EDITOR – With local government elections now part of the not to distant past, posters should be down, political aspirations set aside and we as a community should embrace the newly found enthusiasm to clean our town.
This positive approach is certainly welcomed and no less by the few who have already over the past years diligently given their time and expertise to clean certain areas that extend well beyond our beaches to include railway stations, taxi ranks, businesses areas, open space or hidden illegal dump sites.
Those wishing to participate are encouraged to contact Denzil van der Westhuizen from Clean Surf Project on 082 802 3353 or Romy Wenzel from Sapphire Coast Tourism on 083 733 6468 or councillor André Beetge on 082 718 8138 for information on existing cleaning projects or guidance on how such projects are to be approached or conducted on municipal or public property.
In addition law enforcement officers will be tasked to prosecute for illegal or irregular signage, unpermitted roadside or sidewalk trading and other infringements that include the nuisance and behaviour in public places bylaw.
Metro police have further been requested to concentrate on irregular driving, unroadworthy vehicles, parking infringements and similar bylaw contraventions.
Parks department has already commenced with tree cutting and weed spraying. Verge cutting has started and DSW will be extending the permanent workforce by employing temporary personnel in a effort to clean the streets.
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Business licensing and health departments are tasked to visit businesses to confirm compliance and health regulations and to prosecute where it is not being adhered.
Building inspectors and town planning officials have been requested to inspect building sites and prosecute rubble hoarding on sidewalks. Roads and water departments have been tasked to remove asphalt and material spoils after repairs and to speed up reinstatement after work is completed.
The responsibility to create an acceptable and viable living environment rests not only with officials or elected representatives, but with each and every individual who lives in and shares the values of a community.
Ask not what your government can do, but instead what you yourself can do to improve your environment. We look forward to meeting some new faces as we endeavour to get the job done.
CLLR ANDRé BEETGE
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