NEWSLETTERS

16 May 2015

UMDONI POINT DEVELOPMENT

Please see below the Final PRRA Submission to Environmental Solutions re Umdoni Point:

Final Umdoni Point.pdf 1.8 MB

01 April 2015

PENNINGTON RATEPAYERS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION is not affiliated with any political party or other Ratepayer organisation. Our prime activity is to liaise with Council to get the best value for the rates we pay. We encourage residents to play their part in keeping our Village at its best; taking pride in the appearance of their properties and obeying by-laws.

Communication

Issues raised via Gmail - penningtonratepayers@gmail.com or telephone – 039 975 2145 – are collated and passed on to the relevant municipal departments. We have not had many complaints or comments since our last newsletter. The speed limit signs need to be replaced on Pennington Drive and the contractors sign needs to be removed. This has been bought to Council’s attention.

UMDONI POINT DEVELOPMENT

A new application for the development of a retirement village has been received and applicable documentation has been posted here:

Aliceville Farm Pennington.pdf 2.1 MB

Aliceville Vegetation Report_June 2014_Corrected 2.pdf 1.3 MB

Aliceville Wetland Delin-Final revised 1a.pdf 1.3 MB

Assessment of changed developments at Umdoni Point 2014 05.doc 1.4 MB

Engineering Report - Kantey & Templer (Pty) Ltd.pdf 1.9 MB

ENGINEERING SERVICES REPORT (Houseman).pdf 106 KB

FINAL Umdoni Retirement Node.pdf 1.8 MB

There is a single hard copy at the Library…. We look forward to your comments which should reach us by mid-April at the latest please. In a recent meeting with the newly appointed Technical Services Manager, we were able to raise some of the more pressing issues that have been brought to our attention. He is prepared to listen to our suggestions and is aware that we have amongst our residents, many who have knowledge and experience in the relevant disciplines. In this regard we need your help with expertise in respect of issues around roads and traffic flows, sewage and water services, and infra-structure matters generally. We have to make informed comments and your Committee is asking those of you with such expertise to please come forward and contact us as a matter of urgency.

Annual General Meeting

This is planned for Saturday 25th April at 10am at Relton Hall. A notice will be sent out shortly.

UGU District Municipality

Dolphin Drive Pump Station

An article appeared in the Mid South Coast Mail 20/3/15 written by the Editor describing the ongoing story of incompetence and mismanagement by Ugu Municipality and the frustration of Pennington Residents. To date there is no change - work remains suspended and UGU Management has not reacted to our urgent approaches.

The Water Situation

Another dry spell - As of 31 March EJ Smith Dam is 68.05% full and Umzinto Dam is 77.8% full. Please use water sparingly – we are facing a “green drought” which is caused by insufficient rain after a long dry period.

Umdoni Municipality

We are aware of numerous allegations of financial impropriety in the press. We will look for information where we can but basically these are issues for the Umdoni Councillors to tackle.

Keep Pennington Clean

Council have appointed a new contractor and although the verges are being cut it is not happening on a monthly basis. Residents should consider maintaining their own verges because, if enough residents can do this we could suggest to Council that a verge cutting contractor may not be needed and these considerable funds can be put to better use maintaining the roads.

The Conservancy’s recycling project continues to be a success. Please do participate – collect your recycling rules and bags from the Pennington Superette.

Pennington Drive Walkway

Council have been made aware of the need to clear the weeds from the paving along the walkway, prune back overhanging branches and encroaching shrubbery.

The Tidal Pool

This is full of water although not very deep. The sea is washing the excess sand out and we hope this will continue through the Easter Holidays.

Ward Committee

Our representative attends these regular meeting to raise issues with our councillor and report back on the results. There has been nothing new to report.

Five Year Integrated Development Plan

(IDP) Each Municipality prepares a plan for projects that require capital funding from provincial and National budgets. We have submitted three proposals for inclusion.

In response to residents’ concerns about flooding in low lying areas, a proposal for the rehabilitation of ground and surface water drainage in specific areas of Pennington has been submitted.

A second proposal is for the erection of a bus shelter and ablution block at the top of Pennington Drive – this and the reinstatement of the traffic calming/speed humps will complete the second phase of the Pennington Drive and walkway project.

A third and urgent proposal is for the resurfacing of roads in Pennington. If successful this will be phased in over the five year period.

General:

Pennington Crime Watch Meetings

The crime watch committee has been formalized and will be introduced to the community at a special Community Police Forum meeting at Relton Hall on the 7th of April.

The proposed and current crime prevention initiatives will also be communicated to the community at the same meeting.

Monthly meetings will be held at 16:30 on the first Tuesday of each month in the library activities room.

Pennington Crime Watch website has been created http://pennington.za.org

15 WhatsApp street groups are in operation. We still need volunteers for Palm/Syringa, Shad, and Marion/Adrienne/Savell areas. Crime statistics and important information will regularly be shared on the street groups.

Signboards for Pennington Crime Watch will be put up at Pennington Drive, Dolphin Drive and Barracouta Bend to replace outdated neighbourhood watch signs.

Relton Hall: Pennington Recreation Club:

The Club is continuing to run the Hall at a profit, organising markets, events and private hire plus the general maintenance of the hall for our village activies - yoga, line dancing, karate, badminton etc.

