CITY IMPROVEMENT NEWSLETTER
Oranje-Kloof & Green Point

MARCH 2007

Dear Readers

Thank you for all the positive feedback for our newsletters. Not unlike other businesses, we thrive on encouragement and constructive ways to improve our operations. And like most employees, we value a pat on the back for a job well done.

Under the CID public service contract, we are committed to keeping our neighbourhoods safe and to provide guaranteed services over and above typical City of Cape Town municipal services. This is a job we are paid to do.by you.

We also strive to be transparent and forthcoming to the needs of our most important stakeholders.you, the ratepayers.

That is why we offer a gentle reminder to pay your rates on time. The CID levy - that's the portion of rates you pay towards the CID - is a dedicated levy: the money raised from the levy must go to the CID. This means that the levy must be used for services in terms of the business plan agreed to by property owners in the CID and cannot be redistributed for use outside the CID. (ON our websites, please click on Frequently Asked Questions for detailed information on CID levies.)

Also continue to read our safety updates. The section is intended to be a guide to help you make the most of your life by offering tips on how to improve safety in the daily activities of you and your family. For instance, did you know you could retrofit your car's lock system to open only the driver's door? This could be an important preventive feature if you drive alone, particularly at night.

Useful tips like these and common sense information on home safety, automobile safety, personal safety, and even computer safety are our way of prompting you perform routine home and car security systems checks.

We urge you to stay safe and be abreast of new and improved ways to protect yourself. Together we'll make a difference.

Best wishes

Marc Truss
Editor

Custodians of the Green

For most people summertime spells more time in the great outdoors. For David Curran, Cape Town City Parks Area Manager, summertime means finding the balance between the greening of the city and respecting water restrictions, particularly around the properties under the department's jurisdiction. Vanessa Rogers and Catherine Lückhoff talked to David about his department's responsibilities, policies, staff and public services.

What would you list as the types of properties under your jurisdiction?

Public open spaces, which includes community parks, regional parks, the Atlantic beachfronts from Camps Bay to Granger Bay and sports fields (which move over to Sports and Recreation soon). The Company's Garden, which is of incredible cultural and historical significance, is also included. In this very important precinct there are diverse facilities that offer tourists an opportunity to experience part of South African heritage. There are the museums, the National Library, the Centre for the Book, the Jewish Museum, the Planetarium, as well as Parliament, to mention just a few.

What are the best websites tourists and local visitors can roam to for information about these and other cultural sites?

City Parks is in the process of setting up a site for all City Parks facilities throughout the Metro. My area stretches from Bakoven to Brooklyn and we hope to include a number of interesting items that will appeal to a broader audience and not just for the foreign tourist. Unfortunately the site is not up-and-running yet but it should be ready towards the middle of the year. At the moment, if one were looking for interesting sites or organisations, one would have to search under the following: museumsart galleriesor City Tourism Bureau

What is your policy on the greening of the city?

We have to find a balance between the greening of the city and any imposed water restrictions. Materials other than grass are being used (drought tolerant plants) and hard materials can now be seen around the city. We typically use porous materials, such as stone chips, which reduce water usage considerably. Sadly, the capacity is not what it could be in terms of staff and budget to service our facilities. Many staff have left and these positions have never been filled. We utilise a number of contractors from private industry to assist in completing our works programmes.

Is St Andrews Square one of the properties you are in the process of developing?

No, City Parks is not involved, although the City is one of the major partners.

Are there any shining examples of what a resident could do to assist in city greening?

Yes, there are plenty. We are privileged to work in an environment where residents have offered their assistance. A number of parks are being maintained by these residents where our input is really very small. We offer materials such as plants, equipment and knowledge but it is really the residents who have made the difference. Some of these parks were inhospitable to the locals due to vagrancy, crime, drugs, etc., but because of the intervention from these residents, they are now used regularly by families.

We also have many residents throughout the City that maintain and look after the tree or trees on their verges by watering and cleaning around their bases. Just imagine what the City would look like if we did not have all these wonderful trees.

Why do you think more city residents do not assist with city greening?

Well, not everyone has the time or interest, or is willing to invest their hard-earned cash. Lets be honest, all homeowners pay their rates and taxes and this in theory should cover the costs for the City to provide proper, decent facilities. Somewhere, something does not balance. So I find it incredible and amazing that some people are willing to do so.

