Subcouncil 17

Resolution detail

Mr Conrad Frehse: Manager, Catchment & SW Management gave a detailed presentation on this matter and highlighted the following: • Repairs and maintenance: Commencement dependent upon the award of the Minor Works Tender and General Authorization from DWS. Site walkover with SC, TDA District Office and appointed Contractor to be scheduled following award of the Minor Works Tender. • Stabilization of the river banks (capital project) for a section of the Vygiekraal River opposite the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works – estimated completion, late 2018 or early 2019. • Procurement and appointment of Consulting Engineer for design, EIA/WUL process and construction supervision of the main rivers sections in outer years. • For 2019/20: detail design to be done by appointed Consulting Engineer. • For 2020/21: complete tender process and appoint contractor for 1st phase of the project which would be the construction of 1st phase of project. Cllr Hendricks felt that the SC was debating its concerns with the wrong official. He said that he appreciated the Chairperson’s approach to work closely with the officials and said that the SC needed to know who they must hold accountable for this project. He said that the securing of the river banks needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency as this complaint came from Cllr Little when she was Ward Cllr. Ald March said that he met with Mr Frehse prior to the SC meeting and raised all the concerns to him. He was given the assurance that the project manager will work closely with the SC onwards. He stated that when the Cllrs raise concerns in the SC meeting, it is to hold the officials accountable for service delivery. Cllr Davids wanted to know what the vision was for the area and whether a park was on the cards for the site. He mentioned that Mr Parker did a presentation with the community and now the community wanted to know what the way forward was. Cllr Y Adams said that it would be unfair to enclose the canals as it would kill the natural environment because of a human misbehaviour. Ald Cavanagh told the meeting that he was excited about the content of the presentation and that it had nothing to do with closing of the canals as mentioned by Cllr Y Adams. He said that the City needed to preserve the water course. Cllr R Adams mentioned that he was happy with the content of the presentation but felt that the timeline given was very vague. He requested that the officials work closely with the Environmental Department and the community as well. In response to the Cllrs concerns, Mr Frehse responded as follows: - They do not close off canals, they only do repair work. - They are in discussion with other departments with regard to the vision for the site, including a park. - They want to create a space that the community can use - Long term goal to rehabilitate the environment. RESOLVED that: 1. The content of the presentation of the Securing of the river banks at the Vygieskraal River be NOTED. 2. The Project Manager submits regular updates to the SC regarding the progress of the project. 3. Mr Frehse forwards a suitable date for the Cllrs after recess to do a site visit. ACTION: Mr Conrad Frehse