Membership

Welcome to those of you who have joined our Association and thanks to those who have encouraged others to join. Please pass the membership form at the end of this newsletter to your neighbours.

18 December 2014

Festive Road Closures

We have been advised by the SAPS that there may be road closures at Pennington Drive on 26th December and 1 January. Please carry your rates or water/light account to identify yourself as a resident if stopped.

Jane Downey

CPF Pennington

December 2014

Communication

We have not had many complaints or comments since our last newsletter. The speed limit signs need to be replaced on Pennington Drive and the contractors sign needs to be removed. This has been bought to Council’s attention.

UGU District Municipality

Dolphin Drive Pump Station

  1. Work has been ongoing but the site is more complicated than anticipated.
  2. But of much greater concern is UGU’s apparent failure to timely settle progress payments. This is placing continuation of the project at risk as the contractors may not resume work after the December Builders’ Break which commences end this week.
  3. Even if the payment issue is resolved this project will in any event now extend into 2016…. If the payment issue is not resolved we, as a Community, will have to consider what action to take.

The Water Situation

This has definitely improved since the rains finally arrived! As of 9 December EJ Smith Dam is 39.43% full and Umzinto Dam is 100% full.

Umdoni Municipality

Keep Pennington Clean

The council contractor is continuing to do a good job cutting verges and clearing drains. He does tend to leave the bags of grass on the side of the road for too long but they are collected eventually!

The Conservancy’s recycling project continues to be a success. Please do participate – collect your recycling rules and bags from the Pennington Superette.

Blue Flag Beach

Pennington main beach has pilot Blue flag Status. This is an internationally recognised standard of excellence awarded in the following four broad categories:

  • Water Quality
  • afety and Security - safe swimming beach, lifeguards
  • Provision of Services – toilets and parking, beach cleaners, absence of litter
  • nvironmental Education and information

    • More information can be found on www.blueflag.org.za

    Umdoni Municipality are clearing the sand out of the Tidal Pool at the moment. This is always interesting as it is a fight against the sea and difficult to judge how much sand is washed straight back in! Usually this is successful in the end and we have use of the pool until Easter.

    Ward Committee

    Our representative attends these regular meeting to raise issues with our councillor and report back on the results.

    Integrated Development Plan

    (IDP) Each Municipality prepares a plan for projects that require capital funding from provincial and National budgets. One of our priorities for 2015/16, in response to residents’ concerns about flooding in low lying areas, is the rehabilitation of ground and surface water drainage in specific areas of Pennington. Your representatives attended the meeting in November which covered the water pipeline from Umgeni to Ugu dams which should be operational by end of December.

    Community Policing Forum Pennington Sub Sector Meetings

    are held at 16.30 on the first Tuesday of each month in the library activities room. Our November and December meetings were attended by 10 residents due to the dramatic increase in crime in the past three months.

    We have had a meeting in Scottburgh with the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, Provincial CPF Chairperson, Mr D Mntambo, who have told the Scottburgh Community Policing Forum to rewrite their constitution in line with theirs. PRRA are represented on the committee reviewing the new constitution. The Pennington Sub Sector have been advised by SAPS that they can continue to run as part of the PRRA but that more residents must take part in the meetings. Please support these meetings. It is the only time that you can hear reports directly from SAPS.

    SAPS held a meeting for Domestic Staff sponsored by PRRA at Relton Hall on 27 November. This was poorly attended although we had advertised the meeting to all our members as well as the Pennington Recreation Club members. We did have a few employers attend too but the majority of staff who attended came in their own time after work. We are constantly being told that the crime in Pennington is increasing and “something should be done” but the lack of interest shown by the majority of the population reveals that we all think that crime happens to someone else!

    Criminals are becoming more and more confident and although arrests are being made the punishment awarded by the courts seems to be minimal allowing the criminal to be back on the streets with more ideas in a very short time!

    Historically, we did have a CPF with a satellite SAPS office at the library in Pennington. Crime then dropped, interest in the project waned and the office closed.

    We have set up a WhatsApp group of all those who attended the last CPF meeting and each member is setting up a group in their area where neighbours can report any suspicious behaviour, people loitering or vehicles patrolling. If you would like to join a group or set up one for your area please contact Jane Downey on 083 631 5458.

    Do keep your gates closed and set your alarms. The active period at night is between 11pm and 3am. There are still incidents during the day too. Set your alarm! Cell phones have been taken from the bedside table! There has been an increase in car thefts in the area so lock your vehicles in the garage whenever possible.

    Let the criminals know Pennington is not an easy target!

    Relton Hall: Pennington Recreation Club

    Relton Hall is looking better and events are largely successful putting some money in the bank for future upgrades. Well done to the new committee!

    The Welcome to Pennington sign at the top of Pennington Drive has been damaged in a road accident. This is being dealt with by the Recreation Club and South Coast Tourism but will probably only be fixed in the new year.

    Umdoni Point Development

    Nothing more has been reported on this development other than the Consultant advising further information is still being collected.

    Membership

    Welcome to those of you who have joined our Association and thanks to those who have encouraged others to join. We are keen to keep a liaison between residents and the Municipality for our mutual benefit. Please pass the membership form at the end of this newsletter to your neighbours.

    29 September 2014

    Welcome to all new members! Please help spread the word to your friends and neighbours. The more members we have the stronger we are as your representative to council.

