Thank you
Thank you for attending and participating in our first open meeting two months ago and thank you for your valuable inputs and advice. And thank you to those who responded to our newsletter so positively. Lastly, thank you to those who joined the BBRA as active members.
Next open meeting 11 May 2022
April is the TEAM’s fourth month in action. Each portfolio principal is busy developing their respective spaces and each portfolio requires your help. On 11 May 2022 we will be hosting our second open meeting. It would be encouraging to see as many people there as possible. Those who have expressed their concerns or requests for something to be done, please attend. We value your inputs.
First aider training
Coleen Johnson from Pringle Bay has offered to assist with training first aiders for the purpose of being able to give rapid first aid assistance to the residents of Betty’s Bay when required. This activity will fall under the Emergency Support Services Portfolio currently headed by Liz Buncker. For this reason we need volunteers who are prepared to be trained as Level 1, 2 and 3 First Aiders who will serve Betty’s Bay, along with the neighbourhood watch team. Former nurses, paramedics, and first aiders are also welcome to refresh their knowledge and be part of this important team. We also need trauma counselling in this portfolio and therefore request volunteers to assist us with this.
Sports and Recreation Portfolio
The Sports and Recreation Portfolio is also taking a while to establish as it requires a special kind of skill to develop this portfolio. We request the “sporty” people in the village to consider joining the TEAM and making this portfolio a prominent one in Betty’s Bay. The potential benefits are immeasurable.
New web page
We are redesigning our web page and are upgrading our website to a more modern and purpose-driven window so that everyone can see who we are and what we stand for.
Crassula Hall has new portfolio head
There has been a change in the portfolio head who is responsible for managing Crassula Hall. Mark Fletcher, the former portfolio head, resigned owing to time constraints, but has been asked to consider managing Dunes & Amenities, which might better suit his availability and expertise. Claudele Jackson will now head the Crassula Hall portfolio. She will take over officially on 2 May 2022.
Youth group established
We have started a youth group under the leadership of Marco Sheppard. The youth group will be exposed to all the different portfolios for active participation as volunteers. It is our intention to create a portfolio for Youth later on in the year.
CBD concept
At our next open meeting on 11 May 2022, we will discuss the CBD concept. This is a concept to be adopted for all future developments of the CBD area (Centre Shop area), with a circle on Clarence Drive, a wetland conservation area and more. We would like to share this information with you as you will have an opportunity to get involved with the portfolios that will manage and oversee the community wetland space.
Street name rectification
Requests for the amendment of street names close on Saturday 30 April 2022. I have received three inputs about incorrect street names. I know there are many more. Please double-check yours and submit a request for correction if the spelling is incorrect.
BBRA’s new email address
Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association (BBRA) has a new email address, which is as follows: bettysbayratepayers@gmail.com. You are welcome to talk to us by writing to this email address.
5G, SRAs and CBD
We have looked into and/or are still looking into three areas as a matter of importance.
The 5G concerns have been researched and those concerned answered via email.
A special ratings area (SRA) is being considered for Betty’s Bay in the future. We require your inputs.
Lastly, the CBD concept and our responsibility towards its success.
SAPS restructuring
The SAPS is going ahead with their restructuring. This process will not remove or add to any current resources we have available to us. However, the Commanding Officer post is now structured for a Captain. That implies we will lose Lt Col A May and that a Captain will replace her.
Mayor on water pipe breakage crisis
On 19 April 2022 the Mayor and all the ward committee members from Ward 9 and 10 had a meeting regarding the water pipe breakage crisis across the three villages, Rooi Els, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay. Many items were discussed and agreement was reached to resolve this ongoing and exasperating crisis. The most important steps that were agreed on are to:
Undertake a study of the failures through a data-driven or fact-driven process. (This has been done.)
Park other, less important, projects and focus the funds on a solution for the piping.
Create a third team of plumbers with adequate resources to help the existing two plumbing teams.
The area manager, with our help, is to look at the entire logistics structure, process the Hangklip/Kleinmond area and make the relevant changes.
On 26 April 2022, the stakeholders will sit down again to discuss the integrated development plan (IDP) budget. This is when we will look for the funds to provide a solution for the piping-related problems.
Expedite replacement of water pipes
Note: The BBRA has teamed up with the OM planning team to come up with solutions to expedite the process of replacing our water pipes. Many issues were discussed and resolved. The most interesting aspect of all of this is that we are going to get actively involved, under the guidance of our two engineering portfolios headed by Rob Boyd and Graeme McGill, in some of the work that needs to be done. We are going to be responsible for an audit of all the water valves in Betty’s Bay. We need you to help us achieve this in as little time as possible. You may volunteer directly by writing to our email address, which is now bettysbayratepayers@gmail.com.
Adopt a fire hydrant
Another important activity involves all our ratepayers and residents. We will initiate “adopt a fire hydrant” on 1 May 2022. The idea is to ensure that each fire hydrant is attached to a person responsible for it to ensure the highest level of maintenance, accessibility and functionality. Let us have the best fire hydrant system in the world! This will fall in the Volunteer Fire Fighters portfolio headed by Jorika Rabie. Again, volunteers are asked to contact us directly at our new email address bettysbayratepayers@gmail.com.
Urgent matter: Census participation = monetary allocation
We in Betty’s Bay must realise that our being recorded in the Census informs the fiscal allocation that this village will receive. At present our failure to participate has left us with insufficient data to show we deserve a certain allocation. Our actual population data could ensure that we receive the necessary funding to accomplish our goals.
We plead with every ratepayer and resident of Ward 10 to go online and complete the Census.
Please contact 079 958 2909 and speak to Marelize to be counted!
Or
Copy and paste this link below
https://getcounted.statssa.gov.za/#!/home
Please get involved: Together we can do anything