In the last few months, we’ve been working hard on our most important goals all to make our community a safe, rich urban environment where our community can thrive.
Here is what we have achieved so far:
The saying goes that ‘Great floods flow from simple sources’ and as we prepare for the harshness of the howling gales and pelting rain that make up Cape Town storms, we couldn’t agree more. Many of us are more conscious of the pivotal role that winter preparation plays in city management and what the lack of it can look like as demonstrated in the aftermath of the 2022 KZN floods.
“A combination of terrain challenges, insufficient or ill-maintained infrastructure and increased population density are the main contributors to flooding problems,” says Gene Lohrentz, CEO of urban management company Geocentric.
Here is how we are making sure we are ready to weather the storm:
Creating a clean eco and economically friendly environment:
Did you know that according to the Waste 2020 Market Intelligence Report, the Western Cape created between 138 278 and 162 138 tonnes of plastic waste in 2019? This much plastic equates to an estimated market value of between R473.8 and R631.7 million that is simply not being tapped into because of the manpower and infrastructure required to sort it at scale.
We help turn our trash into cash and create additional value out of waste products by bridging the gap between the litter on the street and the recycling plant. Cleaning and sorting as we go into our appropriate wheelie bins to be recycled directly from the drains and gutters of our streets.
But it is not only our drains. We also sort the content of the public litter bins. We service these bins daily and the plastic bottles, cups and cans are now removed and recycled where possible, instead of sending everything to a landfill.
New Weather Stations:
2022 marks the final rollout of our weather stations. These are vital in monitoring rainfall intensity, giving us information on potential flood areas so that we can preempt pumping them. In our busy districts, the weather also impacts how much accident monitoring we do and helps us ensure we have enough staff to keep infrastructure damage to a minimum and avoid road blockages and closures.
Taking an upstream approach to ocean conservation
As part of our winter preparedness programme, we haul out all sorts of items from our waterways. This allows heavy rains to safely run along the contours of the land, into the rivers and eventually the sea.
We consistently intervene to keep our drainage system healthy and prevent waste from entering our stormwater runoff systems by methodically cleaning our drain catch pits and drain inlets. Just before winter, we ramp this service up as part of our winter preparedness programme.
Importantly this cleaning means heavy rain runs away from buildings and infrastructure. Preventing damage as much of the cost of flooding is due to the impact that items carried by the water have.
So what happens to all the litter we remove?
You guessed it, most of the litter removed is plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans which are separated and earmarked for recycling.
Trimming the Trees
Every month we carefully trim the trees in our area and report major tree issues to the Recreation and Parks Department and relevant property owners. By professionally caring for our trees before our wind direction changes we prevent any dead, diseased or damaged branches from falling onto people, cars, electric fences, vehicles, and properties. It also serves to help clear any branches that may be blocking lights, alarm beams and security cameras to make sure criminal activity is kept to a minimum.
Here is what you can do to help us and yourself this winter
- Clear the clutter from your gutter so the water can run off to a stormwater drain safely.
- If you do not have additional water tanks ensure your water is draining to stormwater and not sewage drains. To direct rainwater into the sewage system is illegal and can land you with a heavy fine.
- The maintenance of security cameras is just as important as installing them. Dust carried by our winds builds up on the lenses turning into the mud with the first rain and making any evidence not admissible in court so it is best to clean them before the rains start.
While no individual raindrop ever considers itself responsible for the flood we all have a responsibility to pull our weight. Our work forms an essential preventative measure that results in environmentally responsible and sustainable prevention of weather-related challenges such as traffic congestion, property damage, and power outages.
If you notice any weather-related issues please communicate to our Community WhatsApp Group below.
If you have any concerns to report, please contact one of the following numbers:
10111 – SAPS (South African Police Services)
107 – City of Cape Town Disaster Management
021 565 0900 – Geocentric Control Room
0800 872 201 – Give Dignity Initiative
As we approach the Easter weekend many families are looking forward to much needed time spent bonding over easter egg hunts and delicious lunches. However, as we all travel to our destinations, the days leading up to Easter weekend see many more motorists driving further in the first rains of our wet season.
