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Water disruption Saturday, 26 May and Sunday, 27 May 2018.

Saturday, 26 May 10:00 to 16:00 Langeberg Zone in the Kraaifontein Area.
Between Saturday, 26 May 08:00 and Sunday, 27 May 16:00 Killarney Gardens, Dunoon, Doornbach and surrounding areas.

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Enforcement unit on the way to protect Metrorail commuters and infrastructure

Joint partnership between the City, Western Cape Provincial Government and PRASA

The details about how the dedicated enforcement unit will be funded, established and managed are addressed in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between PRASA, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works.The MOA follows on from the commitment that was made during the rail summit convened and attended by the City’s Transport and Urban Development Authority (TDA), the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, PRASA, rail experts and business leaders in Woodstock on 9 February 2018. The cost to establish and operate the unit for a period of 12 months is approximately R47,9 million and will be jointly funded by the TDA, the Western Cape Government and PRASA. It is foreseen that the unit will be operational within the next two to three months.‘The unit will consist of at least a hundred members and will focus on commuter safety as well as vandalism and the theft of crucial Metrorail infrastructure and assets. The unit’s members will rely on technology and crime intelligence, and will support the South African Police Service to identify those who are involved in the illicit metals theft industry. The ultimate goal is to address the safety and security issues so that we can stabilise the urban rail service in the short term,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Urban Development, Councillor Brett Herron.The City will be responsible for the appointment and training of the law enforcement officers.‘PRASA is confident that rail commuters will benefit from an increased focus on safety,’ said acting PRASA Group Executive, Mr Lindikaya Zide.‘I am pleased to see this initiative come to fruition after years of discussion. It was apparent at the summit in February that stakeholder collaboration and resource integration is a more effective way of tackling issues that impact on all modes of public transport,’ said Metrorail Western Cape regional manager, Mr Richard Walker. The Metrorail Western Cape region will designate 50 members of the current Protection Services Unit to be trained in peace officer, traffic warden, and tactical street survival skills. They will form part of this task team.‘This initiative will support and assist in expediting our PRASA plans to professionalise and transform our own Protection Services Department to a more effective, better skilled and equipped transit-oriented unit to combat crime. The unit will have a two-pronged focus – primarily to deal with the vandalism, theft and illegal trade of non-ferrous metal and copper, and secondly to increase visible policing on trains and stations for improved commuter safety,’ said Mr Walker.From a Western Cape Government point of view, the socio-economic and environmental benefit of a well-functioning rail service cannot be overstated, said Donald Grant, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works and convener of the Rail Management Task Team.‘A functioning, safe and secure rail network has the potential to connect in a way that is inclusive, efficient, and competitive, providing access to opportunities to the City’s population. Rail is likely to remain the biggest mode of transport of Cape Town’s workforce, even though passenger numbers are on the decline. I have always been excited by the potential of rail to be the foundation of commuter transport through a safe and affordable service for those without cars, and as a viable alternative mode for car users. Now is the time for inter-governmental cooperation in the spirit of the Constitution, and for the private sector and all other stakeholders to work with government to improve the situation. Addressing security as an urgent priority will go a long way towards achieving this. The present and future commuters of Cape Town and this region deserve a functional and effective rail service that fulfils its potential,’ said Minister Grant. End

2018-05-23T22:00:00Z

City transfers title deed to Baitul Ansaar Childcare Centre in Beacon Valley to enable expansion