How do you assist residents, who want to maintain a public property near their home?

We can supply locks for the park, gardening equipment, plants, horticultural advice and any other info they require. However, many of them say, "Don't worry, we will sort ourselves out," and they do so. It is not just the so-called 'advantaged' residents who are involved; less advantaged people are also getting involved as they realise that if they don't their children will not have anything in the future.

How many parks fall under your jurisdiction?

At last count there were approximately 5 500 potential public open spaces falling under the control of City Parks. My area has 68 developed parks (which have play equipment, trees, lawns, etc.). The larger majority of spaces we maintain are the landscaped areas with trees, shrubs and lawn alongside freeways, verges, centre medians and beachfronts.

How do you encourage people to use the parks? There used to be loads of people in the Company's Garden, for example, children on school outings, people having their sandwiches, but now there are mostly people who loiter.

I agree with your statement but things have changed. We now have monthly security meetings. A partnership has been set up between the City Parks, The Cape Town Partnership and a private security company to improve the safety concerns. We are getting the Gardens back from those who loiter. because we want to encourage more people to go out walking in the Gardens and experience this 'jewel' right in the centre of busy Cape Town - very similar to Central Park in New York, but on a smaller scale. We are in the process of erecting security cameras which will complement the existing system operated by the CCTV section in the City. There is also an incredible amount of residential development taking place in the City Centre and these central city dwellers will need outdoor areas recreated. Where better than in the Company's Garden!

How have the CIDs helped you? Have they made any good suggestions?

Yes, the CIDs have been instrumental in improving not only ours but many other services within the City. They are always positive in their approaches about 'making the difference' and don't talk about it. They honestly walk the talk. We believe in working with someone rather than against them. We both gain and ultimately, the communities gain.

What is your approach to developers, who want to take down trees in the CBD?

Our role is to be the custodians of trees in the city. If developers come to us about a particular tree that they feel is a danger, or there is a root problem with a tree, we have to weigh up the value of that tree versus any risk. Most times, there is more value in leaving a tree where it is. Many of the trees in the CBD are 40 to 50 years or even older.

City Parks has an approved tree policy which guides all officials in the management of trees in our City. I believe that this is one of the most important policies within the City as there are many people who do not or underestimate the 'real' value that trees play in our environment.

Is there a helpline number residents can call?

Yes, it is in the blue pages of the telephone book - (021) 957-4700 (emergency after-hours number). This is a 24-hour operated number.

In cases of vandalism, who can the public contact?

We appreciate any assistance or help from the public. We are fortunate to have Inspector Nico Ras from Metro Police to service our Area. Nico previously worked in the Parks Branch and therefore has a good knowledge of the existing Parks By-Laws (currently under review). Nico can be contacted on (021) 406 8700

Do you set the water restrictions at your various premises?

No, those are set by the Water Demand Services Department within the City. We need to comply with these restrictions in order to serve as a good example to the public. We try to irrigate our areas between 6am and 10am. We also try to use grey or recycled water, which our tankers collect from one of the Waste Water Treatment Plants. We constantly search for alternative water sources in trying to maintain our service but it is not always feasible or practical.

And your team of managers?

I am extremely fortunate - I have an outstanding team, from my managers, right down to the guys who really 'do the work'. However, as with any organisation, there is always a need to improve or change and I am happy to say that we operate and function as times dictate. We are fairly flexible.

Chris Buys, manages the Cape Town Gardens district;
Valentino Jeftha, manages Trafalgar Park district;
Charl Marais, manages technical and project management issues;
and Keith Hartnick, manages Sea Point district. Keith's motto is: "If I work amongst people like this, I'll get there one day, too." This encapsulates our work ethic.

What will happen when the present team you have running City Parks retire?

My present group of managers is passionate about horticulture and the standard of maintenance that we can offer (under the circumstances). We are all at or nearing the wrong end of the age scale. We don't know what the future holds but we are sure that there will be willing hands to hand over to once our retirement age is reached.