As we set off in these conditions, we urge all motorists to take extreme caution and increase their awareness of the common causes of accidents and other road-users safety.
Here are our top tips for travelling safely this Easter weekend.
Check your vehicle.
Many accidents happen due to vehicles not reacting to a driver’s delayed response If you are travelling in heavy rain, use the brightest setting for your head and tail lights to improve visibility. Ensure that your wiper blades are in good condition as spray from other vehicles reduces visibility considerably so take extra care when overtaking or being overtaken. Braking is significantly impacted by the tread on your tyres so make sure you have sufficient tread. If you experience car trouble, turn on your hazard lights as bright as you can, set up additional warning signs if you have them in your car and pull off the road. Remain seated inside the car especially at night, as glare from your hazards may make it difficult for oncoming traffic to see you.
For more information on how to check your vehicle watch the Arrive Alice video below
Leave early and take breaks.
Due to the increasing amount of vehicles on the road drivers should leave earlier and be prepared for delays on the roads during poor weather conditions. This will help you avoid any abrupt acceleration, excessive speed and sudden steering movements which are the main culprits of accidents. Additionally, adjust your speed and following distance – five to seven seconds to break – to ensure that you can stop safely.
Drivers’ fatigue – caused by long-distance driving after a long day at work or a late night – is also a major contributor to fatal accidents. Emotional stress, lack of sleep, boredom and sun glare all cause fatigue so make sure to get a good seven hours of sleep before you travel. Additionally, for most of us, our sleep-wake cycle is set to be resting between 2 am and 6 am so try not to travel in these low light early hours of the morning.
If you are tired, stop and have a rest. Signs that you are too tired to drive include your eyes shutting, daydreaming, swerving, crankiness, restlessness and frequent yawning or eye rubbing.
Remain aware of other road users.
Last year, approximately 35% of the people who died on the roads over the Easter long weekend were pedestrians – making them the group most affected by accidents. Please remain aware of the sides of the road, particularly when travelling between towns as many people hitchhike to see their families. In areas of particular interest, there will also be signs alerting you to remain vigilant. Once you have spotted a pedestrian, slow down and give them lots of space until you have passed them fully as those who have consumed alcohol are likely to make dangerous decisions. If you can, plan to avoid driving in low light conditions as these combined with bad weather make other road users far more difficult to see.
Do not drink and drive – at all.
According to the new amendments in the National Road Traffic Act, anyone caught with blood that has an alcohol content of more than 0.05% will be arrested, charged with Driving Under the Influence of Liquor and held in custody until they can post bail if bail is not denied. Depending on your record, and the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you face the loss of your driver’s licence, a criminal record, a minimum fine of R2 000, a two-year prison sentence, or all of the above.
To put 0.05% into perspective any more than 350ml of beer, or a single tot of Brandy puts you over the limit with these levels of alcohol remaining in your system for up to eight hours after consumption.
Be aware of the signs of other drivers who may be drunk around you, such as weaving between lanes, accelerating and braking erratically or displaying delayed responses. If you think another driver is intoxicated, put more distance between yourselves and them as quickly and safely as you can. Please also report it by contacting the City’s Law Enforcement, Traffic and Coordination Department by calling 021 480 7700 or the National Traffic Call Centre on 086 140 0800.
By making sure we have road safe vehicles, taking our time getting where we are going, respecting the pedestrians on our roads and never getting on the roads intoxicated we ensure that all of us can enjoy safer roads this Easter.
Headlines From The City
City’s budget will do more to clean up our Mother City
City serious about diverting organic waste from landfills
Comment on the City’s draft Integrated Development Plan 2022 – 2027
Featured image credits : <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/photos/green-road’>Green road photo created by 4045 – www.freepik.com</a>
Cape Town’s fire season occurs from November through to May which are our hottest, and driest months. Together with our beloved south-easterly “Cape Doctor” – which adores clearing our city of pollution – these arid conditions create ideal opportunities for wildfires to spark and quickly rage out of control.