The Baitul Ansaar Childcare Centre is the largest child and youthcare centre

Good afternoon, goeie dag, molweni, as-salaamu alaikum, shalom, namaste.It is a true privilege for me to be here and be part of a historic occasion for a centre that does a thankless job in our communities.The Baitul Ansaar Childcare Centre is the largest child and youthcare centre taking in both emergency at-risk children including infants, toddlers and older kids, and providing long-term accommodation for at-risk children servicing the Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha areas.The lack of space over many years has meant that staff here have had the terrible task of having to turn children at risk away and that is something that we can never let pass without trying to do something to help.When I came to the City in 2011 we started the process in terms of the MFMA’s Municipal Assets Transfer Regulations and embarked on the required legislative process to facilitate the disposal of this City-owned land.It was a lengthy administrative haul until finally, on Friday 23 March 2018, the conveyancer lodged the ownership transfer instruction with the Deeds Office.While I became frustrated at this process many times, I must say I am deeply grateful that I can finally place the title deed in Centre manager Moniebah Razack’s hands today.Moniebah, I want to thank you for your patience and for never giving up on your calling to help the children that desperately need people like you; and I also want to thank the staff here.You were so patient and hopeful that one day you would be able to expand the Centre to allow more children into this safe haven.The work that you do here is of utmost importance in helping achieve our IDP objective of building a caring city. The least we could do is help you find space to make this facility bigger to welcome more children in need.Anyone that knows me knows that I have a special place in my heart for children.Children are a gift from God and they must be treasured, loved and nurtured.Unfortunately, we live in a sick society where children are not held in the highest regard as they should be.Every day we hear of children being hurt and killed in the most gruesome ways and it is an indictment on all of us that this happens.It is inconceivable that these heinous crimes and attacks on our children take place and that places like this centre should even exist.<div class="image-gallery-slider img-gal-1" id="img-gal-1" data-slides="3" data-slide="1" style="height:493.5px;"><div class="image-gallery-content" style="height:414px;"> <figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-1"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Baitul%20Ansaar1.jpg" alt="" style="width:1063px;" /> <figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;"> <a title="title" href="#"> </a>The Baitul Ansaar Childcare Centre is the largest child and youthcare centre </figcaption> </figure> <figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-2"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/baitul%20Ansaar2.jpg" alt="" style="width:1012px;" /> <figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;"> The Baitul Ansaar Childcare Centre is the largest child and youthcare centre </figcaption> </figure> <figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-3"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/baitul%20Ansaar3.jpg" alt="" style="width:1135px;" /> <figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;"> The Baitul Ansaar Childcare Centre is the largest child and youthcare centre </figcaption> </figure> </div><div class="image-gallery-control"><div class="image-gallery-caption"> <a title="title" href="#"> Aerial view of Cape Town</a> - Loren ipsum dolor sit amet loren ipsum dolor sit amet Loren ipsum dolor sit amet.</div><div class="image-gallery-nav"><div class="nav-info">1 of 3</div><div class="slide-next"> </div><div class="slide-prev"> </div></div></div></div> This week is usually the time when the country observes Child Protection Week where we highlight the rights of children and the actions we still need to take to protect our young children.Our country has one of the world’s most progressive constitutions in the world and there are many laws which are meant to protect our children. The Bill of Rights in the Constitution specifically states that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation. The Children’s Act further emphasises children’s rights and government’s role in the provision of social services to help families and communities to care for and protect children. Without action to enforce the various pieces of legislation, these laws are just words on paper. Despite all the protection in law, many children still remain vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation. As a society we have to do much more to help the most vulnerable in our communities and ensure that they do not suffer abuse. Child Protection Week is where we seek to mobilise all sectors to act to ensure that children have a safe and loving environment. This is something that must happen 365 days a year.As government, we must join hands with centres such as this and work with all such facilities to empower them to do even more.But government, social workers and NGOs cannot be positioned to police every household.There is a great duty on the community members to act against abuse and neglect.We need to go back to the values which recognise that it takes a village to raise a child and where my child is your child.This is how we can protect those parents who are scared and, most importantly, this is how we can possibly save a child’s life and put an end to this scourge of child abuse and child killings.It cannot be right that we go on with our lives every day as if there is nothing we can do.We must stand up to abuse and make children’s rights a lived reality.If we don’t do this, we fail children every day because every single person can do something to stop this once and for all.In closing, from the bottom of my heart I want to thank the centre and all its donors for your compassion and your investment into these children’s lives.Without you, there would be so many more children trapped in dire circumstances.Government needs to work with partners like you who never stop caring and who never give up or lose hope.I wish you well with the expansion plans and may they go as quickly as possible so you can finally expand the facility. Thank you again.May the blessings of Allah be upon you all. I wish you a blessed, fulfilling Ramadaan.Shukran, thank you, baie dankie, enkosi and God Bless. End

2018-05-23T22:00:00Z

Uitsig backyarders have better access to running water thanks to City’s innovative campaign

Residents living in backyards finally have access to their own taps and running water thanks to an innovative project

