In proposing solutions for the vexing issue of compromised  water infrastructure on 19 April at Kleinmond, the following was noted:
1. The need for crisis management via a 'swat team' approach to pipe-bursts.
2. Complaints must be logged by residents to the relevant OM dept or emergency number or hotline.
3. The Mayor proposed a halt on densification in this Ward 9 and 10 area to reduce infrastructure pressure
4. Consolidation of the rationale for the wholesale replacement of water pipe infrastructure from a technical perspective.
5. The negative impact of interrupted supply to commerce and tourism.
6. The problem of a moratorium on 'roll-over' annual budgets at the national level.
7. How the remaining R29.4m for water infrastructure should be spent.
8. A piecemeal approach would allocate money to one area at a time until complete.
9. More crisis teams needed to be employed to deal with stronger demand.
10. Funneling less urgent budget allocations to water.  No new funds so need to switch for priorities
11. Recent drought should remind consumers of the urgency of curbing the 45% water loss through ageing pipes.
12. The Mayor concludes that ward councillors should motivate the urgency of streamlining expenditure for rehabilitation and uitimate replacement of water infrastructure.

Dear fellow Rooielsers
 
There will be a public meeting at Kleinmond Hall at 18:00 on 26 April 2022 (as circulated on the Rooiels Communications WhatsApp group) which is for feedback on the IDP and Budget (see our last Ward feedback).
 
We await the official Minutes of the Ward Meeting on 12 April chaired by the Mayor. Below are notes from those who attended and from perusal of the Budget documents for 2022/2023.

1. We have protested the lack of a detailed operational budget relevant to Rooiels and we will be raising it again at the meeting on 26 April with the Mayor. Strong representation has also been made on the necessity of budget for stormwater drainage and for roads and water infrastructure.
2. A few points to note if you have not had a chance to read the IDP and Budget:
   1. There will be a 4% increase in Rates and a 4.9% Increase in water for the 11 – 18 Kl bracket
   2. There are other increases varying from 4.8 – 5.67% for waste dumping and sewerage and an increase in land use planning fees.
3. New initiatives or projects can only be added to the next IDP which will be for the five years 2023 – 2028. We need to start considering the required inputs to that process.

We have sent in strong representation that we need to have the Ward 10, and more specifically the Rooiels component, of the budget allocation to see what is included for stormwater drainage, roads, water and other services. We have also sent in a request to change the IDP that incorrectly reflects that 1.2 ha of one of the smallholdings should be zoned for subdivision. 
 
There appears to be much confusion over the concept of rewilding. Rooiels already embodies these principles: to keep as much of the area as natural as possible to promote biodiversity and a natural ambiance. This is what attracted most people to Rooiels. It enhances wellbeing and increases property value, as places which allow us to live close to nature become increasingly scarce.
 
The term rewilding in its purest form means going back to the wild. But in urban and agricultural settings it has become associated with encouraging natural plants and ecosystems that support local biodiversity. You can read about rewilding principles on the Website or in the REWild Bulletin for sale in the Village Shop.
 
Regards,
RERA EXCO​

Two representatives from Rooiels attended the meeting on 15th March 2022.  This summary report is compiled from their notes.  A Mailchimp will go out to all Rooielsers as soon as we receive notification that the Draft Budget is available.