From our homes and businesses to our beloved Table Mountain National Park, there are various organisations in place to manage fire safety and intervene both to avoid fires and to control them when they happen.
It’s true that fires are a part of the South African landscape and occur naturally in grasslands, woodlands, fynbos, and sometimes in indigenous forests. However, there has been a disastrous loss of natural diversity in our fynbos ecosystem and an invasion of Australian wattles, Eucalypts and Mediterranean pines. Now, our fires burn hotter for longer and each fire destroys more than the last. Meaning it’s more important now than ever to actively keep your home, family and business safe and to protect the life and value they hold.
Home and Work Checklist for Fire Safety
- Ember-proofing any area, requires the removal of all flammable plants up to 7m from a building, as well as overhanging branches. Checking and cleaning gutters and roofing for debris is important too.
- Always remember, your safety is first and if you are not properly trained, call for assistance.
- Make sure that all your insurance documents and other important documentation are backed up securely to the cloud.
- Assign tasks to staff and run fire drills so that everyone is prepared in an emergency.
- If you need to stay and help fight fires, cover your head, nose and mouth and protect your eyes with goggles. Wear good shoes and gloves.
- If you have access to water, wet the roof and gutters to stop hot ash from burning the roof.
- Keep grass cut as short as possible as it helps slow the fire.
- Keep a hose pipe rolled up and ready.
- Keep fire extinguishers around that are regularly maintained and train your staff on how to use them safely and correctly.
Other interventions that you can implement on a larger scale include considering your construction materials if you are remodelling and supplementing them for fire-resistant alternatives. You should also ensure full continued compliance with all local and national fire safety codes and think about installing fire protection systems such as overhead sprinklers.
Unfortunately, despite all the precautions, a fire can happen to any size business at any time. That is why protecting your employees and your property should be a top priority. Following the above steps will help you avoid any fires breaking out and minimise fire-related damages. While there may be no such thing as truly “fireproof,” these guidelines are an excellent starting point for safeguarding your business.
Additional Resources
Preventing fires in the Western Cape
City of Cape Town – Basic Household Fire Safety
Fire is Everyone’s Fight Toolkit of guidelines and posters with lesson plans
Sanparks – Fire management / Table Mountain National Park Fire Management Plan
Contact information for the Fire and Rescue Service Department
- 24-hour emergencies: 107 (landline) or 021 480 7700 (cellphone)
- General fire safety enquiries: 021 590 1971 / 021 590 1975
- To report a fire : Hotline: 086 110 6417 or The City’s Regional Fire Control No: (021) 590 1900
As we charge into 2022, there is undeniable trepidation surrounding the new challenges and triumphs the year will bring. This year we will continue to create an urban ecosystem that is safe, accessible and inviting to all the workers, visitors and community members of our district. As in years before, we are unwavering in our commitment to the property and business owners of our area and intend to consolidate and elevate our services based on the successes of last year.
In 2022 we strive to:
- Create a safe and clean public environment by addressing issues of maintenance and by cleaning our streets, pavements and public spaces.
- Increase public safety through proactive visible patrolling and by supporting the efforts of the SAPS, City of Cape Town and private security providers.
- Manage existing and new public infrastructure for the future benefit of our community members.
- Decrease property-related crime to protect community members through our security-related partnerships and to protect property values to attract new investment to the area.
- Support the promotion of the businesses in our area by implementing urban greening, promoting energy efficiency initiatives, widening our recycling networks and bettering our risk and disaster management services.
- Support and promote social responsibility in the area and assist with the management and upliftment of people living on the streets.
- Encourage the maintenance and upgrading of private properties and public spaces in the area.
We believe in the heart of our institution that the challenges we face are not insurmountable.