TAKE 5

1. Feedback on Gay Pride

The Cape Town PRIDE 2007 event launched in February this year with the theme Carnival of Love. The mother city was filled with colour and flamboyance as the entire lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered and intersexed (LGBTI) community descends upon the city for 11 days of entertainment, education and enjoyment. The festival ran from the 15th February until the 25th February 2007 with over 35 events planned for this year's festival calendar.

The festival this year was well attended as the pink community really supported majority of the events. Highlights were the crowning of Mr and Mrs Gay PRIDE at the Pageant event which kicked off the festival, other highlights included a 4000 attendance for the parade and 3000 attendance for the street party. Other events that were a hit were the Golf Day, Pink Race Day, Book affair, seminar series and art exhibitions.

Next year plans to be better by far!

2. Follow-up on sunglass story: Sun safe and very cool

In last month's issue we reported the generous sponsorship pledged by Garth Miller at the Bantry Bay Pharmacy who kindly offered to donate eight pairs of sunglasses and enough sunblock to last the City's White Line Section team until the end of summer.

True to his word, Garth has fulfilled his pledge. Now our team of eight are not only sun smart but cool, too! Thank you Bantry Bay Pharmacy.

3. Edutrain article with pics

Did you know that there is a programme run by the Green Point CID and the Cape Town SAPS to educate inner city kids on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse?

The two parties (SAPS and GP CID) have recently partnered to create a programme called Edutrain which offers grades 6, 7, 11 and 12 learners from inner city schools (each quarter a different school is chosen) a chance to go to the Klapmutz butterfly farm (for the younger group), and to Simons Town for a boat trip and tour of the Naval Museum (for the older group). En route the learners are educated by counsellors and SAPS representatives on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse. Lunch is provided for the learners as well as all train and entrance fees.

How can you get involved? The organisers are looking for T-shirt or peek-cap sponsors, as well as other interested parties who are able to make a contribution to this essential programme. Contact Catherine Lückhoff on cath@mango-omc.com or 082 440 7116 for more information.

4. Streetwise and Faithful

You've seen them cleaning out dustbins or sweeping the streets in bright yellow bibs bearing the words JESUS SAVES, and wonder how they fit into the grand scheme of city improvement and development.

These individuals hail from an organisation called Straatwerk. Established nearly 40 years ago, Straatwerk's vision is a community in which the needs of people, irrespective of race, age and culture, are being addressed effectively. Their mission is to urge, train and guide fellow believers to join in the process of turning people in need on the streets of Cape Town 's inner city, into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

In reaching out and evangelizing specific groups, including prostitutes (women and their children), homeless people, and those involved in the nightlife (drug dealers, male prostitutes, clubbers, etc.), its aim is to share the good news of Jesus Christ, and to help with food, clothing, basic medical needs, emergency accommodation, and assistance with getting off the streets. Straatwerk works successfully with CID fieldworkers to organise jobs for the rehabilitated homeless.

Located in the inner city of Cape Town, Straatwerk has two coffee where people are invited for free coffee. Straatwerk exploits this opportunity to offer guidance and counsel on an individual basis.

How can you get involved? Please consider making a financial contribution. The Straatwerk bank account number is: 450-80045 at ABSA, Parow, South Africa. http://www.straatwerk-capetown.co.za/

5. Cape Town International Jazz Festival Africa's Grandest Gathering

The annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival is the culmination of world-renowned musicians who provide a star-studded line-up.

Now in its eighth year, this proudly South African event will be hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the fourth consecutive time. The event runs for two days on Friday 30th and Saturday, 31st March 2007.

Ticket Prices are R290 for a day pass and R430 for a weekend pass and the programme includes music workshops, a community concert on Green Market Square, a photographic exhibition, the South Atlantic Jazz Music Conference, a lineup of world-class artists and much, much more.

This is one event not to be missed and if you are keen for more information visit www.capetownjazzfest.com

Photo essay - old pics of GP and OK

View from Signal Hill of Green Point Common and Cape Town Harbour showing Breakwater.

Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town.

Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town.

Junction of Annandale and Upper Orange Streets, Gardens, Cape Town.

SECURITY UPDATE

A few simple rules to keep you safe.

