To see how hard working Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Ward 9 councillor, Heinrich Muller’s newsletter below. Scroll down to see the contact Details for Ward 9.
REFUSE COLLECTION:
Kindly take note that the Metro will be delivering notices to all residents indicating when refuse collection will take place from the residences. Please take note that it is an offence to place refuse in the street prior to the day of collection – broken glass causes injuries (please wrap it).
Refuse collection for our Ward is from 6:00 on the following days:
- Fernglen – Thursdays
- Sunridge – Thursdays
- Framesby – Thursdays
- Framesby North – Fridays
- Westering – Fridays
- Linton Grange – Fridays
DA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
I have been sending out letters to all current DA members requesting them to renew their membership. Should anybody else be interested in becoming a member of the DA, please do not hesitate to contact my office for membership forms. A R10.00 membership fee must accompany the form. All forms to be send back to the office on or before 25 May 2012. Arrangements can be made for forms to be delivered and picked up as well.
PAINTING OF ROAD SIGNS / STREET NAME SIGNS
Thank you for those who have already provided me with some road signs/street name signs which need repainting. I have already reported them and would like to encourage other residents to do the same.
DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE INFORMATION
Some interesting issues from the DA’s side:
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro: Minister must step in to end chaos in transport system
The following press statement was distributed at a press conference hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro on 20 April 2012 by DA Shadow Minister of Transport Ian Ollis MP, DA Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Caucus Leader Leon de Villiers and Caucus Spokesperson Knight Mali.
“The Minister of Transport, S’bu Ndebele, needs to step in to end the chaos surrounding the implementation of the Nelson Mandela Bay Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS).
Significant public funds have been invested in the IPTS in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. An initial grant of R520 million was provided through the Public Transport Infrastructure and System Grant programme in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The 2011/12 to 2013/14 budget of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality allocated R985 million to the IPTS.
Despite this injection of funds, the full implementation of the IPTS system continues to be delayed and the inappropriate infrastructure that has been put in place has become a source of frustration for businesses, drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Metro Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile is blocking all efforts from the Democratic Alliance and civil society groups to get information on the reasons for the continued delays in the roll-out of the system and the possible rehabilitation of unsuitable infrastructure.
The IPTS system is currently being run as a “mayoral project”. But because national funds have been invested in the IPTS system in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, and large budgets continue to be allocated to the project, we believe that it is time for the Transport Minister to institute a ministerial inquiry into the matter.
During my visit to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro today, I saw examples of traffic lanes that have been obstructed by IPTS infrastructure and the lack of space for trucks to turn and do deliveries in the North End business district. I was also struck by the vacant buildings that have become characteristic of the Govan Mbeki area, where many labour-intensive businesses have been forced to relocate as a result of disruptions caused by IPTS construction processes and their disastrous outcomes.
The majority of buses that have been purchased for the project remain mothballed as the project continues to stall.
The DA Caucus Leader in the Eastern Cape, Leon de Villiers, has consistently called for greater accountability on the IPTS project. The Council has to date refused to debate the issue, with the mayor himself blocking DA questions on the matter.
Reports indicate that the Infrastructure and Engineering Directorate told the Council last week that only 4% of the R200 million capital budget for the IPTS had been spent by February 29 – four months before the end of the financial year. Budget adjustments still to be approved by the Council reflect the roll-over of R125 million of this budget to the next financial year. The risk of wasteful expenditure remains high as officials will likely scramble to spend the remaining budget of R67 million.
Without appropriate public participation and greater transparency on implementation the weaknesses of the current system are likely to remain.
The Municipal Public Accounts Committee has called for a report on the IPTS, detailing the consequences of the delay, potential subsidy losses and a recovery plan to be submitted to the Infrastructure and Engineering Committee by 31 May.
Minister Ndebele must ensure that this plan answers key questions relating to the project, including:
- The reasons for the delays in the implementation process;
- processes followed in appointing contractors and steps taken to avoid potential conflicts of interest;
- commissions paid and budgeted;
- new timeframes for completion of routes and stations;
- the programme for public consultation; and
- what remedial steps will be taken to ensure more efficient roll-out of the BRT system.
If the deadlines are not met and important questions left unanswered, it may be time for the Minister to call for a formal inquiry into the matter.
Minister Ndebele cannot stand idly by as millions of rands in public money are injected into a project for which there seems to be no effective oversight and that has not created any clear benefits for citizens.
The Minister must ensure that this project is run transparently, that there is sufficient accountability and that it contributes to quality and affordable transport for all. If it does not, the responsible parties must be brought to book…”
No real freedom without decent education
The following is an extract from a Freedom Day speech, delivered by Bobby Stevenson (MPL) at the West End Community Hall, Port Elizabeth, Friday, 27 April 2012, at 11:00
“…Life is better in South Africa since we obtained freedom in 1994. For this we celebrate and rejoice. We must at all times never take this freedom for granted and must be vigilant in protecting our rights under the Constitution.
It is one thing to enjoy the freedom that we have under our Constitution. It is another thing to advance the right to real freedom that every South African should enjoy.
The right to real freedom in this country is limited by high unemployment, poor health care and particularly in the Eastern Cape by a rotten education system.
Education is the foundation of real opportunity: the opportunity to get ahead in life and realise your dreams. Until we have a decent education system in this province, learners’ opportunity to experience the freedom of choice to get decent jobs will be severely restricted. There can be no real freedom without breaking the shackles of a poor education system.