This morning I visited houses in Uitsig where residents living in backyards finally have access to their own taps and running water thanks to an innovative project.The City of Cape Town is currently installing taps with running water to 232 backyard dwellings in Uitsig. These taps are connected to a smart box that enables a family living in the backyard to access 200 litres of water per day. Previously, backyard dwellers were dependent on the water allocations of residents living in the main house on the property. With the smart box, each tap only releases water when a special key is inserted.So far, the City has installed taps and smart boxes at 67 properties in Uitsig during the past month. Contractors are also busy upgrading infrastructure in the community to enable the City to install flushing toilets in each of the 232 backyards. <div class="image-gallery-slider img-gal-1" id="img-gal-1" data-slides="3" data-slide="1" style="height:493.5px;"><div class="image-gallery-content" style="height:414px;"> <figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-1"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/uitsug.jpg" alt="" style="width:948px;" /> <figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;"> <a title="title" href="#"> </a> residents living in backyards finally have access to their own taps and running water thanks to an innovative project </figcaption> </figure> <figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-2"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/uitsug2.jpg" alt="" style="width:2140px;" /> <figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;"> residents living in backyards finally have access to their own taps and running water thanks to an innovative project </figcaption> </figure> <figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-3"> <img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/uitsug3.jpg" alt="" style="width:948px;" /> <figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;"> residents living in backyards finally have access to their own taps and running water thanks to an innovative project </figcaption> </figure> </div><div class="image-gallery-control"><div class="image-gallery-caption"> <a title="title" href="#"> Aerial view of Cape Town</a> - Loren ipsum dolor sit amet loren ipsum dolor sit amet Loren ipsum dolor sit amet.</div><div class="image-gallery-nav"><div class="nav-info">1 of 3</div><div class="slide-next"> </div><div class="slide-prev"> </div></div></div></div>The City is expected to spend R5,4 million to provide water and sanitation services to backyarders in Uitsig. During the current financial year, the City allocated R233,4 million for the installation and maintenance of sanitation facilities to residents living in backyards or informal settlements in areas across the city.Over the next three financial years until 2021, the City plans to spend more than R850 million on informal settlements upgrades and backyarder services.Today I met some of the residents benefiting from the City’s efforts. Johnny Smith, 62, a grandfather from Uitsig, told me about his plans to revive his own vegetable garden. Another resident, Reginald Lucas, 53, says his family’s life is now easier that they have access to cooking water instead of being reliant on the main house for water. It is heart-warming to know that the City’s efforts are improving the lives of our most vulnerable residents. This programme speaks to the City’s aim to build a caring city and our goals outlined in the Organisational Development and Transformation Plan to be more customer-centric. The City of Cape Town is providing basic services to people living in backyards while those who qualify wait for formal housing opportunities.The City is restoring the dignity of all our residents through achieving excellence in service delivery. End

2018-05-22T22:00:00Z

Libraries look to communities to help curb vandalism and theft

At just after 13:00 on Tuesday, a group of attackers stormed the facility and vandalised computer equipment, windows and doors.

