LIFCO reflect on a successful year and look forward to increased growth

Little Falls Residents Association (LIFCO) held its annual general meeting in its flagship park on May 13.

The meeting was an opportunity to provide members with a suburb status report and plot ways to continue to enhance their community. In its 11th year of official registration as a non-profit organisation, LIFCO remains grounded in its two core tenets, the safety of residents and preserving the quality lifestyle of those living in Little Falls and Strubens Valley.

LIFCO chairperson, Claire Fauchet, gave her introduction, thanking the committee and members for their hard work.

“I feel a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation to all the people who have served this community of Little Falls and Strubens Valley. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to those people whether they are a part of of our organisation or not,” said Claire, who has been at the helm of LIFCO for roughly 10 months.

The AGM is an important exercise in proving transparent financial compliance. Detailed financials will be available to members but Claire reported the NPO’s finances had seen growth of roughly 25%. However, the funds available were still short of the desired amount that would help them refurbish the dam wall that helps to create the tranquil surroundings of the park.

“Our goal is to increase our contributing membership base to continue maintaining and beautifying the two entrances to our suburb as well as fund small and bigger projects,” said Claire.

Contributions from members were not only financial, as Claire explains, “We have started a skills-based database to utilise the skills, talents, and resources which lie within our community”.

Ward 85 councillor, Zonè Hughes, explained the boundaries of her ward and took questions on the Hendrik Potgieter Road saga and other service delivery issues. BCI Security’s Paul Catlett discussed neighborhood cameras, which he confirmed were being monitored, as well as local and national security issues. Paul noted how load-shedding was a main driver of crime in the suburb and urged residents to be extra vigilant during the blackouts.

Claire thanked the key role-players for their consistent and accurate communication, as well as the members who form the backbone of the LIFCO community.

Striving for a more active community that embraces the area’s possibilities, Claire concluded, “I hope at some point we can transcend our beliefs, ideologies and culture to come together and create a unified force within our neighbourhood.”