    Communication

    Issues raised via gmail - penningtonratepayers@gmail.com or telephone – 039 975 2145 – are collated and passed on to the relevant municipal departments. We cannot give you any guarantees that all these issues will be resolved … or even dealt with, but we do follow them up …. At times it seems as if we do nothing but complain and criticise so it is gratifying to also receive your reports of good service and positive action that we can pass on to those concerned.

    UGU District Municipality

    Dolphin Drive Pump Station

    The sheet piling to prevent the excavation collapsing is now more or less complete and actual construction work, starting with the excavation, will therefore commence shortly. We say ‘start’ since as yet there has been NO actual construction since Dolphin Drive was first closed…..The current completion date is given as around September 2015 as the site now is more constricted than originally expected.

    Many residents experienced a 36 hour outage last weekend due to Eskom having to relocate a portion of cable at Dolphin Drive to allow the sheet piling to be completed. However the piling exercise damaged a cable that was unknown to the project managers in that it had not been previously identified. Eskom explained this as being part of a ‘looped system’…. We have to acknowledge however that Eskom Staff worked late into Sunday night to get things back to normal.

    The Water Situation

    Pressure has been reduced by Ugu because of the low level of water in our dams with the E J Smith Dam basically empty and the Umzinto Dam standing at just 29% as of September 17th. These are dire issues and we are monitoring the situation very carefully – Residents are asked to be aware of the situation and keep water use to a minimum.

    The Umgeni Water development officer informed us of the current measures to pipe water into the Umdoni area. The South Coast pipeline reaches as far as Scottburgh - The tender for the extension of this pipeline beyond Pennington goes out this month. More detailed information is available on the infrastructure master plan on the Umgeni Water website.

    Umdoni Municipality

    Your committee met with the Municipal Manager Mr Xolani Luthuli and his Heads of Departments on 12 September at the Council Chambers in Scottburgh. This was an introductory meeting and it was beneficial to our new committee to know who we are dealing with and which portfolio is held by each manager. We have been invited back to bring problems that have been reported to us with suggestions on how these could be solved.

    One of the items we will raise is the shortage of staff at Protection Services, who are responsible for the enforcement of bylaws. Illegal dumping and roaming dogs are becoming serious issues. Firework season is coming as is Christmas when we will also need extra police presence on the beach area.

    Keep Pennington Clean

    The council contractor has been doing a good job clearing leaves and removing debris and soil out of gutters and drains. Another team has been repairing drains. Let’s continue to help by keeping our verges and gutters free from litter and by reporting any illegal dumping.

    The refuse collectors must be complimented on doing a good job, often cleaning up after monkeys and dogs have spread the contents of plastic bags over the pavement. Please try to put out your refuse on the day of collection to avoid your refuse being tampered with.

    We would like to encourage more residents to participate in the recycling campaign - congratulations to those who do make the effort - can we ask you to take another step and persuade your neighbours to support this worthwhile Conservancy initiative?

    Blue Flag Beach

    A meeting was called on 28th August by South Coast Tourism at Relton Hall to discuss this with the civic associations of Pennington.

    Pennington main beach has been identified as one of the Umdoni Beaches that could qualify for this accolade! We already have Pilot status. Blue Flag Status is an internationally recognised standard of excellence awarded in the following four broad categories:

    • Water Quality
    • Safety and Security - safe swimming beach, lifeguards
    • Provision of Services – toilets and parking, beach cleaners, absence of litter...
    • Environmental Education and Information.

    Specific details of all the requirements are available on the PRRA Website.

    Blue Flag Status is awarded by WESSA if the required criteria are met at a cost of R22 000 per annum. The Municipality must apply to WESSA and pay the fee to be considered. Managing the standards and complying with the regulations will be their responsibility.

    KZN Beaches already awarded Blue Flag Status :

    • Alkantstrand, RichardsBay
    • Lucien Beach, SouthCoast
    • Marina/San Lameer Beach, SouthCoast
    • Southport, SouthCoast
    • TrafalgarBeach, SouthCoast
    • Umzumbe (Pumula) Beach, SouthCoast

    This is a matter that affects all the residents and businesses in Pennington. We trust that you will be sufficiently concerned and let us have your opinion. A simple reply stating YES or NO will be sufficient to indicate your decision - we will however appreciate any views you have on the benefits or otherwise of this proposal.

    Pennington Drive walkway

    The culvert opposite the Superette has now been completed. We have received many positive comments from residents, visitors and the many pedestrians from Malangeni who use the path daily on their way to and from work.

    Resurfacing of Pennington Drive

    This is really looking good now that the road marking and zebra crossings have been finished. Speed humps will be reinstalled once everything is complete. The Site Office and building supplies are scheduled to be removed from the Municipal ground adjacent to Relton Hall before the Heritage Day Market on 24th September.

    Ward Committee

    Our representative attends these regular meetings to raise issues with our councillor and report back on the results.

    Integrated Development Plan (IDP)

    Each Municipality prepares a plan for projects that require capital funding from Provincial and National budgets. The first phase of the 2015/6 IDP was launched at a forum held on September 18th where each step of the process was presented. We have considered several proposals that would improve the Pennington infrastructure and, at the appropriate stage, will request that they be included in the plan. The upgrade of Pennington Drive and the Walkway, both featured as projects on the previous IDP. One of our priorities this time in response to residents’ concerns about flooding in low lying areas, is the rehabilitation of ground and surface water drainage in specific areas of Pennington.

