GEORGE NEWS - At the monthly council meeting on 26 July several important decisions were taken, the most salient of which are:
• Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC): Council afforded the three smaller political parties - the ACDP, Icosa and FF+ - the opportunity to nominate one representative to serve on the MPAC. Opposition parties declined this offer, saying the DA and ANC could have allowed the committee two more members that would have allowed all of the opposition parties representation on the committee.
ACDP councillor Jeanette Gouws argued that the committee may consist of nine members. Councillor Petrus Lechaba was nominated by the ANC to take up the remaining seat.
• Lease and management of the Point Caravan Park: Despite arguments against the recommendation, it was agreed that council will proceed with the tender process that will result in Point Caravan Park being leased and managed by a private party.
Opposition parties took a strong stand, arguing that there should be no haste with the decision.
ANC shief whip Councillor Jovan Bruinders asked that the decision stand over until such time as feedback on the query by National Treasury is received.
He asked that further opportunity for public participation be given, considering that the majority of meetings were conducted during working hours.
The Democratic Alliance and African Christian Democratic Alliance supported the recommendation, with the other opposition parties voting against it.
• St Blaize hiking trail: Several improvements were approved along the hiking trail and council expressed its gratitude towards the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and neighbourhood watches for the initiative they have taken to safeguard this valuable tourist attraction.
• Security cameras: Council approved a recommendation for permission to allow the Mossel Bay Community Policing Forum to test and install licence plate recognition (LPR) and overhead cameras within five approved neighbourhood watch areas, namely Bo-Dorp, Onderdorp, Heiderand, Tarka and Da Nova.
Permission was also given to use existing light poles for the cameras and council will provide the electricity free of charge as the service is in the public's interest.
The ANC called for the cameras to also be made available in other crime hotspots, saying that the areas where the pilot project will be launched cannot be regarded as crime hotspots. Deputy executive mayor Councillor Dirk Kotzé gave the assurance that the intention is to make cameras available in other areas as well.
• Street names - Sonskynvallei: Council approved several new street names for Sonskynvallei, as well as a name for the proposed new road that will connect the magistrate's court with Milkwood Street. This new street will be named Worsboom Street.
• Beneficiary selection criteria for Louis Fourie Corridor housing project: Council approved a recommendation that backyard dwellers will receive preference as beneficiaries for the proposed new housing project along Louis Fourie Road.
Since the project was first mooted, council intended that the project should benefit backyard dwellers on the housing need database.
A specific selection criteria was approved to achieve this objective.
The ANC and Icosa congratulated the housing department and the director of planning and integrated development, Carel Venter, on a job well done. Mayor Harry Levendal stressed that the recommendation reflects strong political leadership.
• Souwesia: Council agreed that further negotiations are required on the future of Souwesia.
Delegated powers were given to the mayor; councillors Cliffie Bayman, Anton Dellemijn and Niklaas Booisen; the municipal manager, Advocate Thys Giliomee; and relevant municipal employees to conduct these negotiations.
The possibility of a referendum will be discussed by this committee. Following the negotiations and possible referendum, a full report with recommendations will be tabled before council for a final decision.
• Future development of Dias Beach housing on erf 3991: It was unanimously decided that approval be granted for the alienation of Erf 3991, Dias Beach, by means of a tender process. Council noted that the required public participation process was followed, and that the objections received would not be upheld.
• Recess: Council will be in recess until 11 August.
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