerns about illegal dumping at the corner of Blaauwberg and Gill roads, where she joined the City’s Solid Waste team in removing a substantial amount of waste from beneath bushes.

She said someone had again been sleeping in the area and urged residents who wished to help people living on the streets to direct their support towards getting them into a Safe Space or suitable shelter.

“I understand that residents who provide support do so out of kindness. But living beneath a bush beside a busy road is neither safe nor dignified,” she said.

She added that suitable shelters could provide access to a bed, sanitation and support.

Infrastructure and flood mitigation

During the week, Van der Linde joined Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien for an oversight visit to the 1.9km water pipe replacement project in Flamingo Vlei.

The work included a scheduled water interruption on Tuesday 6 October, affecting Grey, Plover, Avocet, Harrier, Crane, Arend and Swallow streets.

She thanked residents for their patience while the infrastructure was being replaced.

Van der Linde also attended a flood mitigation meeting at Heron Waters with representatives from various City departments. During an inspection of the area behind the bridge, she noted its poor condition and requested that options for restricting access to the area be investigated.

Proposals discussed included manually operated sluice gates. She said a further site visit would take place with the Roads Infrastructure Management team to explore the options in more detail.

School approval concerns

The councillor also met with the owners of a new school to discuss concerns about their land-use permissions.

She said she had made her concerns clear about proceeding without the necessary approvals.

Although the school owners had applied for a stay of execution to allow learners to write their examinations, Van der Linde stressed that this did not automatically grant permission for the school to open or operate.

“Schools, like all other applicants, must follow the City’s bylaws and approval procedures,” she said.

On a more positive note, Van der Linde visited a local library and was pleased to see children participating in story time, highlighting the important role libraries play in the community.

She also attended the Milnerton Aquatic Club’s season-opening sail-past on Sunday in her capacity as honorary president. The event was particularly special as the club celebrates its 50th anniversary.

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