    Community Policing Pennington Sub Sector Meetings

    are held at 16.30 on the first Tuesday of each month in the library activities room. WO Govender disseminates information from the Community Policing Forum, and responds quickly to queries. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings where their concerns can be raised and safety procedures discussed.

    An increase of vagrants in the area has been noticed. Please do not encourage them by giving them money. The police suggest giving them prepared food such as chips or a sandwich as they are known to trade less perishable food for alcohol or drugs.

    Do keep your gates closed and set your alarms. There has been an increase in car thefts in the area so lock your vehicles in the garage whenever possible.

    Pennington Clinic

    The Department of Health’s Clinic Upgrade Unit has carried out a preliminary assessment at Malangeni. The majority of those who use the Pennington Clinic live in Malangeni and it makes sense to provide for them there.

    This will obviously affect the Pennington Clinic and we have asked to be kept informed. Local residents who require medication from the clinic are reminded that they must see the sister for confirmation of their script before collecting items.

    Relton Hall : Pennington Recreation Club

    A well attended meeting was held in August at Umdoni Golf Club to ascertain the viability of Positive Pennington – the organisation that was formed to promote Pennington on behalf of local business. A committee was to be appointed at an AGM. Unfortunately, only a few attended and the suggestion was made to merge Positive Pennington with the Pennington Recreation Club who are the custodians of Relton Hall. This was approved at the subsequent meeting of the Rec Club committee.

    Umdoni Point Development

    Nothing more has been reported on this development other than the Consultant advising further information is still being collected.

    Scottburgh Beach Front Development

    We are aware that many individuals are interested in what happens in Scottburgh, but as a committee we feel we have no direct involvement in their issues. The PRRA Committee has registered as an interested and affected party so that we can be kept informed of progress.

    Membership

    Welcome to those of you who have joined our Association and thanks to those who have encouraged others to join. We are keen to keep a liaison between residents and the Municipality for our mutual benefit. Please pass the membership form at the end of this newsletter to your neighbours.

    30 August 2014

    Water pressure in Pennington

    We have today been advised by UGU Water management of measures taken due to the low levels of water in the dams and impending drought conditions.

    They are dropping pressure to half a bar lower than the designed pressure in an effort to conserve water. (this should reduce loss through inadvertant leaks in the system.)

    The lower lying areas of Pennington will experience a drop in water pressure - Higher areas may experience problems with pressure during peak hours.

    Households are asked to co-operate in conserving water.

    01 July 2014

    Membership

    Welcome to those of you who have joined our Association and thanks to those who have encouraged others to join. We are keen to keep a liaison between residents and the Municipality for our mutual benefit. Please pass the membership form at the end of this newsletter to your neighbours.

    Annual General Meeting

    This was held at Relton Hall on 29 May. Thank you to all those who attended. Unfortunately, our guest, Mr Luthuli the municipal manager, was unable to attend. He had sent his apologies to our chairman via an SMS but this was only picked up after the meeting. Our Chairman, Jan van Hilten, presented a slide show reporting what your committee had achieved during the year; finances, maintenance and communication issues were detailed and a reference made to crime statistics.

    Residents were urged to take responsibility for avoiding the following issues; ingress of storm water into the sewage system, untidy verges, roaming dogs and illegal dumping.

    The committee was introduced; Jan van Hilten (Chairman), Olive Goll (Secretary), Allan Cooper (Treasurer), Gordon Lennox, Anton Hawkes and Jane Downey.

    Dorian Dowsett was confirmed as a committee member and the present members were unanimously returned. Two additional members were proposed, seconded and duly elected. Michael Eardley and Marcel Verleur are a welcome addition to the committee.

    Mr Gordon Lennox was not available for re-election and was thanked for his contribution on behalf of the PRRA.

    New Committee: Following our first committee meeting after the AGM. Olive Goll has been elected Chairman, Allan Cooper will continue as Treasurer and Jane Downey is Secretary. Anton Hawkes, Dorian Dowsett, Mike Eardsley and Marcel Verleur are members.

    Communication

    Our web site is now up and running: www.penningtonratepayers.co.za . We can give you general information through the regular newsletters but will be able to provide more detail and technical information on the web site. We will also provide links to information that is relevant to our ratepayers – from UGU, Umdoni and other ratepayers associations.

    Issues raised via gmail - penningtonratepayers@gmail.com or telephone – 039 975 2145 – are collated and passed on to the relevant departments. We cannot give you any guarantees that all these issues will be resolved … or even dealt with, but we do follow them up …. At times it seems as if we do nothing but complain and criticise so it is gratifying to also receive your reports of good service and positive action that we can pass on to those concerned.

    Clean up Pennington Campaign

    This effort is intended to be the start of an awareness campaign for residents to keep our village neat and tidy. The council can only do so much in our superb climate where vegetation grows as fast as it can be cut back. Let’s help by keeping our verges free from litter and by reporting on illegal dumping.

    Provincial Department of Transport

    It must be emphasised that the R102 is maintained by the KZN Department of Transport and not the Umdoni Municipality.

