Councillor Thiart to submit development needs of her ward for inclusion in Kouga IDP

Barry Vosloo

The Ward 3 Committee met recently to identify development needs of their ward. Ward Councillor Henda Thiart will now submit these needs to the Kouga Municipality for possible inclusion in their Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

The IDP must align the resources and capacity of the municipality with the implementation of the plan. IDPs form the policy framework and general basis on which annual municipal budgets must be based.

The most pressing needs in Ward 3 include proper maintenance of streets and storm water management. Thiart said that counsulting engineers have assured her that the road infrastructure is in reasonable condition but is weakened by poor storm water management. The Kouga Municipality will therefore be urged to make money available for the construction of proper culverts and drains to prevent water damage to private homes and streets.

The third priority is having the water quality and its delivery upgraded. Thiart pointed out that residents are annoyed because their water supply is often disrupted. The situation is made worse because tap water is dirty for a long while after a breakdown. She insists that the municipality should make money available for a hydrological survey and replacing old water pipes that cannot bear the excessive water pressure caused by gravitation in Ward 3.

Other issues that affect Ward 3 residents are the poor state of access to the beaches, dirty beaches and public toilets, the need to recycle glass and plastic, the poor condition of the children’s section of the local library, and upgrading the whale viewing site in Plane Street (click here to access a previous post in this regard).

The Ward Committee also articulated the need for a number of capital projects that concern all Jeffreys Bay residents, not only those living in Ward 3. These include a household waste transfer station and weigh bridge, upgrading the sewerage plant, and establishing a manned fire station in the town.

Finally, the Ward Committee expressed its appreciation and support for the worthy efforts of the Surf Foundation to upgrade Lower Surfers Point at their own expense.