news

AGM REPORT BACK

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:49:28 +0100

Residents attending the recent Prince Albert Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association’s (PARRA) AGM heard much encouraging news from Chairperson Barbara Castle. This past year, she said, had been an improvement on 2011 in that the Association had been able to enjoy the ‘open-door’ policy now favoured in the Municipality.

Ms Castle listed a number of areas in which PARRA had been successful, including the cementing of relationships with members and local government. The Association had lobbied for transparency in Municipal and Council spending, taken up account problems on behalf of owners, given input at Integrated Development Plan meetings, raised issues of expenditure not budgeted for and continued to encourage the municipality to use SMS as a tool for notifying residents of water restrictions, power outages, public Municipal Meetings, etc.

PARRA is dealing with the confusing changes in municipal procedures & charges for sewerage removal. Residents are encouraged to bring their concerns to the attention of Incident Manager, Nicole Wicomb, on 023 5411 014.

A small change was made to point 9c of the PARRA Constitution, doing away with the need to nominate new committee members in writing ten days before the AGM and streamlining that to "a show of hands" at the AGM.
The committee also got members' approval to make ad hoc cash donations to local projects and initiatives that would benefit the broader community of both the north and south ends of town.

Guest speaker Councillor Isak Windvogel sketched the history and development of the Prince Albert Thusong Centre ... one of many such centres countrywide, designed to bring government closer to the people. (Thusong = getting together). Access to national Departments of Home Affairs, Labour, Health, Social development and others would now be easier.

Ms Castle closed by thanking the current committee, saying it had been a rewarding experience to serve with them. She also thanked Mayor Lottering for his advice on thorny issues ... Cllr Bower for always taking the time to listen and to give positive feedback ... Linda Jaquet for attending meetings at short notice to bring us up-to-date on Community Policing Forum (CPF) matters... and Heinrich Mettler for straight answers to PARRA’s, often difficult, questions.

The current committee was returned en bloc and subsequently elected the following office bearers - Barbara Castle: Chairperson, Kelly Cloete: Vice-Chairperson, Hugh Forsyth: Treasurer, Eric Ahrens: Secretary along with André Goosen, André Jaquet and Barbara Gorniak. Residents are welcome to raise their concerns with committee members at any time.

The Association thanks the Prince Albert Friend for the excellent job it does of serving the community and extends its congratulations on a hundred years of dedicated reporting!

MUNICIPAL FINANCES & WARD COMMITTEE REPORTING

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:49:49 +0100

The 2012/2013 Municipal Budget

July 1^st marked the beginning of the new municipal financial year. And a look at the budget makes interesting reading. The total operating budget is R46,4 million (rounded off) of which nine million is for capital expenditure and a surplus of R3 200.00 is expected. Just over half the budget, R23,7 million, will come from the Provincial and National treasuries.

The poorest of the poor will be subsidised to the tune of R2,7million. Municipal employees’ wages will account for R11,13 million (around 30% of the total budget) - slightly down from last year. Income from rates and services is expected to be about R18,6million with a payment rate of 90%. At the end of June 2011 R5,5million was owed to the Prince Albert Municipality (PAM) in outstanding accounts. And of that, R3,5million had been outstanding for more than three months. Deceased estates are a contributing factor in that the deceased’s municipal accounts are not closed off. Surviving family members, are encouraged to contact PAM’s accounts’ department on such matters. The good news is that, despite hard times and rising costs, outstanding payments has increased by just 2% over the 2011/2012 financial year. So the PAM is grateful to those who pay regularly and on time every month.

Expected income from traffic fines is R2.6million, but almost immediately wiped out by councillors’ remuneration of R2,17million. Due to a lack of funds, only R1,2 million has been allocated to repairs and maintenance... a situation that council hopes to remedy sooner rather than later. Direct income from the sale of electricity will be R10,7 million offset by a payment of R6,7million to ESCOM for the service. (Which, sadly, doesn’t mean a fat profit as there are many expenses to be met in the provision of that service.)

Increases in property rates and water are 9,6% and 10% respectively, while electricity will rise by 10% per basic charge and 11,03% for usage. The charge for pre-paid meters will increase by 11,03%.

As you may know, the system of emptying conservancy tanks has changed. In the past residents phoned the municipality to have their tanks emptied and paid accordingly. Now a monthly levy of R91.20 (R80 plus VAT) per household will be charged and tanks will be emptied every month. (A slightly different tariff applies to businesses and guesthouses.)

Some areas of Prince Albert have been on the waterborne system for a few years, and the monthly levy for that will increase by 7%. The PAM anticipates that the whole town will be put onto the waterborne system eventually as detailed in the current Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The cost of this is huge but would be met by provincial government.

Ward Committee Reporting

Make a note that Barbara Castle represents members of this Association on the Ward Committee, and will raise issues with the relevant ward councillor on behalf of members.

