Organisation reports on progress in Marloth Park
The past year was a tough and challenging one for the Marloth Park Property Owners Association (MPPOA), but not without its achievements.
MARLOTH PARK – Members of MPPOA gathered at Henk van Rooyen Park on April 15 to discuss the year’s issues and successes during the annual general meeting.
The meeting was led by outgoing chairman, Denis Goffinet, who thanked all the volunteers and volunteer groups for their time and money, while trying to make Marloth Park a better place for all. Members who donate extra on a monthly basis to sponsor MPPOA fees for those who cannot afford them, were also thanked.
A special mention went to outgoing secretary, Liz Balaam for her dedication.
Goffinet mentioned a few problems over the past year, including a sexual attacker who terrorised the town and was seen as the greatest threat to Marloth residents’ safety in many years. A suspect was arrested and is in police custody while the trial is conducted.
READ: Residents demand no bail for attack suspect
Service issues with Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM) continue to be a challenge as well as the MPPOA database which is outdated and not functional.
Successes include a new state-of-the-art water-treatment plant which was installed, is operational and will be monitored.
The water reservoir will finally be covered by the end of May, which will increase the water quality.
MPPOA’s attorneys were briefed on all the issues NLM has not attended to over the years and the municipality responded on several counts. Notices were issued to property owners who transgressed by-laws.
READ: Marloth Park’s pet-banning by-laws are finally enforced
The 30-year-old landfill is being rehabilitated into a transfer station and the process should be completed at the end of June.
READ: Rehabilitation of Marloth Park dumping site soon to be under way
The town-planning department has also been accommodating, and several letters were sent to property owners who contravened building regulations.
An assessment of Marloth Park’s fauna and flora status was undertaken by Ralf Kalwa in March and will be released in the next few days.
Members of the Marloth Park Forum have also applied to become a buffer zone with SANParks.
“We have challenges ahead, as does the rest of our beloved country, but united together by our passion we will achieve and make this association bigger, stronger and more capable to improve and protect our investments in Marloth Park,” Goffinet stated.
A new committee was also chosen. Denis Goffinet is the chairman and James de Villiers the vice-chairman. The rest of the committee is Christoff Kritzinger (treasurer), Alison Fitzgerald (waste management and wildlife), Koos Pienaar (technical), Mike Norton (marketing and communications), Evan Powell (IT), Louise Marais (safety and security) and Mark Fox.
Non-resident representatives are Stan Newnham, Julie Hanson, Rene de Schouwer, Anton Schutte and André Grove.
