Alternate arrangement for the RWRA 2020 AGM

Over the years RiverWel Residents Association (RWRA) has been holding its AGM at Weltevreden Park Primary School in October, however this year with the coronavirus threat RWRA was unable to use their hall.

Due to the exceptional circumstances, the committee did not reject the alternate proposal to submit a brief Chairman’s report of the past fiscal year, plus a couple of proposals, to members via email, which was met with majority approval.

“Community Support Services (CSS) continue as our longstanding provider of proactive and reactive security, and alarm-monitoring response.

“They have introduced a light, manned caravan, which is moved around and parked in hot spot areas which they cover, and have a number of security accessories which they can quote on.

“Their presence has assisted in arrests being made, and crimes being thwarted, and their collusion with ER24’s efficient paramedics is certainly a comfort,” said RWRA Chairman, Kevin Thomson.

RWRA recently organised a river clean-up, with Honeydew Police, SAPS Mounted Unit, CSS, committee members and a handful of members in attendance.

The idea was more of a security initiative, to address the festering vagrant situation just down the river of the Cornelius Road Bridge.

“There was a large amount of illegal movement in our area during lockdown and immediately afterwards, which was reported, and eventually actioned upon by Honeydew Police.

“It has just been alleged by a resident that this activity of purchasing some sort of beverage has resumed.

“Our SAPS Sector Manager, W/O Makhura will be informed via Honeydew CPF, as it would appear that the action taken had little effect,” said Thomson.

The association’s lighting project started off along the Wildebraam/ Jim Fouche Road reserve, but hit severe problems with bad weather, power outage surges and earthing.

It is currently on hold, but RWRA has heard from Councillor David Brand, that after years of submissions by the Ward 126 committee, on which some of the RWRA committee serve, Council has finally approved lighting from Landhuis Street to Beyers Naudé Drive.

According to Thomson, their Crime Groups continue to serve well, unfortunately with a few delinquent and time-wasting comments, which is terribly frustrating to those who actively monitor the groups for useful crime-related info.

In the new year, the committee will be looking to refurbish some sections of palisade, starting with the sections next to the Cornelius Road Bridge.

During the severe stages of the lockdown the RWRA was in the fortunate position to assist a number of households with food parcels, gas (donation from a member), airtime and hot water, and made a number of arrangements to assist with membership fees.

“Any member is welcome to propose a new committee member, who is comfortable with the proposal, and who would be most welcome.

“In conclusion, I wish you all well during this uncomfortable time, and I thank my committee for hanging in there,” concluded Thomson.