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, wherever you may be. Do not allow yourself to be taken by surprise.
• Always trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave immediately and call for assistance if necessary.
• Choose busy streets in which to walk; avoid alleys or other secluded areas. At night, walk in well-lit areas whenever possible.
• Try to never walk or jog alone, take a friend or neighbour along for company.
• When exercising alone, always ensure that a friend or family member knows your route and/or your schedule.
• Get to know the neighbourhoods where you live and work. Find out which shops, restaurants and other businesses are open late and where, if necessary, assistance can be sought.
• Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip. Likewise, avoid being pick-pocketed by carrying your wallet in an inside coat/jacket pocket or front-trouser pocket.
• Stand tall and walk with confidence. Try never to show fear. Avoid looking like a victim.
• When approached by a stranger/s, be on guard and keep your distance. Even if they appear to be neatly dressed and well spoken, do not allow them into your personal space as they could strike.

News you can use

Got a Gripe? The Complaints Department is Open.
This list of consumer helplines covers typical complaints.

Is that TV ad is out of line? Did the tax man make a mistake? Is the builder not up to code? Have you been unfairly blacklisted and are unable to get a credit card? Now you can reach the right person or organisation with your complaint. Below are the numbers for the most typical consumer complaints.

• Advertising: The Advertising Standards Authority is available on 011 781 2006, fax 011 781 1616, e-mail complaint@asasa.org.za, or at PO Box 41555, Craighall 2024.
• Banks: Contact Neville Melville, ombudsman for banking services, on 011 838 0035/38/39, send a fax to 011 838 0043, share-call 0860 800 900, e-mail info@obssa. co.za, or visit www.obssa.co.za
• Builders: The Master Builders' and Allied Trades' Association has jurisdiction over its members only. Call 021 685 2625, fax 021 685 2622 or send e-mail to margot@mbawc.org.za
• City Council: The ombudsman for the City of Cape Town is Mbulelo Baba on 021 400 5486, fax 021 400 5952, or send e-mail to ombudsdirect@capetown.gov.za
• Consumer rights: The Office of the Consumer Protector is on 0800 007 081 or 021 483 5735, fax 021 483 3483 or send e-mail to rwindvogel@pgwc.gov.za
• Credit bureau: The Office of Credit Information ombudsman Manie van Schalkwyk will investigate complaints about being incorrectly or unfairly blacklisted. Call him on 0861 66 28 37, fax 011 388 8250, e-mail ombud@creditombud.org.za, write to Postnet Suite #444, Private Bag X1, Jukskei Park 2153, or see the website www.creditombud.org.za
• Debt collectors: Complain to the Council for Debt Collectors if a registered practitioner's conduct is doubtful. Call 012 804 9808, fax 012 804 0744 or see the website www.debtcol-council.co.za
• Dentists: Call the dental ombudsman on 0860 11 33 34 between 8am and noon.
• Electricians: Contact the Western Cape Electrical Inspection Authority on 021 987 3010, fax 021 987 3083, or send e-mail to inspectors@wceia.co.za or write to PO Box 163, Cape Gate 7562.
• Funeral services: For funeral insurance problems, contact the Financial Services Board on 0800 11 0443, phone 012 428 8000 or fax 012 347 0221.
• Furniture retailers: The Furniture Traders' Association can be reached on 011 789 6770/1/2, fax 011 789 6645, toll-share 0861 99 88 77, send e-mail to furnifriend@zanet.co.za or write to PO Box 1084, Pinegowrie 2123.
• Health care practitioners: Lodge your complaint with the Registrar of the Health Professions Council on 012 338 9300, fax 012 328 4895 or 012 338 9419, or write to PO Box 205, Pretoria 0001.
• Income tax, PAYE, UIF, VAT, Customs: The South African Revenue Services monitoring office is on 0860 12 12 16, fax 012 431 9695, or visit www.sars.gov.za

Most consumer helplines ask that you put your complaint in writing. Remember to include your full name, postal address and all contact details.

Sourced from the Cape Argus, February 12, 2007 Edition 1 at http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3673918

The Technical Operations Centre (TOC) of the Water & Sanitation Department now also has an e-mail address.

You can e-mail all Water & Sewer related emergencies to the TOC: WaterTOC@capetown.gov.za or phone the Share Call Number: 0860 10 30 54.

PLEASE NOTE: The TOC does not deal with Municipal Account Queries. The City's Corporate Call Centre is responsible for the receipt and processing of Municipal Account Queries.