Together with the City of Cape Town, our partners, outreach initiatives and local business owners, we will continue to strive towards reinvigorating our urban environment. Ultimately, together we can create a stable, safe, clean area that is prosperous for our community both economically and socially.
Headlines from the City
The City of Cape Town warns to be aware of scammers posing as electricity officials to gain access to your wallet and home. All officials will have an identification card with the City logo, with their name and surname and a photo. If you have any doubts call the COCT on 0860 103 089 to confirm their ID and work order number.
The City of Cape Town urges their suppliers to be cautious of fake Request for Quotation (RFQ) emails sent to them, as if it is being sent from the City. Please report any suspicious emails to the City for further investigation.
Struggling to pay your rates and taxes? The City of Cape Town has a wide range of financial relief options available. To learn more, click here.
The Strand Business Improvement District NPC will be hosting its Annual General Meeting and all stakeholders are invited to a review of the year’s activities and planning for 2021/22.
Date: 4 November 2020
Time: 15:00
Venue: Friedman and Cohen, Corner of Main Road and Wesley Street, Strand.
Resolutions presented at the AGM can only be voted on by bona fide members of the Strand Business Improvement District NPC (See Membership List). This membership is available free of charge to all owners of commercial and industrial property within the Strand Business Improvement District footprint, but they must be registered before 28 October 2020.
Please confirm your attendance / non-attendance by email to info@strandbid.co.za. If you are not the registered owner of the property, kindly forward this notice to the registered owner immediately.
DUE TO THE COVID-19 REGULATIONS ON PUBLIC MEETINGS WE WOULD LIKE TO URGE YOU AS MEMBERS TO RESPOND AND BOOK YOUR SEAT FOR THE AGM
IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE AGM WE URGE YOU TO USE THE PROXY FORM ATTACHED AND AVAILABLE ON THE STRAND BID WEBSITE – AGM PAGE TO PROVIDE FOR A REPRESENTATIVE OR MANDATE THE CHAIRPERSON BY PROXY TO REPRESENT YOU AS A MEMBER
WE NEED TO ENSURE WE HAVE A QUORUM FOR THE AGM
Please confirm your attendance / non-attendance by email to info@strandbid.co.za by no later than 28 October 2020
• Attendees need to print their own documents as prints will not be available at the meeting.
• The Minutes of the previous meeting, Annual Financial Statement will be displayed but not handled by attendees.
• All persons must have their hands sanitised on entering the venue.
• All attendees to wear a mask.
• Attendees must adhere to social distancing requirements during the meeting and if possible have one open chair between attendees.
• All attendees to bring their own pen for the signing of the attendance register.
For further information, AGM documentation and how to register go to www.strandbid.co.za or e-mail info@strandbid.co.za or call 021 565 0901
Apply for a new bin
The registered property owner or property managing agent must download and fill in the Supply of Services Application Form (English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa). Please ensure that you fill in all the sections related to refuse removal.
If you are renting, you will need to submit a letter of authority from the property owner or managing agent with your application form.
Click Here to guide.
Replace a stolen or damaged bin
If your bin has been stolen, you will need to report the theft of your bin at the nearest SAPS office to obtain an affidavit.
Click Here to guide.
In an effort to continue keeping this special seaside town inviting to both residents and visitors, Strand BID has partnered with an exciting new initiative called Future Strand.
While the BID will continue the good work its been doing with keeping the streets clean and safe, Future Strand wishes to nurture a renewed sense of community within the town.
To celebrate the launch of our brand new SBID x Future Strand website, we’ll be running a special photo competition for everyone who loves this special seaside town as much as we do! We’re looking for beautiful images that capture the magic of Strand – summery beach scenes, spectacular sunsets, the hustle and bustle of […]
SBID Important Info
Annual General MeetingsSeptember 1, 2018 - 5:09 pm
DocumentsSeptember 1, 2018 - 5:07 pm
Log an incidentSeptember 1, 2018 - 3:47 pm
WaterSeptember 1, 2018 - 3:43 pm
