| Have your say on the central city Newmarket Street social housing proposal | Our intention has always been to develop affordable housing opportunities in urban centres across the metro in an inclusive, fair and ordered manner | <p>This particular public participation takes place within the prescripts of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (MATR) Act (2008) for the intended long-term rights to use, manage and control the property for social housing for a period of 30 years. The project is located just a short walk to the central Cape Town city centre. </p><p>In parallel to this, a rezoning process and associated public participation will be undertaken to give members of the public a chance to have their say on the proposed change of land use from it being zoned for transport use only to mixed use, comprising social housing, parking, among others. </p><p>‘Our intention has always been to develop affordable housing opportunities in urban centres across the metro in an inclusive, fair and ordered manner. Social housing developments are truly complex and intricate with a host of legislative requirements to adhere to before development can take place. It takes hard work and dedication to see these projects through and we thank City staff and all our partners, as well as our communities and civic representatives, who are walking with us on the path to a more spatially integrated city, with greater access to affordable housing. </p><p>‘Other planned central and metro-wide projects are also progressing, such as the Pine Road and Dillon Lane, Salt River Market proposals and the development plan for the Woodstock Hospital. </p><p>‘The City remains utterly committed to enabling more affordable housing opportunities on suitable, well-located land across the metro through partnerships and innovation. We encourage and urge all communities, partners and groups to work with us so that we can make more progress over the year ahead and do what is in the best interest of our communities and residents,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi. </p><p>Comment in writing by 7 June 2021<br>By email: <a href="mailto:Pogiso.Molapo@capetown.gov.za">Pogiso.Molapo@capetown.gov.za</a><br>By post: PO Box 2815, Cape Town, 8000<br>By fax: 086 642 0100 </p><p><strong>Information about social housing</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">It is managed by accredited social housing institutions (SHIs).</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">SHIs are solely dependent on rental income. They receive no operational grants. They are able to service their debt finance through rental income.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">As with any rental contract, tenants formally enter into lease agreements. The landlord is the SHI.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">If tenants do not adhere to their lease agreements, the responsible SHI will follow the necessary legal process. Tenants must therefore pay to stay as the rental money is used for the day-to-day operation and upkeep of the complex.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The City has nothing to do with the day-to-day management of SHIs, the rental amount or evictions for not paying.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Before potential beneficiaries can apply for social housing, they are required to register on the City's Housing Needs Register.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Projects are developed on well-located, accessible land in and near urban centres.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">It is not low-income subsidised government housing, such as Breaking New Ground (or the commonly called RDP housing and it is not City Council Rental Units).</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">It is managed with 24-hour security and access control.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">The City may sell City-owned land at a discounted price for social housing developments to make projects economically viable.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Social housing offers improved access to social facilities and other amenities.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">A single grant subsidy can benefit on average five households versus one household for Council rental units.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Social housing adds value to vacant pieces of land.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">• Social housing has the potential to improve property prices in an area.</div></li></ul><p><br>End</p> | 2021-05-06T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Attacks on City Health staff are crippling services | STATEMENT BY THE MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HEALTH, COUNCILLOR ZAHID BADROODIEN | <p>The latest incident occurred yesterday morning when armed robbers stormed the Crossroads 1 clinic, where 15 staff members and two security guards were on duty. </p><p>The gunmen gained entry into the facility via the turnstile gate entrance and forced their way into the clinic.</p><p>A clerk who had tried to keep a door closed was slapped as the robbers discussed whether to shoot him.</p><p>They robbed patients and staff, before pistol-whipping the facility manager and taking her phone, laptop, dongle, jewellery and the clinic keys. </p><p>At the time, the district driver was doing his deliveries and he too was robbed of his personal vehicle car keys, wedding band, home keys, car key tags and a bag with personal belongings. </p><p>The vehicle was also taken, but retrieved later by City Law Enforcement.</p><p>Transport for all staff to their homes was arranged, night security was organised and a notice was put up to indicate to patients that the clinic is temporarily closed.</p><p>It is unconscionable to think that the very staff who are on the front line, who put their health at risk to help others, have their lives and safety threatened while busy with their duties.</p><p>In Samora Machel, the Weltevreden Valley Clinic is still closed after staff were robbed at gunpoint more than a month ago, while the Mzamomhle clinic in Brown’s Farm is under threat as patients have been robbed at gunpoint outside the facility on numerous occasions.</p><p>There is no electricity at the Uitsig Clinic as the cables were stolen.</p><p>The Khayelitsha Environmental Health Office in Harare is temporarily closed after burglars made off with computers, a microwave, two televisions, a laptop and PPE on 2 May 2021. </p><p>The office will not be able to render any direct public interface services for a considerable time due to the current situation.</p><p>This is the tip of the iceberg and there are many incidents of threats of violence towards staff and patients, attempted robberies and burglaries, and the wanton destruction and vandalism of property.</p><p>Our staff are serving our communities tirelessly and with dedication.</p><p>It is also our communities who suffer. Yet, the perpetrators who attack and terrorise our staff come from those communities. </p><p>Residents who know who these criminals are need to speak up and speak out. This is a situation that cannot be allowed to continue.</p><p>Report suspicious behaviour and criminal activity by calling 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.<br></p> | 2021-05-06T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Just under 2 000 comments received on City’s ‘help and save’ budget | The City of Cape Town received just under 2 000 comments on its proposed ‘help and save’ Budget for 2021/22 | <p>This follows extensive communication and engagement on the tabled budget. Engagements took place with more than 230 ward-based community representatives across the metro through a combination of face-to-face and digital meetings. Although Covid-19 again had an impact on the public participation process, the City is pleased with the good response and thanks all community representatives, councillors and residents for taking part. </p><p>‘Thank you to all our residents and community representatives for having your say on our “help and save” budget. One of the highlights of the proposed budget is the R3,4 billion available to help qualifying residents with rates and services relief; R8,4 billion to help boost the local economy; and savings realised of approximately R460 million in staffing and contracting services, while of course safeguarding basic service provision as far as possible. To assist already struggling residents, communities and businesses, this budget was prepared with the intention of keeping rates and service charges to the bare minimum,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson.<br> <br>For more on the tabled budget and tariff schedules, please visit <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/budget">www.capetown.gov.za/budget</a><br></p> | 2021-05-06T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City advises of water supply disruptions in Gaylee, Austinville, Greenfields and Dennemere | City advises of water supply disruptions in Gaylee, Austinville, Greenfields and Dennemere | <p>Careful consideration has been given to planning the work for a time that is least disruptive to our water users.</p><p>Residents are kindly requested to store water upfront in clean, sealed containers for use during this period and to ensure that all taps are closed to prevent water loss and/or damage when the supply is restored.</p><p>The City regrets any inconvenience caused, however, this work is necessary to ensure the water supply remains reliable.<br></p> | 2021-05-06T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