After each monthly Ward Committee meeting Barbara will report back on projects under discussion and progress on members’ issues. To communicate quickly and directly with members email is the preferred channel. So please make sure we have your address by mailing pa.rra@iafrica.com with WARD COMMITTEE in the subject line. Upcoming Ward Committee meetings are scheduled for 7^th August and 5^th September.

So do let us have your concerns, or suggestions for improved municipal service delivery – as well as how you think the issue might be resolved – as soon as possible.

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:47:52 +0100

Eighteen months ago many residents were concerned about local government’s finances, municipal accounts, service delivery shortfalls, etc. There were even rumours that Prince Albert Municipality was facing bankruptcy.

But a lot has changed since then and this Association has been assured that municipal finances are sound and healthy. The number of queries pertaining to municipal accounts has dropped dramatically, although there are always bound to be a few. Residents are paying their accounts regularly for the most part and a number have made arrangements to ‘catch up.’ The letter of demand that went out a few months ago referring to unpaid/overdue accounts – puzzling to some and offensive to others – has apparently had a positive effect... the municipality’s cashflow has improved considerably!

Those who do not/ have not paid their electricity accounts, after notification, are cut off at the rate of up to 100 homes and businesses a month. Tough times are affecting many people, and there have been a few prosecutions for electricity theft. The ideal situation would be for every resident to have a pre-paid electricity meter installed and even a pay-as-you go water meter system. This would make administration easier and minimise losses.

Electricity outages are still a problem from time to time, but as is well known the equipment is old, (spares have to be custom-made and can’t be bought off the shelf) and sometimes it is not our Municipality’s fault but that of ESKOM.

Anybody who visits the rubbish dump will agree that it is (a) not a pretty sight and (b) filling up rapidly. The Municipal Manager, Mr Heinrich Mettler, has informed the Association that in the new financial year – which began on 1 July 2012 – certain machinery will be repaired and used for the vastly improved management of the dump.

The management of the water supply and the quality of our drinking water have been given high marks (on the Blue Drop scale) and we are assured that what comes out of our taps is potable by any standards. The sewage plant is working well and with the strong sunlight in our area, results are satisfactory and also measure up well to ‘Green Drop’ standards.

The Thusong Centre, standing empty and incomplete, at the North end of town is viewed by some as a ‘white elephant.’ It certainly has had its delays but will hopefully come into operation in the very near future. Whereas the Municipality owns the two building on either side of ABSA Bank, the Thusong Centre will operate on a conditional grant, bringing state departments to the community. And there are also plans for job creation projects to be funded by national government.

Municipal accounts and rates will be payable at both the present finance office and the Thusong Centre. Social Services and the office for All-Pay will be located there and a community learning centre is planned. At some stage Home Affairs may also have an office in those premises though, for now, demand does not warrant it and a twice-a-month visit by a mobile ‘office’ serves the needs of the community.

FRUITLESS EXPENDITURE

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:45:22 +0100

An article appeared in the February/March issue of the Friend on the considerable expenditure by councillors on travel. Attending workshops, conferences, study programmes and the like are all part and parcel, it seems, of the heady business of being a councillor.

You might think that us residents and ratepayers are poised to benefit by way of having our councillors more learned than they were before. And thus able serve us more cost-effectively, more efficiently and, perhaps, even more professionally

But if this is the aim of all those workshops, ‘business’ meetings and out-of-town jollies then we are not getting our moneys’ worth. Because there are seldom report-backs, no solid evidence (agenda, minutes, etc) that the individual did indeed attend whatever it was and no visible improvement in efficiency.

Meetings are still cancelled at the last minute. Agendas do not go out timeously. And the Minutes, if they ever appear, are produced so long afterwards that it’s almost impossible to track actionable items.

Councillors serve the ratepayers and residents of Prince Albert. And as such should carry out their duties in a transparent and accountable way. They need to make decisions that are in our best interests from within a democratic framework that relies on frequent consultation with community members, ward committee members, and organised interest groups.You need to know what your taxpayer’s Rands are being spent on by way of travel, conferences, workshops, etc. And, most importantly, you need to know how you, your family or your community stand to benefit.

Raadsvergadering Notules, Rekeninge en Volstruisvlei Ontwikkeling

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:43:06 +0100

Notules van Raadsvergadering beskikbaar in die biblioteek

In belang van deursigtigheid het die Burgemeester en Raadslede reëlings getref om die goedgekeurde notules van Raadsvergaderings in die Munisipale biblioteek beskikbaar te stel. Lede van die publiek is welkom om Raadsvergaderings by te woon, maar omdat hulle soms baie tyd in beslag neem, is hierde reëling gerieflik vir díe wat hulle nie kan bywoon nie.

