To see how hard working Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Ward 2 councillor, Dean Biddulph’s newsletter below.
You may contact Ward 9 using the contact form at the bottom of this report.
Dear Ward 2 Friends
With the election now out of the way, I thought it appropriate to drop a quick note to thank the Ward 2 voters who turned out and who helped to significantly increase our vote in the metro.
The elections are now a thing of the past and the result for Ward 2 showed that voters continue to support the DA and that the vote in Ward 2 grew by nearly 30% over the 2009 result. Citywide, results were similar and the DA grew exponentially giving a very strong platform for a takeover in the 2016 Local Government Elections. We are going to need a massive effort and even bigger turnout in 2016 if we hope to win the metro outright however, so if you were unable to vote or know someone who did not vote, please encourage all to ensure that they are properly registered and ready to vote in 2016.
Inconveniences aside, I am sure that many of you may have noticed that I have been fortunate enough to get large portions of Marine Drive resurfaced and with a bit of luck we will see a final result of Marine Drive and Beach Rd being resurfaced from Walmer Boulevard right up to Admiralty Way.
The problem with unregulated hawkers selling their wares in and around the Hobie Beach precinct and other areas has had some new developments, with a very fruitful meeting being convened between the traders, the municipality and the ward office will see them being properly accomodated in a more appropriate spot.
More good news is that through the Beach and Coastal Environmental offices, we have been able to secure sufficient funding to finalise the rehabilitation of the promenade from Macarthur Baths all the way up to Matlock Bridge at Happy Valley. In addition, it looks very positive that budget has been secured to allow for a refurbishment of Shark Rock Pier in the new financial year. I have already taken a portion of my ward discretionery fund to rehabilitate the footlights on the upper deck and the pier is once again well lit at night.
On the subject of lighting, some news on Happy Valley – I am already working closely with the Electricity & Energy Department to see to it that the valley illuminations are restored and repaired in time for Summer Season 2014.
The problems being experienced at the Kings Beach water feature/lake are also currently being very carefully looked at with the assistance of the NMMU and certain design changes will be undertaken and improved circulation and aeration provided to address the recurring grass/algae problems. I am determined to ensure that these are resolved permanently as the radio controlled yachting society have express an interest in using this feature as a base for their sailing and in holding the SA Nationals here.
The beachfront walkways and boardwalks are receiving the attention of the Beach Office and maintenance and repair work is scheduled to be conducted on an ongoing basis.
There is a very important meeting taking place on Friday this week between Shell’s environmental consultants and interested and affected parties to discuss the application by Shell for an extension for compliance in terms of the National Air Quality Act (NEMA). Shell are trying to avoid having to pay to have certain required equipment installed as they are going to be relocating to Ngqura in the next two years, once the new tank farm has been constructed. It’s going to make for an interesting debate and unless there are very compelling reasons offered, the ward office will not support such an extension.
As always, thanks so much for the opportunity to give some feedback to the Harcourts greater beachfront community.
Ward Report Back
You may use this form to contact these hard working Councillors: Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 5, Ward 6 and Ward 9.
Why only these? Because these councillors regularly report back to their constituents via MyPE.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- Why Digital Equity Is South Africa’s New Frontier for Women’s Empowerment – By Matebe Chisiza-Asukile and Natasha Mboyisa - 25 September 2026
- New Champions Rise at the 2026 Street Lines Skate Tournament - 23 September 2026
- When Manufacturers Have a ‘Beef’ Then Both Suffer - 23 September 2026
- How Much Are You Worth per Year to Your Bank? - 23 September 2026
- Better Business Processes. Stronger Workplace Skills. Smarter AI. Greater Business Productivity. - 23 September 2026