    The section from Sezela to Pennington which was completed in 2012 is excellent but the contractors who have been appointed to complete the section between Scottburgh and Park Rynie do not seem to have the same equipment as the surface is completely different without enough tar to bind the gravel to the road! Many complaints can be seen in the local press.

    On the Pennington section, the drain causeway near the entrance to Penvalley has not been satisfactorily repaired and some work has been done above Dolphin Drive to reinforce the edge of the R102.

    These matters have been taken to the Ward Committee by our representative and will be dealt with as a Ward 10 issue by our Councillor.

    UGU District Municipality - Dolphin Drive Pump Station

    A new geotechnical sub-contractor (Wepex) has been employed under the main contractor (Town and Around). Before they can commence with installing the sheet piles dewatering of the area is required. This will be undertaken by an experienced company, Construction Dewatering-Wellpoint. The dewatering exercise is expected to take 2 weeks and the sheet piling a further 2 weeks after which construction of the pump station should commence.

    Umdoni Municipality

    Your new committee is continuing to work with the municipality representatives. We as residents can encourage better service by congratulating on good work done. A lot of the street lights have been replaced and are working well. There is a new contractor cleaning the verges who seems to be doing a good job clearing gutters and cleaning up generally.

    Pennington Drive walkway

    This is nearing completion and already the impression created for the first time visitor is of an extraordinary village with a sense of civic pride. There have been some problems in ensuring a continuous walkway from top to bottom These have now been resolved and the following sections will be tackled immediately: a culvert placed across the small stream at the top of the walkway:, overgrown hedges removed at the bottom so that the path can be continued toward the railway line.

    A pull in area for taxis off the R102 adjacent to the top of Pennington Drive - will be put in place and surfaced level with the road.

    Resurfacing of Pennington Drive

    This has been done with remarkable speed and efficiency. The road marking and final clean up will be done once the walkway is complete and finally, speed humps will be reinstalled.

    Ward Committee

    Our representative attends these meeting on a regular basis to raise and report back on Pennington issues.

    Community Policing Pennington Sub Sector Meetings

    are held at 16.30 on the first Tuesday of each month in the library activities room. WO Govender disseminates information from the Community Policing Forum, and responds quickly to queries. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings where their concerns can be raised and safety procedures discussed.

    A meeting for all domestic staff working in Pennington was held at Relton on 20 May 2014. This was a great success allowing the SAPS to give tips on safety and security both during working hours and at home. This will be repeated annually.

    Please do not encourage beggars, especially children, by giving them money and food. If they are acting suspiciously they should be reported to your Armed Response Company or SAPS. Children should be reported to SAPS as they should be at school. SAPS will refer them to Child Services.

    Job seekers are a constant reminder of how hard it is to find work on the South Coast. However, when employing staff make a copy of their ID book to keep in case of dispute. SAPS in Scottburgh can check this ID for a nominal fee to make sure that your employee does not have a criminal record. If the employee is reluctant to hand over his/her ID and to give permission for you to make the necessary checks then perhaps you should not employ them!

    Pennington Clinic

    Residents who require medication from the clinic are reminded that they must see the sister for confirmation before collecting items.

    Relton Hall: Pennington Recreation club

    The new committee is doing an excellent job upgrading the hall. We congratulate them on all that has been achieved so far. We all need to continue supporting the fund raising functions which are really well presented and a pleasure to attend.

    Umdoni Point Development

    The PRRA have lodged an objection to this development which can be viewed on our web site. Other organisations have also lodged objections and we await a response from the Environmental Consultants.

    29 June 2014

    UGU Water Restrictions

    View PDF document from UGU regarding water restrictions

    29 April 2014

    Proposed Umdoni Point Development

    With assistance from different people we have prepared the attached submission. It explains why we believe the proposal to create a high density retirement village, comprising around 300 buildings of which 88 are to be on the iconic dune adjoining Botha House, should not be taken any further until all the relevant issues and concerns have been satisfactorily addressed. In our view this can only be done through an entirely new Environmental Impact Assessment procedure but, for now at least, we shall have to await the Department’s ruling on whether to go this route or work within the existing ROD, which is why it is absolutely vital that we make our views known now!

    We all, individually, have three options:

    1. Do nothing and let things take their course. Could mean the end of Umdoni Point as we and our visitors know it and, possibly, more sewage problems in Pennington proper in the future.
    2. You as an individual ratepayer and resident submit your own comments directly.
    3. You save and copy the attached document(PRRA response to Umdoni Point Application.docx), affix your name and address at the end and email it directly to Ms Pippa La Cock, Environmental Solutions, at envirosol@webmail.co.za with the following message:

    Quote

    Re: Proposed Development at Erf 1617 Pennington, known as Umdoni Point: As a Pennington ratepayer and resident I wish to be registered as an Interested and Affected Party and I am submitting the attached document as a record of the concerns and issues I wish to be taken into consideration, meaning I want these passed on to the Authorities concerned. Please acknowledge receipt.

    Signed: Name and Address

    Unquote

    OUR COMMENTS MUST BE SENT NO LATER THAN APRIL 30TH, IN KEEPING WITH THE DEADLINE GIVEN. WE HAVE EARLIER OBJECTED SEPARATELY TO THIS DEADLINE BUT RECEIVED NIL RESPONSE FROM THE DEVELOPERS’ ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS. PLEASE DO NOT MISS THE DEADLINE IF YOU WANT YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD. EVEN IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEND THE DOCUMENT PLEASE AT LEAST REGISTER AS AN INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTY, GIVING YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.