There is a new struggle for freedom to be fought in this country and that is for jobs, decent health care and education. We must continue to advance the frontiers of true freedom if all South Africans are to experience total liberation from the miseries of the past…”
DA verras met Kirkwood oorwinning
“… Die DA kandidaat, Me Isabella Wagenaar, het Woensdag, 25 April 2012, het in ‘n tussenverkiesing in die Sondagsriviervallei, Wyk 7 wat deel is van Kirkwood, ‘n 52 % oorwinning behaal. Die DA het 559 stemme gekry teenoor die 513 van die ANC…”
Van ons almal af wil ek graag vir Isabella sê baie geluk en voorspoed.
NEWS FROM THE METRO …..
Some issues from the Metro which I would like to bring under your attention:
Kragga Kamma Transfer Site
I have been receiving numerous complaints re the state of the Kragga Kamma transfer site and have reported it to the Metro. Kindly take note that there are problems at all the transfer sites in the Metro as most of them have not been serviced for the past few days.
I have been in constant contact with the officials and have also sent the following e-mails (the latest one to the Municipal Manger) for urgent intervention as it is totally unacceptable and unfair to the residents of not only our Ward, but the Metro as a whole. I want to urge residents not to make use of the transfer sites over the coming weekend due to the disgraceful conditions at these sites. I will inform you as soon as the situation changes.
“…My e-mail below (of which I am yet to receive any acknowledgement and/or answers) refers.
Kindly take note that the transfer sites in the Metro have not been serviced for days now and as a result thereof the sites are in a horrific state. My biggest concerns are for the residents of the Metro making use of these sites and especially their safety and health as the stench at Kragga Kamma Site (which falls in my Ward) are unbearable.
It is a disgrace that the Metro can not provide such an essential service for which the ratepayers’ have to pay every month.
Urgent intervention is required from your side before there are serious consequences for the Metro which we can ill afford!
>>> Ward9 NMMM 5/2/2012 1:06 PM >>>
I refer to the above matter.
The transfer stations in the Metro (and especially the Kragga Kamma transfer site in my ward) are in a disgraceful, shocking state due to the fact that the skips have not been removed/emptied since the beginning of the long weekend (5 days and counting). This has happened as result of poor planning and mismanagement resulting that no trucks are available to do the work.
The skips are overflowing, people are dumping inside the tip as well as outside the tip area. It has now become health, fire and safety hazards for not only the residents of the Metro, but also the staff who are responsible for manning the stations. It is totally unacceptable!
I have been advised that the responsibility for the hiring of the trucks (front-end-loaders, tippers, etc.) lies with Infrastructure & Engineering Department (please confirm this) as I was informed that this is the major cause for the current status at the transfer stations.
Please answer the following questions:
- Why has the aforesaid not been secured?
- Is funding a problem?
- If not, what are the actual problems?
- When will the transfer sites be serviced?
- What action will be taken from the responsible directorate for the removal and cleaning up of these sites?
- If it is found that the current situation is due to negligence of an official, what action will be taken against him/her?
I urge you to take immediate action with respect to the above said as it is very dangerous and an accident waiting to happen which will end up in legal battles which we can ill afford.
It is totally unacceptable and unfair to all residents of the Metro that they are not able to make use of the transfer stations in the Metro.
Please acknowledge receipt of this e-mail in writing…”
SUNRIDGE VILLAGE FAMILY RUN / WALK
The annual Sunridge Village Family Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, 19th May 2012. Unfortunately due to changes in the competition’s rules, you will not be seeing the friendly faces of the “famous” DA Branch Committee’s water point anymore. However, we encourage you to take part in this fun, annual event.
BAAKENS VALLEY PRESERVATION TRUST NEWS
The Trust was established in 1988 and next year (2013) is our 25th celebration. We want it to be a special time, for us and the valley and need membership involvement to achieve this. As a start, please take note of the Meeting Notice that follows. Your attendance will be appreciated. A newsletter is being put together to get members up to date with what has been happening in the valley and this will be distributed shortly.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Trust will be held at the Voortrekker Hall, adjacent to the NG Kerk in Broadway Avenue Sunridge Park on Saturday 26 May 2012 at 9am. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. For those people interested, a short walk and/or guided tour of the Arboretum will take place.
AGENDA
- Notice of meeting
- Opening , welcome and apologies
- Attendance register
- Chairman’s report
- Financial report
- Membership report
- Election of committee. Chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, treasurer and a minimum of 4 ordinary members
- General
- Guest Speaker
Our guest speaker, Clayton Weatherall-Thomas will talk to us on the SANBI sponsored stewardship programme.
Nominations are invited for the Committee for the year 2012/2013. Please submit in writing to Gwynneth Marmetschke at 38 Glenelg Road, Fernglen, PE 6045 or e-mail baakenscons@absamail.co.za telephone numbers, 041-3641687 or 0834078178. This must be done by Friday 18 May 2012.
MOTHERS’ DAY
On Sunday, 13 May 2012, we once again celebrate Mothers’ Day and would like to say thanks to all the wonderful mothers for what they do for us so selfishly. Enjoy your day. The DA Ward 9 Branch Committee with some helpers will be handing out a thank you say card at certain intersections in our Ward on either Friday or Saturday, 11th or 12th May 2012. Any volunteers are welcome and just need to contact the office and speak to Yolanda, who is the branch chair.
Ward 9
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