Sub-council 7 discuss leaks, lack of security

LIZAHN WENTZEL

Councillors passed an urgent motion at Monday’s Sub-council 7 meeting to halt the removal of security guards at sport and recreation centres in Fisantekraal and Morningstar, due to budget constraints.

Proportional representative councillor Koos Bredenhand said ditching the guards would cause big problems for the centres in the area.

He referred to the vandalism that had happened at the sports ground in Ward 101, following the removal of security guards there.

“The budget needs to be reconsidered and this matter needs to be taken further,” he said.

Lauren Schreuder, from the City of Cape Town’s sport and recreation department, confirmed security would be removed.

“We have been notified about the removal of security services at the Fisantekraal and Morningstar centres. Security guards at other local sports and recreation centres may also be removed,” she said.

* Councillors voiced concern about the continuous spills and water leaks in Station Road, Fisantekraal. Drains were blocked again at the weekend, causing water to overflow in the road.

Maurice Russia, principal environmental health practitioner for the Northern District, told the sub-council meeting they once had people on the ground to monitor the situation, but no longer. “Members of the expanded public works programme (EPWP) were withdrawn from the area due to budget cuts,” he said.

He agreed that this was a huge concern and action was needed.

“We have recently appointed three people, who need to undergo training. Our inspectors are also in the area on a weekly basis to conduct inspections,” he said.