    11 April 2014

    Pennington Drive rehabilitation project

    From discussions we have learned that the Municipality is seeking clarification regarding the status of certain progress invoices (payment certificates) that have been submitted. We are informed work will recommence as soon as this matter has been settled.

    Umdoni Point Development

    Attached please find details of an amended application to increase the total number of dwellings from the original 88 to 295 dwellings. Contrary to the advertisement the deadline for comments is April 31st 2014. Your Committee will revert to this matter in the coming days.

    Mid South Coast Mail 28 March 2014

    Your Association has registered as an Interested and Affected Party, as has done the Pennington Conservancy.

    The PRRA however considers that the information provided to date is totally inadequate and does not allow anyone (!) to arrive at an informed opinion as to the impact and longer term consequences. Also, neighbouring property owners have not been advised and no notices have been affixed where required. The proposed changes are very substantial and will impact the whole of Pennington with, for example, a further 295 dwellings connecting to a sewage system that is already under severe pressure and which, to date, has not been able to accommodate many of the residents of Pennington proper who have been awaiting waterborne sewage connections for many years. There are many other issues to be considered but to do this requires full information and adequate time in which to assimilate and examine that information. To date the information received is both vague and confusing.

    Consequently at this stage it is our advice that individual ratepayers should please address themselves urgently to the Environmental Consultants along the following lines:

    Quote

    To Environmental Solutions

    Attn Ms Pippa La Cock at envirosol@webmail.co.za]

    Umdoni Point Development as advertised by you

    I/We wish to register as an Interested and Affected Party in the proposed development. However, at this stage there is not enough information for me/us to arrive at an informed opinion. I/we therefore demand 1) that you provide full information (including a listing of the activities to be undertaken on the property in question) by April 30th 2014 and 2) that the deadline for comment of 30 April 2014 be extended till 31 July 2014.M

    Unquote

    The PRRA will in the meantime conduct further investigations and revert to you in due course with such information as we may be able to obtain. In the meantime however, should any PRRA member avail of specialist information that could assist us in handling this complicated project then please advise the PRRA Secretary at penningtonratepayers@gmail..com.

    At this preliminary stage the PRRA is NOT asking anyone to object but only and definitely to register. The more people who register as Interested and Affected Parties the more impact our concerns as Pennington Residents will have so please do register and kindly copy us in.

    Thank you.

    March 2014

    Membership

    Welcome to those of you who have joined since our newsletter at the end of the year and thanks to those who have encouraged others to join. We now have 178 members. Please pass the membership form at the end of this newsletter to your neighbours - particularly those with holiday homes – they too pay rates but we have difficulty in getting information to them.

    Annual general Meeting

    Normally this should take place by the end March 2014 but your Committee feels this is too near the forthcoming National Elections and has decided to postpone the AGM to the end of May 2014. The PRRA Constitution provides for such a postponement where the Committee determines there is good cause to do so.

    Communication

    Our web site is now up and running: www.penningtonratepayers.co.za . We can give you general information through the regular newsletters but will be able to provide more detail and technical information on the web site. We will also provide links to information that is relevant to our ratepayers – from UGU, Umdoni and other ratepayers associations.

    Issues raised via gmail - penningtonratepayers@gmail.com or telephone – 039 975 2145 – are collated and passed on to the relevant departments. We cannot give you any guarantees that all these issues will be resolved … or even dealt with, but we do follow them up …. At times it seems as if we do nothing but complain and criticise so it is gratifying to also receive your reports of good service and positive action that we can pass on to those concerned.

    Clean up Pennington Campaign

    This initiative started successfully prior to the festive season. Residents joined the PRRA, Positive Pennington and the Conservancy in clearing litter and tidying the visible areas of the town centre. Individual residents paid for and helped to remove a tremendous amount of litter and other dumped rubbish from the railway line , Makamathi trail, residential areas in the town and also from along the R 102. The Conservancy paid for staff to clear Relton Hall grounds as well as the area around the Kiosk. Thanks to all those who provided labour and vehicles.

    This effort was intended to be the start of an awareness campaign with a formal request from residents for Conservancy funding to assist in keeping visible areas of the town in an attractive condition ( as stated in their agreement with the municipality and their own mission statement ) So far we have had no response to the proposal.

    The municipality agreed to be involved but to date there has been no action from them to deal with those who continue to dump rubble.

    Provincial Department of Transport

    So far, no further action has been taken on the R 102 between Pennington and Park Rynie, apart from the filling of one pothole near the Penvalley entrance and the dumping of stone last year near the Nkomba Bridge, presumably with the intention to repair the collapsed culvert there. Department officials have stopped responding to our queries...