Dit is net reg dat inwoners ‘n belang het by hoe die dorp bestuur en hulle belasting bestee word. Hierdie notules sal ongeveer ‘n maand na die betrokke vergadering beskikbaar wees. Dank aan Teresa Hendriks-Wagenaar, die notuleklerk, wat sal verseker dat inwoners ‘n beter begrip sal hê van wat in die Raad aangaan.

Municipal Accounts

In the last issue of the Friend, the Mayor wrote an explanatory letter to calm the fears of some residents that the Letter of Demand, sent out recently, meant that all services would be terminated if accounts were not paid by the new due date. In an interview with PARRA, the Municipality’s Finance Division thanked those who have paid and others who are paying off their accounts. Those residents who are behind with payments could make arrangements with the Municipality to pay overdue balances in instalments.

PARRA has learnt that the change in the due date of accounts by the Municipality has had positive results. People are now paying their accounts promptly and the Municipality’s cash flow situation has improved.

Proposed Volstruisvlei and Golf Course Development

We have registered as a body, on behalf of members, with Sharples Environmental Services (SES) as in Interested & Affected Party (I&AP) regarding the above proposal. The development includes a scheme for 66 single residential erven for medium income dwellings (‘gap housing’) on the present golf course. And also 174 erven situated around a proposed new golf course on the town side of the old Waterkop development.

With the town’s water supply and current municipal services already under pressure the proposed development is proving controversial. If you have any concerns please let us know and we’ll raise them with SES.

A Christmas Message

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:41:16 +0100

Another year to rest is laid,

Another year of taxes paid,

And how we wonder if they’re spent

To the best of our intent.

It will forever be the work of the Prince Albert Ratepayers’ & Residents’ Association to ensure that Prince Alberters’ money is used in the most effective and economical ways possible... and in ways that will benefit our many different communities.The past few months, since our Annual General Meeting on 29^th September have seen a pleasant change since this time last year. Contact with the previous municipal council was infrequent and seldom productive, and not many wrongs were put right.

However, after the May 2011 municipal elections there was an air of optimism as newly elected officials declared their intentions. It was plain that they intended to be transparent in all their duties and to do the right thing for the whole of the municipal district.

Verskeie van ons lede het Munisipale vergaderings bygewoon en was aangenaam om 'n duidelike gees van samewerking tussen raadslede en amptenare te sien. Party politiek – gif aan die goeie van enige gemeente – lyk na 'n agterste sitplek geneem het. Konstruktiewe debat, goeie idees, vooruitbeplanning en wyse leiding van Burgemeester Lottering, beteken goeie nuus vir ons dorp. Dit lyk asof ons kan uitsien na 'n stabiele en goed-bestuurde vyf jaar, en dat ‘n gees van goeie buurmanskap sal seëvier as beamptes toeslaan meer ernstig op laat nag feesvierders, onwettige drank verkope en soneringoortredings.

Several of our members have attended municipal meetings and were pleased to observe an obvious spirit of co-operation between councillors and officials. Party politics – poison to the good of any town – seem to have taken a back seat. Constructive debate, good ideas, forward planning and wise guidance from the Mayor Lottering, mean good news for our town. It seems we can look forward to a stable and well-managed five years, and that a spirit of good-neighbourliness will prevail as officials clamp down more severely on late night revellers, illegal liquor sales and zoning infringements.

Now is the time that some residents drift off to the coast to enjoy the cooling waters of the Indian Ocean. While others stay home to water their gardens and welcome friends and family for a festive Karoo Christmas. But whether you’re going, staying, or just visiting our Association wishes you a peaceful festive season and all good things for 2012.

Repairs to the Swartberg Pass

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:13:56 +0100

Derek Thomas, Dick Metcalf and Judy MacGuire attended the Tender meeting held at the Prince Albert Municipality toward the end of April (open to anyone). It was well attended by a group of contractors intent on putting in bids. The closing date for bids was 17 June 2011.

Gravel will be sourced from the quarry close to Prince Albert (behind the sports ground) because no further quarrying will be allowed on the pass or from the quarry near the foot of the pass.

A minimum of 25% of the labour costs have to be allocated to local labour. Training of local labour is built in to the contract, as is surveillance by a recognised heritage body. Prince Albert Municipality will act as the ‘clearing house’ or focus for the project but the money is coming from the Provincial Government and it is specifically for repairs to the north side of the pass – from Die Top down. It is the intention to repack the top clumsily packed parts of the walls and re-engineer the drainage and surface of the pass.

MacGuire reports, "I have not heard who has been awarded the contract, but no doubt we will hear in time."

Rateypayers' & Residents' Association Annual General Meeting

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:46:00 +0100

As the weather begins to warm up and September is upon us it is time, once again, for the Association's Annual General Meeting.

We represent all residents and ratepayers of the Prince Albert Municipality. And in order to build awareness of the Association in the broader community we have changed both the starting time and the venue. Hopefully it will be easier for working moms and dads, as well as those without ready transport, to attend the meeting... and hear about what the Association can do for them.

