Subcouncil 8

Resolution detail

RECOMMENDED TO RESOLVE:

RECOMMENDED TO RESOLVE:
a)    That the report back schedule received for Portfolio Committee as reported by the assigned Councillor BE NOTED.
 
b)    That it BE NOTED that Cllr Diniso was not present at the previous Subcouncil meeting therefore no feedback to be submitted. 
 
c)     That the report back submitted by Cllr McFarlane from Spatial Planning and Environment Portfolio BE NOTED:
 
Cllr McFarlane reported that the committee are making progress and are in the final stages of public participation for the new Municipal planning By-Law and should come into effect soon. However, the By-Law still needs to be tabled at Council. He also reported that the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Beetle (PSHB) are still an enormous problem within Somerset West and the area has been struggling with the problem since 2019. The City of Cape Town confirmed infestations and are working on a plan to remove affected trees to prevent further spread. However, it were also noted that the Shot Hole Borer Beetle have migrated to the Southern suburbs into the urban forest.  
 
Cllr McFarlane further reported that the mistakes made by engaging with the community about this matter is highly emotive.  He stated that the Southern suburbs have certainly benefited from what were experienced and were making better progress which largely revolves around community engagement rather than issuing the odd press statement to indicate what is happening.  Furthermore, the notion of using this approach of issuing press releases are a one way communication that will not resolve the issue but instead a two way communication is needed. It was realised that a better approached would be to sit down with members of the community, talk to them and explain what the situation are and what City of Cape Town can or cannot do. Furthermore, the circumstances is with the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Beetle and currently there has not been a successful treatment for Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Beetle anywhere in the world and we certainly learnt lessons and have benefited from that in the Southern Suburbs.
 
Cllr McFarlane also reported on the establishment of City Improvement District for the Helderberg. The programme is moving ahead of pace and is part of a special planning environment of which six applications have been submitted in the Helderberg for participation.  It has also been confirmed that there are an appetite for establishing a special right area and City Improvement District in the Helderberg.
 
Cllr McFarlane reported that the Spatial Development Forum had its first meeting on Monday, 18 March 2024 in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village for consideration of the Sir Lowry’s Pass Village local spatial development frame work.  He stated that it was a productive meeting however, the process is still in its early days and the department will regularly report back to the community. This would enable the community the opportunity to have their say on how the area will be developed and advice on land use matters regarding major industry and how it will evolved and ensuring that the vision they have with reference to environmental affairs and development can be included.
 
Cllr McFarlane also reported baboon management in the Southern suburbs is a huge and highly emotive issue.  Various NGO’s and civil society groups are busy with establishing and ensuring a homonymous relationship between the community and the baboons. The intent is to keep the baboons away from wider urban interface so that houses are not damaged as a result and people’s lives are not put at risk.
 
d)    That the report back submitted by Cllr Mabungani from Water and Sanitation Portfolio BE NOTED:
 
Cllr Mabungani reported that the portfolio meeting was held and quarterly reports were tabled for discussion.  Directorate of Water and Sanitation are busy with projects but are at initial stage for establishing a permanent desalination plant which will be built in Paarden Eiland and the project still to be tabled to Council.