    UGU District Municipality - Dolphin Drive Pump Station

    In response to the many residents’ queries:

    • The original Pennington contract went out to tender in July 2011 and a preliminary geotechnical investigation was undertaken by specialists (Groundwork Geotechnical Solutions & Soilco Labs) to determine the depth to bedrock. The investigation allowed for seismic traverse tests and not an excavation due to the presence of numerous services and the close proximity to the existing provincial main road. The test showed that rock would be encountered ±2-2.5m below ground level.
    • The contract was only awarded to Thatheni Women’s Construction in August 2012 and was terminated by Ugu in March 2013 due to non-performance.
    • The project went out to re-tender in April 2013 and was awarded to Town & Around Civils in September 2013. During excavation operations it was discovered that the actual rock level was ± 4-4.5m below ground and it was at this point that the contractor could not proceed due to the threat of the sides of the excavation collapsing. The main concern was the proximity to the provincial main road and the possibility that the road could collapse.
    • Alternative options were investigated. An option of building a concrete caisson was pursued. This would have provided a permanent concrete earth retaining structure and would assist in getting down to rock level. Blasting of the rock would have then continued. However, the wall thickness of the concrete caisson would have been designed at 1.3m thick to allow for earth and ground water pressures and this proved to be highly impractical and costly.
    • The other option would be contiguous steel sheet piling. This is a specialised operation and not able to be performed by Town and Around. Therefore sub-contracting quotes were obtained from EsorFranki and R & B Pipelines. The sheet piling will provide a safe working environment by retaining the earth around the excavation pit. Once the sheet piling has been installed and secured, blasting in the rock can continue. The pump station will be 9m deep and will be constructed within the bedrock for ±5m deep.

    However, since early January 2014 the civil engineers and contractor are awaiting confirmation from UGU that the additional works now needed can go ahead and the work is at a standstill once again! The PRRA has written to Mr D D Naidoo, GM of the UGU, expressing the Community’s dismay at this and demanding answers. We will inform you once Mr Naidoo’s response is received and what the new completion date might be...

    Finally, the PRRA is appreciative of the fact that UGU’s contractors are now busy installing a proper access and culvert at the property immediately opposite the pump station construction site, something that your Association has been pushing for over the last year and that at least provides some compensation for what the people living there have had to endure in the past two years.

    Storm water controls and the link with sewage spillages at Botha Place

    The existing pump stations at Dolphin Drive and Botha Place in Pennington have been a long-standing matter of concern for residents as there are sporadic overflows of raw sewage into the Nkomba wetland and the Makamati stream, both ending up at the beach. Besides the environmental and health impacts, there is the “stench”. In September last year the Pennington Ratepayers and Residents’ Association engaged with the UGU and Umdoni Municipalities in an effort to find a solution to the ongoing problem. The very fact that the overflows mostly occur when it rains and not in dry periods made it fairly obvious that there was a link between rain and the overflows. Other municipalities have experienced the same problem when rainwater is discharged directly into the sewage system. Both municipalities therefore agreed to work closely with the PRRA to ensure that steps will be taken to eliminate illegal ingress of storm water into the system. However, to date we have not made the expected progress, mainly due to outstanding data from the UGU Municipality. On the other hand, we are informed that relevant equipment is being acquired (that incidentally will also detect illegal or unrecorded connections). Basically a robot that will crawl the lines and emit smoke which, if detected in gutters and storm water inlets, will indicate that storm water is being discharged into the sewerage system.

    The PRRA have assisted in determining which properties - including residential complexes -can be connected and which actually are connected to the Pennington sewer system. The Planning department has pointed out that they are aware of illegal connections and more is to be done. This is likely to include inspections of connected properties which will take time whilst in the meantime the storage capacity at the pump stations is decreasing as they fill with sand brought in by storm water. The PRRA therefore makes an urgent appeal to owners of Pennington properties and Bodies Corporate of residential complexes to ensure their storm water does not enter the sewage system.

    Umdoni Municipality

    We can find much to criticise in the present status quo - lack of service delivery, delays and reports of what may or may not be questionable practices. Your committee is actively working on behalf of residents to mitigate the worst effects of inactivity and issues that are not addressed timeously. We should, however make sure that we put our own house in order by actively complying with residents’ responsibilities Paying rates and expecting everything to be attended to by the municipality is no longer adequate . Putting out refuse correctly, taking part in the recycling scheme, obeying By Laws that relate to litter, noise, illegal dumping, stray dogs are all ways that residents can contribute to life in Pennington. Despite the Clean-up Pennington campaign prior to the festive season - residents continue to dump garden waste, turn a blind eye to illegal dumping and allow dogs to roam. However, many residents are to be complimented on taking a pride in the appearance of their property by cutting verges and clearing the gutters outside their home.

    Pennington Drive walkway

    We have been in close contact with the technical department and the project managers on site. Local labour was recruited by the consultants and a site office was located on municipal ground in the town centre for the storage of tools and equipment. The walkway will be paved - the base is currently being laid. It has been confirmed it will run continuously along the South side of Pennington Drive from the R102 to the junction with Botha Place – the culvert opposite the Pennington Superette will be extended to accommodate the walkway. Paved entry paths to the Superette are also being constructed. It is hoped all this will reduce pedestrian congestion on Pennington Drive and so reduce the risk of accidents.

    Shopright have donated the materials for a bus shelter. The municipality have agreed that this will be erected by the contractors at the top of Pennington Drive.

    Resurfacing of Pennington Drive

    Potholes are being filled and the tarmac for the resurfacing was ordered on Monday 10th March. There are a number of other Umdoni areas to be tackled and the equipment will be in Pennington in due course.