Membership is still only R20 for the whole year and can be paid at the Hall between 5.45 and 6pm. And, remember, to cast your vote for office bearers you will need to be a fully paid up member.

So this year the meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 13th, 2011 at 6pm in the Sydwell Williams Hall. As a bonus we have secured Mayor Goliath Lottering as the Guest Speaker and are sure that what he has to say will be of interest to each and every one of us.

The Agenda follows the usual format including an address from the Chairperson, a brief overview of what the Association does, a report from the Treasurer and the election of office bearers. And with the addition of Mayor Lottering, who will share his vision for the Prince Albert Municipality during his term of office, the evening promises to be an important one.

We wish you all the best for a waterwise summer ahead and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 13th September at the Sydwell Williams Hall.

PARRA Executive Committee

A BRIGHT NEW DAY

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:39:52 +0100

Hope for the future and expectations that tomorrow will be better than yesterday are all part of the natural optimism thatfills post-election Prince Alberters... including the Prince Albert Ratepayers’ & Residents’ Association (PARRA).

Shortly after the results of the recent Municipal Elections were announced it seemed likely that Goliath Lottering, leader of the Karoo Gemeenskap Party (KGP), would be heading up the new band of Prince Albert councillors. This prompted the Chairperson of the Association, Barbara Castle, to request a meeting with him at his earliest convenience. Bucking the usual trend, Lottering opted for a meeting that very Sunday afternoon at the offices of his Advies Kantoor, together with Isaak Windvogel, also of the KGP.

At the meeting Mr Lottering thanked Ms Castle for taking the time to meet on a Sunday and indicated that he was positive about the prospect of working with the PARRA. He made it clear that there could be a valuable exchange between the council and the people of this municipal district.

All of which is excellent news... leaving the Executive Committee of PARRA feeling that we are about to see a bright new day.

And, with an almost entirely new Municipal Council in place and sincere promises of an effective and transparent administration, we’re entitled to feel positive about the future of our municipality. Although there remains a hefty weight of unfinished business and matters still to be dealt with (some of which go back a year or more) the committee is confident that, with the current administration, these issues will be resolved within the next few months.

There are still concerns about municipal accounts, though fewer than before, and you are encouraged to approach the municipal officials concerned in order to rectify mistakes. This applies particularly to incorrect accounts being credited with payments, which can happen when properties are made up of several erven.

Although PARRA cannot undertake to deal with the individual concerns of its members it can, and does, act as an intermediary with the Municipality once all the usual channels have been exhausted. Members are encouraged to keep a ‘paper trail’ putting a complaint or query in writing, noting down times of phone calls, dates of visits to municipal offices, names of officials contacted, and making copies of letters received and sent. All of which carries far more weight than a mere verbal account... which is often difficult to prove.

We look forward, with a sense of real excitement, too supporting wise local governance, protection of the environment, responsible land development, acceptable rates’ increases, sensible spending of tax-payers’ money and the general well being of the town and its inhabitants.

To this end PARRA has paid for a year’s subscription of the Prince Albert Friend to be delivered to the soon-to-be-appointed Municipal Manager. Not only do we hope that this will be an ongoing perk of the job but we believe that it is one of the best ways of keeping in touch with the ebb and flow of life in the Prince Albert district.

PARRA Executive Committee

MEC delves into Prince Albert Municipality

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 11:21:06 +0100

Quinton Mtyala reporting in the Cape Times of Friday 4^th February

"The former manager of the Prince Albert municipality is taking her case to the Western Cape High Court.

“This comes in the same week in which Local Government MEC Anton Bredell dispatched a team of specialists from his department and the Development Bank of Southern Africa to the embattled municipality.

“Former municipal manager [Juanita] Fortuin was suspended on January 3 and was awaiting a charge sheet when she received a notice last week that she had been dismissed.

“'I’ve resisted attempts to appoint people who were not suitably qualified and for which there was no budget,’ said Fortuin.

“For this, she claims, she was sidelined by the politicians at the municipality.

“’When I got there (just over a year ago) their (administrative) systems were in disarray, but later I managed to gain the trust of the local community and ratepayers’ association.’

“Fortuin says she has been appointed to a position in Kannaland, another municipality which has been operating without a permanent municipal manager since last year.

Kannaland Mayor Nicky Valentyn said the municipality’s lawyer was still compiling charges against its suspended municipal manager, Kenny de Lange, over suspected financial irregularities.

Meanwhile, six months after he was suspended, Swellendam’s municipal manager, Nico Nel, is still awaiting a disciplinary hearing.

“Itha Taljaard, chairperson of the Swellendam Ratepayers Association, says Nel had opposed a bid by a property developer to have the municipality pay for infrastructure required to connect to bulk works and the road network.”