Dates to diarise
March

The Community Chest Carnival
Date: 1 - 3 March 2007
Venue: Maynardville, Wynberg
Tel: 021 424 3344

Global Breakthrough - Music
Date: 1 - 3 March 2007
Venue: Various in Cape Town
Tel: 082 29 43 407

Everybody Else - Comedy
Date: 1 - 3 March 2007
Venue: Baxter Theatre, Cape Town
Tel: 021 685 7880 or 083 567 8989

"Original Cape Art" - Art Exhibition
Date: 1 - 5 March 2007
Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Tel: 021 553 3313

Investec Private Bank Polo Showdown
Date: 3 March 2007
Venue: Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West
Tel: 021 422 0390

Barry Hilton - Comedy
Date: 3 March 2007
Venue: Paul Cluver Amphitheatre, Grabouw
Tel: 021 844 0605

Lighthouse Abseil Challenge
Light Up Children's Lives
Date: 3 - 4 March 2007
Venue: Slangkop Lighthouse, Kommetjie, Fish Hoek
Tel: 021 785 4358

Cape Town Festival 2007
Date: 4 - 24 March 2007
Venue: Various in Cape Town
Tel: 021 465 9042

Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge
Date: 7 March 2007
Venue: Boschendal Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Tel: 021 884 4752

Standard Bank Pro20
Cricket Series: Nashua Cape
Cobrasvs Nashua Titans
Date: 7 March 2007
Venue: Sahara Park - Newlands, Cape Town
Tel: 021 657 2089

Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay
Giro Del Capo
Date: 7 - 10 March 2007
Venue: Cape Town
Tel: 021 685 6551

Westlife
Date: 9 March 2007
Venue: The River Club, Observatory
Tel: 0861 121 333

Tri Nations Track Challenge
Cycling
Date: 9 March 2007
Venue: Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town
Tel: 021 557 1212

Swartland Marathon
Date: 10 March 2007
Venue: Moorreesburg
Tel: 022 433 1895

Appletiser Summer Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch: Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
Date: 11 March 2007
Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
Tel: 021 799 8783

Chris Chameleon - Music
Date: 17 March 2007
Venue: Theatre@thepavilion (previously Imax), V&A Waterfront
Tel: 021 419 7661

Cape Town Opera: Athol Fugard/Thomas Rajna's Valley Song
Date: 17 - 24 March 2007
Venue: Joseph Stone Theatre, Athlone
Tel: 021 410 9800

Appletiser Summer
Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch:
The Rudimentals
Date: 18 March 2007
Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
Tel: 021 799 8783

Trans CAPE - Art Exhibition
Date: 24 March - 2 May 2007
Venue: Cape Town
Tel: 021 488 3064

Classics in the Air - Music Concert
Date: 25 March 2007
Venue: The River Club, Observatory
Tel: 021 797 5335

Chatz Cellular Golf Day
Date: 30 March 2007
Venue: Mowbray Golf Club
Tel: 021 447 6020

Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Date: 30 March - 31 March 2007
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Tel: 021 422 5651

Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK)
Date: 31 March - 8 April 2007
Venue: Oudtshoorn
Tel: 044 203 8600

Our partners

Important numbers

Police Services - 24hr Emergency
101111

Fire Station - Emergency Services
021 535 1100

Ambulance
10177

Mountain Fires
021 423 3210

Disaster Management
021 483 9272

Snakes
0824937713

Metro Police
021 596 1400

Motor Vehicle Licence Department
021 400 2487

Traffic Department (Accidents / Towing etc.)
021 406 8700

Roads and Storm Water (Cape Town)
021 425 3310

Electricity
021 590 1535 /021 424 1331

Water Pollution
(chemicals/poison etc.) 021 557 2226

City Health Department
021 421 0161

Refuse / Black Bins / Collections
021 462 4414

Call Centre - (black/wheelie bins)
0860103089

OranjeKloof
24 hour patrol vehicle - 021 423 9191
24 hour control - 021 421 0885

Green Point
24 hour patrol vehicle - 082 214 3228
24 hour control - 021 421 0885

CID Head of Operations - Marc Truss on 082 560 0684
Oranje Kloof CID Manager - Mike Reeler on 082 411 7778
CID Security Manager - Marius Swanepoel 082 922 1832