Much has been happening, albeit behind the scenes in some cases. We urge you to read the newsletter as it contains a wealth of information.
The list of items in this message is by no means exhaustive, therefore, if you have a specific question or query that is not answered here, please write to us at bettysbayratepayers@gmail.com and we undertake to attend to your query.
We are aware of the many and varied issues that prevail in our lovely village and we wish to reassure you that very little escapes our attention and everything is receiving our attention. This does not necessarily mean that we are in a position to resolve all the issues in quick order. This is simply not possible as funding, planning, policy-making, liaison with departments and people all have to be juggled. However, prioritizing of matters in the various sectors has been highlighted as important for achieving the broader objectives.
As we are communicating with you, we ask of you to see solutions alongside the problems and to submit your ideas for possible solutions to us. It would be so very encouraging to have an even more interactive village. We are agreed that it is a one-of-a-kind place where all of us want to live, and happily so.
The great deal of development in this small village recently has brought with it much good and quite a bit that is not so good, such as pressure on infrastructure. Problems are receiving attention and basically everything is in the pipeline. Matters are being dealt with, perhaps not at the pace you would like to see, although slowly but certainly improvement is taking place.
Now, the big question is: What makes a village? Its people. You may have a house, no matter its square meterage, a view, a garden … but what about the people you share the space with? Are we willing to forge good relationships with our neighbours? Would this improve our quality of life? What secret pain is my neighbour struggling with, causing him to act strangely? Am I unintentionally offending my neighbour through certain actions, causing her to respond angrily?
Therefore, let us rehabilitate the roads, install new water supply infrastructure, upgrade the CBD and let us build relationships, link arms, and grow our quality of life.
Members of the public attended BBRA Committee Meeting on 13 July 2022
Some few members of the public attended our first completely open meeting , at which the first section was allocated to matters from the floor. Issues included the roads, the water infrastructure, the tiny house policy, and interrupted work. Responses to all these matters are included in the contributions to this newsletter by the relevant portfolio principals.
The request was also made that members of the BBRA should receive invitations to meetings, which was agreed to and all members of the BBRA may expect to receive invitations to future meetings.
Encroachment of penguins on private property
Although not everyone is unhappy about having penguins in their garden, a formal complaint had been received. The BBRA took action right away and a meeting has been arranged with CapeNature, SANCCOB, at which the matter will be considered from every angle with a view to finding a solution that works for all the affected parties, which include the penguins. Feedback will be given as soon as it is available. Rest assured, the matter is receiving due attention.
Beach ablution facilities
Most of us know that these facilities are an abomination and we all want to see change. We have put our heads together and come up with a plan. Calling all artists! A competition is going to be held and the winning artists will have the opportunity to give expression to their creativity. Themes are fynbos, penguins, baboons, whatever is associated with Betty’s Bay. Watch this space for further information.
Dune rehabilitation
We receive messages of concern about the state of our dunes and who has not noticed the myriad private walkways to the sea through the dunes. You will be happy to hear that Gotlieb van der Merwe’s Dune Rehabilitation Plan has been revived and is being negotiated with the Overstrand Municipality (OM). The idea is that this plan, which includes boardwalks and picnic areas, will be used together with the broader Coastal Management Plan as we do not operate in a void.
Roads and water
These pressing issues are receiving our undivided attention. Surveys have been undertaken and OM has agreed to cooperate with the BBRA in prioritizing work for completion. We regard all the work as of equal importance although a structured, prioritized approach is the slow and steady way to achieve completion. We issue a friendly request please to accept this and to refrain from calling OM to give priority to your road. We have done the survey: We are aware of your problem. It is receiving the attention it can be given in the circumstances.
Camera project
We are happy to inform you that our camera project is nearing completion, and warmly thank those members of the public who financed cameras and/or gave us access to their cameras. We know that this will have a positive outcome for achieving security in our village.
Thank you very much for being an involved community.