EDITOR – In response to the article in 19 Oct’18 Berea Mail, page 5, UIP potential for Glenwood, I would like to comment. James Prosser and myself have been fighting the inception of a residential UIP in this area since 2003. I get fuming!
Why should we have to always be on the alert to stop this happening. The majority of us are struggling to make ends meet without continually having to worry about this additional cost burden. Go to the Umhlanga website search for the UIP and see how costs have escalated from inception 2011 to date. You will fall off your chair. I dread to think what we would be paying now.
Take note, it is very easy to introduce but once introduced it is extremely hard to stop, so don’t consider it. Only 66% vote required – if successful, and even if you didn’t vote for it, you will receive the additional amount to pay on your monthly rates account as a Special Rating Area SRA. Currently this SRA portion on your Annual Rates Assessment has a nil balance (,0000). You are locked in and have no further say despite your financial situation.
They can increase their funds without you having any say in the matter. We have to all support each other in this, we cannot just leave it for the few. We have to stop this happening. We have to let everyone know that we do not want a residentual UIP in our area.
We all realise crime is grave in S.A. but the committee must find alternate methods to stop it, not going the route of wanting to introduce a residentual UIP into our area. We cannot afford the costs. This committee must start thinking of residents and the extremely high cost of living in South Africa. Don’t give us additional cost burdens.
All this letter is basically saying is please do not be complacent. You can listen and read all the issues and then make up your own mind and do what you want. But ensure all your questions have been answered satisfactorily. Keep your freedom of choice by making your own decision.
Lorraine Fouquereaux
Glenwood
* Letter shortened – Editor
Chairman of Glenwood Community Watch responds:
I take note of the comments and also do not like the idea of increasing rates either. The fact of the matter is out of say GCW sector 800 houses in the Glenwood footprint and the meeting notice in the press, FB ,WhatsApp and emails , only 30 people attended the GCW community meeting with a few apologies. The GCW is a volunteer organization with only 25 patrollers at present and we are carrying the load. The GCW did not propose the idea (it is a private initiative) but I do support it because of the above facts. I am always amazed by some of the criticism that we hear , but my question to residents who complain is; are you part of the Solution or part of the Problem.
We are looking for people who are the former and welcome any constructive engagement with them. As for the UIP, a business plan is being formulated and will be issued for comment. It is however the communities right to decide.
Guy Perrins
Glenwood Community Watch
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
