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STATEMENT BY MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, ALDERMAN JP SMITH

Rhode's Memorial Fire.

All efforts remain focused on active firefighting for the moment, although the fire is hard to reach in places and we hope that aerial firefighting support can be deployed to douse the flames before it reaches the urban edge.However, the wind could impact on this deployment.For the moment, there are some precautionary evacuations taking place in Vredehoek, but no other evacuations were necessary overnight.We commend the firefighters, Disaster Risk Management staff and volunteers, the enforcement staff and every other agency and individual who have played a role in the efforts to contain the fire, and continue to do so.We would also like to thank the public for opening their hearts and wallets to the firefighters, but also the students who were evacuated by UCT.There has been property damage, details of which are in the public domain, but the City will do a full assessment once the fire is under control. Thus far, two City firefighters have been injured and we wish them a speedy recovery.There is a lot of speculation currently about additional fires that were started, and whether the original fire was an act of arson.This will form part of investigations, but the City can confirm that one suspect in his thirties was taken into custody last night in the vicinity of Devil’s Peak.He was spotted by a resident, who tracked him down with the help of his sons and the family’s dogs. The matter is with SAPS for investigation and further details will follow as they become available. For now, the focus is on bringing the fire under control and we appeal to the public to assist the authorities by following instructions in respect of evacuations where necessary, staying away from the active firefighting scenes so that firefighters can focus on the job at hand, and by reporting any information that may be relevant to the investigations into this incident.

2021-04-18T22:00:00Z

City's winter preparedness efforts under way in Delft

The focus this year is clearing out the stormwater systems, which includes the cleaning of gullies; catch pits; pipes and ponds, especially in flood prone areas

‘The focus this year is clearing out the stormwater systems, which includes the cleaning of gullies; catch pits; pipes and ponds, especially in flood prone areas. Our Roads and Infrastructure depots across the city are also in the process of increasing their capacity by engaging additional labour in the form of EPWP workers to assist in reaching as many of these areas ahead of the heavy rains,’ says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase. The Roads and Infrastructure teams use a combination of hand cleaning and mechanical cleaning and are targeting the worst affected areas where there is extensive illegal dumping and blocking of drains occurring, first. ‘We urge that residents keep the drains and channels in front of their homes clear where possible, especially in sandy and leafy areas. Just doing this will greatly assist our teams on the ground. The public should continue to report cases of blocked drains by calling the 24-hour call centre and very importantly report any illegal dumping they may witness,’ says Alderman Purchase. The City encourages residents to please continue reporting these via the following channels: • Phone the Transport Information Centre on 080 065 6463. This is a 24/7 information centre; • Send an email to <a href="mailto:Transport.Info@capetown.gov.za">Transport.Info@capetown.gov.za</a>; or • Call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to report flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions. Residents are reminded to include their name, contact number and the exact location, area and street name, as well as to reference a landmark if possible. These details help us deliver services efficiently, and promptly.

2021-04-18T22:00:00Z

Mayor Plato thanks brave firefighters for tireless efforts in Cape blaze

Students from the Upper Campus of the University of Cape Town also had to be evacuated as strong winds caused the fire to spread.

Students from the Upper Campus of the University of Cape Town also had to be evacuated as strong winds caused the fire to spread.Mayor Plato visited the site to thank those involved in firefighting efforts. Mayor Dan Plato thanks residents for their donations and calls on the public to please monitor emergency services communications for any updates.‘I wish to express our gratitude for the efforts of firefighters who have been working non-stop to bring this massive fire under control. It is saddening to note that property and historic buildings have been damaged by this fire. It is tragic that literary treasures have been lost at the UCT library, but I have been informed that some of the most valuable works were saved by the quick activation of roller doors. Our attention and support remains with firefighters and all roleplayers working to protect further loss of property,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.

2021-04-17T22:00:00Z

City takes its budget to the people

Members of the public have the opportunity to have their say, and to submit their comments to the City until 3 May2021.

Members of the public have the opportunity to have their say, and to submit their comments. The City has extended the comment period until 3 May 2021. Covid-19 has led to the City tweaking the way it engages with its residents in order to reduce risk and prevent the spread of Covid-19. Apart from communicating on the draft Budget via social media, telephone, WhatsApp, through mailers, media releases and the City’s website, a limited number of engagements at Subcouncil level and other forums are also being undertaken. ‘The City is making every effort to bring the draft budget to the people, residents and ratepayers as it is incredibly important that they scrutinise and comment on the budget, so that they can be a part of the City’s efforts in providing the best service to residents across the metro. We especially thank our ward and PR councillors for continuing to be our public and City ambassadors, and helping to inform our residents about City matters in an accurate, inclusive and responsible manner. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/mtg%20subcouncil%205%20Bonteheuwel%20Civic.jpg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /> </figure>‘One of the highlights of this year’s budget is the proposed R3,4 billion available to help qualifying residents with rates and services relief. We also continue to do our best to protect residents and ratepayers as much as possible from rising costs, especially from Eskom’s massive price increase. This has resulted in extensive budget cuts. Most notably, some R460 million has been cut from staffing and contracting services, while safeguarding basic service provision as far as possible. ‘In addition, Water Management Device meter installations are proposed to be phased out. Registered indigent customers will be able to use a determined volume of water per month at no charge. Should they exceed this limit for two consecutive months, and not reduce usage despite warning notices, the property will be placed on a trickle-flow supply. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/mtg%20subcouncil%2012%20westridge%2014April.jpg" alt="" style="width:658px;" /> </figure>‘Looking ahead over the medium term, this Budget was prepared with the intention of keeping rates and service charges to the bare minimum to assist already struggling residents, communities and businesses,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson.‘The City relies on residents to provide us with their inputs and insights on the draft budget. The City is an accountable and responsive government, and public inputs assists us to improve where required and keeps us on our toes. Once the public participation process is completed and the public’s input has been considered, it will then be taken to Council for debate and adoption in May 2021,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Management, Alderman Grant Twigg. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/tableview%20mtg%20subcouncil%203.jpg" alt="" style="width:1898px;" /></figure>Public participation: comment by 3 May 2021 Covid-19 has an impact on the public participation process. To view the Tabled Budget please visit: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/budget" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/budget</a> or go to your nearest sub¬council office or library for a copy of the budget. Community-based organisation (CBO) representatives may contact their subcouncil managers for further details on their respective area-based community meetings. Written comments By email: <a href="mailto:Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za</a> Through your Ward Councillor / Subcouncil offices Verbal inputs Phone: 0800 212 176 For assistance to comment in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa, please phone 0800 212 176 Visit <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/HaveYourSay" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/HaveYourSay</a> for more information. For more on the budget and tariffs, please visit <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/budget" target="_blank">www.capetown.gov.za/budget</a>End <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> </figure>

2021-04-15T22:00:00Z

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