Local Government, Environ-mental Affairs and Development Planning
It was revealed during an oversight by the Standing Committee on Human Settlements on 20 June 2022 that the Overberg District Municipality will be undertaking a high-mast lighting project to protect the safety of residents in informal settlements in the Grabouw area:
(1) Whether the Overberg District Municipality has implemented the project; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) (a) when is this project be excepted to be completed and (b) what are the (i) specifics and (ii) projected outcomes thereof;
(3) how will the project help to guarantee the safety of residents in informal settlements?
[1] Whether the Overberg District Municipality has implemented the project; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
The Joint District and Metro Approach [JDMA] is a geographical district and team based, citizen focused approach, with a single implementation plan that provide developmental initiatives and government services to the people. The Overberg JDMA Implementation plan, led by the Overberg District, identified catalytic priorities in the Overberg Region to be addressed through the JDMA process.
One such priority was the installation of High Mast Lights in informal settlements in the Grabouw area. This project was prioritized due to the positive social impact it will have on the safety of communities in the Grabouw informal settlement.
[2][a] A total of 5 by 20m and 5 by 30m masts lighting were installed. The project was completed on 31 March 2021.
The total spending on the project was R2 490 417.69 inclusive of VAT.
The high mast lights were installed in the following informal settlements in Theewaterskloof Municipality:
|
Name of Informal Settlement |
Amount and size of high masts lighting installed |
|
Siyazenzela |
3 x 30m |
|
Kutsong |
2 x 30m |
|
Irak |
1 x 20m |
|
Beverley Hills |
2 x 20m |
|
Rooidakke |
2 x 20m |
[3] The following outcomes were achieved by this project:
- Adequate area lighting within the area improving safety of the community throughout the night.
- Job opportunities.
- Improvement of the lives and dignity of citizens in the community.
Statistics received from the South African Police Services [SAPS] shows the following improvements in safety identified for the period from 1 April 2021 till March 2022 as a result of the High Mast Lightning Project:
- Property Related Crimes - deceased with -2.24%;
- Crimes Dependant on Police Action for detection - favourable increase with +74.6%;
- Robbery Aggravated - decreased by -18.18%.