<figure class="figure-credits left"><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Uitsig4.jpeg" style="width:1023px;" /><figcaption> © City of Cape Town </figcaption> </figure>At just after 13:00 on Tuesday, a group of attackers stormed the facility and vandalised computer equipment, windows and doors. Staff and patrons were also threatened with physical violence. It is further believed that the group intended to set fire to the building as police later found some type of accelerant outside. ‘It appears that the incident was linked to protest action in the area, and, while staff and patrons were not physically hurt, they have been left traumatised by the ordeal. I appeal to anyone in the community who knows anything about this incident to please approach the police or the City’s enforcement agencies so that we can hold those responsible to account for their actions,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.<figure class="figure-credits right"><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Uitsig1.jpeg" style="width:1023px;" /><figcaption> © City of Cape Town </figcaption> </figure>The City has yet to calculate the cost of the damage, but the incident comes at a time when the Library and Information Service has already submitted 110 insurance claims in the current financial year valued at R1 247 864,44. This is three times higher than the 58 claims submitted in the previous financial year for R377 394,13. ‘Some of our libraries are under siege with thieves stealing anything of value that they can lay their hands on, from air-conditioning units to computers. There is also malicious damage to property targeting doors, windows and ceilings and, frankly, we are appalled.‘We are working very hard to modernise our libraries and stay apace with technology for the benefit of our users. Our SmartCape facilities are crucial to learners who need to conduct research for projects and assignments, but also to jobseekers and entrepreneurs. To deprive people of these opportunities through cable theft or vandalism and even the theft of desktop computers is nothing short of callous,’ said Alderman Smith. <figure class="figure-credits left"><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Uitsig3.jpeg" style="width:1023px;" /><figcaption> © City of Cape Town </figcaption> </figure>Of the City’s 104 libraries, 17 feature prominently on the list of insurance claims and account for 54% of all claims submitted in the last three financial years, with the most damage occurring at the Bellville, Bishop Lavis, Eerste River, Goodwood, Hangberg and Heideveld libraries.‘Our library staff have started engaging with the local councillors and subcouncils to highlight the seriousness of the situation during community meetings and to secure the buy-in from these communities to take ownership of their local facilities and help track down the culprits. In many instances, people know who the criminals are but are too fearful or apathetic to do anything. Libraries are such important resources in the communities they serve and should be protected at all costs,’ added Alderman Smith.Some of the measures implemented to negate the risk of theft or vandalism include perimeter lighting, installation of burglar bars and tinted windows, alarm systems and additional beams and sensors at potential entry points like ceilings and courtyards. A number of City libraries are also on the list of facilities set to form part of the recently expanded Facility Protection Officer initiative <a href="https://bit.ly/2LlLvDN" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2LlLvDN</a>‘I also call on neighbourhood watches and other local community policing structures to help us safeguard our community facilities at large. We also have an informant reward system for information that can lead to the successful apprehension and conviction of persons who target City infrastructure or the recovery of stolen items. We need all hands on deck if we’re going to throw the book at criminals,’ said Alderman Smith.End

2018-05-22T22:00:00Z

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Water disruption Saturday, 26 May 2018	<div class="ExternalClass7C6E4422C50849EF8048DDD29DF648E2"> <p>Langeberg Zone in the Kraaifontein Area bounded by Mostert and Suikerbekkie Street to the north, Wagtail and Mossie Streets to the east, Okavango Road to the west and the N1 to the south. The work is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 26 May 2018 from 10:00 to 16:00. Make sure you have stored enough municipal drinking water for essential purposes. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.</p></div>
Illegal sale of water	<div class="ExternalClass75987605C9414C40B0D48DD1E4FBD549">It is illegal to sell municipal water without permission from the City of Cape Town. Similar restrictions apply to surface and ground water. <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/All%20residents%20and%20businesses%20urged%20to%20adhere%20to%20City%27s%20Water%20By-law%20and%20related%20public%20notices">Find out more</a></div>
MyCiTi service suspended	<div class="ExternalClass9AFEF7CD6FED429286287477DD98CA61"><p>The <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/MyCiTi%20buses%20still%20grounded">MyCiTi service is suspended</a> until further notice. This is due to a nationwide strike affecting the entire South African bus industry. Commuters are requested to please make alternative arrangements.</p></div>
Film Permit Application unavailable – 6 February 2018	<div class="ExternalClassC48E4AFB4C2B48999CB8F5DF1D4B4001"><p>Film permit application is currently offline. Please bear with us whilst we resolve the issue.</p></div>
Prepaid electricity meters offline on Thursday 8 March 2018	<div class="ExternalClass18DE4309986447AB8122062497609AF0"><p>Prepaid electricity customers will not be able to purchase electricity between midnight and 02:00 on Thursday, 8 of March due to planned maintenance. Please ensure that you have sufficient units to carry you through this period.</p></div>

Report a problem building	http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Report/Report-illegal-land-use/Report-a-problem-building/Report a problem building	Report a problem building	If you know of a problem building, you can report it to the City’s Problem Buildings Unit.
Report illegal occupancy or land invasion	http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Report/Report-illegal-land-use/Report-illegal-occupancy-or-land-invasion/Report illegal occupancy or land invasion	Report illegal occupancy or land invasion	If you know of any illegal land occupation or invasion, then you are required to report this to the City.
Report illegal land use, building or development	http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Report/Report-illegal-land-use/report-illegal-land-use-building-or-development/Report illegal land use, building or development	Report illegal land use, building or development	If you believe an individual is using land without proper authorisation and permissions, you can submit a complaint to the City.

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