DOCRRA’s days are numbered

A handful of people attended the highly advertised DOCRRA meeting last Thursday evening at La Montagne, which left councillors baffled and community members at a loss.

DOCRRA chairman Louis Luyt emphasised the importance of the ratepayers taking responsibility to make things happen and that the common Ballito apathy is harming the town.

“Instead of always blaming KDM, we should help solve problems by picking up litter on the pavement and making sure the sidewalks are neat and trimmed outside our homes,” he said.

Luyt spoke about issues such as the lack of capacity, saying that Ballito is growing too quickly. He believes the planned mega mall will add too much pressure on the already overloaded substations.

This statement got a lot of nods from the 30 odd people in the room, with a general sentiment that the mall should not have been approved before electricity developments are finished.

Water has been the ongoing topic of concern on the Dolphin Coast and was rehashed once again, however Luyt was optimistic that water will flow as long as people stick to stage four restrictions.

The still controversial UIP issue was encouraged at the meeting, as both Barbara Shingler and Luyt said it would make a huge difference.

“Residents should see the UIP as insurance for their investments,” said Shingler.

“The UIP will push the town services up, meaning residents will see results quicker.”

The financial statements showed that DOCRRA was not doing too badly, with nearly R300 000 in the bank.

The main purpose of the meeting however, was to select the new committee members, as Luyt and Shingler were ready to hand over their seats to fresh blood after ten years of service.

“If no one steps up for the new committee, DOCRRA will cease to exist,” said Luyt in an attempt to encourage volunteers.

This however did not go as hoped and after various pleading attempts by Luyt, Shingler and Malcolm Hubner, four people eventually volunteered for the committee.

It was clear at this stage that DOCRRA is in serious trouble and without drastic changes to get the support of the community back, they are doomed to disappear.

“We need to find a more creative solution to get community drives going,” said Simbithi resident, Glen McCall.

The evening ended with six new volunteers for the DOCRRA committee: Deon Botha-Richards, Pam Mills, Daniel Wyngaardt, Angela McCall, Dave Charles and Kwanele Ngcobo.