    Ward Committee

    The meeting due to be held at the end of February was postponed without notice by Cllr Armugam as he had no response to the issues brought to his attention at the previous meeting… As this is the formal route to raise problems with the municipality, we trust he will vigorously pursue the matter.

    Crime Watch Meetings

    These are held at 15.30 on the first Tuesday of each month in the library activities room. WO Govender disseminates information from the Community Policing Forum, and responds quickly to our queries. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings where their concerns can be raised and safety procedures discussed. A brochure given out to holiday makers is being revised and will be made available before the April holiday. Security companies have made an appeal to residents to check their alarms regularly – ensure they are serviceable and that they are switched on when they leave their premises.

    Pennington Clinic

    We have been alerted to some of the difficulties the clinic faces by both the staff and some of the users and a support committee meets to find ways of providing assistance. We have requested a meeting with the Chairman of the Umzinto Taxi Association to discuss transport issues that affect the patients using the clinic. We hope this will also be an opportunity to discuss general taxi issues issues in Pennington. Residents who require medication from the clinic are reminded that they must see the sister for confirmation before collecting items.

    Relton Hall: Pennington Recreation club

    manage the premises for the benefit of the community. A new committee was voted in at the recent AGM and at the first committee meeting, the chair, Lorraine Wilson, outlined the measures that are required to address the maintenance issues and the declining membership. A varied programme of fundraising events is planned to add to the regular monthly gatherings – the first of these is the Hall’s 61st birthday event …”Under A Tuscan Sky“ an Italian-themed evening … on Friday 4th April - An Italian meal with a cash bar - the poster advertising this event is being circulated separately.

    Without the active support of residents, we may face the loss of the hall as an essential community facility so please consider joining the REC Club and supporting the events being organised.

    Kindly let us know if you have logged calls with Ugu or Umdoni regarding services and we will keep track of them too.

    August 2013

    Membership

    We now have 180 plus members which is a positive response to our request to encourage friends and neighbours to join us. The Membership form is attached.

    Communication

    We are still developing our web site and will announce the address as soon as we are online. In the meantime penningtonratepayers@gmail.com is the place to log your problems with street lights, verge cutting and potholes. Our Secretary Olive Goll is quick to acknowledge and log your calls. Again many interesting emails have been received keeping us up to date on all areas of Pennington.

    For those without access to the internet we will continue to post communications on the Notice Board at the SaveRite Supermarket. As advised in our April newsletter we are no longer mailing newsletters and minutes but instead will make these available at the Pennington Library, Pam Golding and Seeff Properties. Please post your comments to PO Box 365, Pennington, 4184.

    Co-operation with SAPS

    A meeting was held with the SAPS to discuss ways and means of working together for the benefit of the community. A follow up meeting is to be held to formalise arrangements, which will be included in our next news letter.

    Civic Associations

    A meeting with Positive Pennington and The Conservancy regarding joint ventures will be arranged to see how we can work together.

    The PRRA committee acknowledge the Conservancy's "Team Recycling" programme and would like to encourage residents to involve themselves in this worthwhile initiative. It is an objective of the Municipality to expand such projects - Pennington being the only one in the area so far.

    Umdoni provide different coloured plastic bags available at no cost from the Pennington Superette where there is a drop off point for the recyclables you have collected.

    Relton Hall

    About 100 residents went along to the Beach House Liquors “Reviving Relton” event on Friday 26 June. What a great evening! The sponsor went overboard with gorgeous soup, rolls, sherry, prizes, auctions, a preview of the UMPAC show and music. Positive Pennington helped with ticketing and a lot of the hard work necessary to present the event. Profits will be utilized for the upgrading of Relton Hall.

    PRRA are continuing with our membership drive for The Pennington Recreation Club. Please find the membership form attached. The cost is R30 per person per year. Funds will be used for the continued upkeep of Relton Hall. We need you as members to give ideas on how to upgrade the hall to make it a place we can all be proud of. Relton Hall must be maintained as a venue of choice for sport and recreation and a gathering place for residents. There will be a Fun Walk on Heritage Day 24th September with craft market and tea in Relton Hall Garden and a Christmas Market and Family Fun Day on 16th December.

    South African National Roads Agency Limited

    R102 Resealing: The Roads Department have confirmed that the resealing of the section to Park Rynie remains on track – they expect to commence work once the weather warms up.

    Ugu District Municipality

    New Dolphin Drive Pump Station: We finally obtained information to the effect that the new contractor, Town and Around Civils, was expected to formally take over the site on Monday August 12th, only to be told of yet a further postponement of two weeks…. We are asking to meet with Mr D D Naidoo, the new Municipal Manager of UGU, to discuss both this and the sewage spillage that again occurred recently.

    Storm Water Controls: Storm water is running into the sewer system in huge amounts and this is causing a lot of the problems at the pumping stations. You will all notice that spillages occur after heavy rains. Umdoni Council Building Inspectorate have been asked to alert residents to make sure that their storm water drainage runs into the street gutters provided and not into the sewer system. Please check on your own property and do what you can to alleviate this.

    Please could you let us know if you are connected to the main sewerage system or if you are not connected but are paying an availability charge? Please advise your Lot/Erf Number as well. Email: penningtonratepayers@gmail.com PO Box 365, Pennington, 4184.

    Rainwater Tank Initiative: 5 000 litre Tanks are R2 850 until the 31st August. We have now sold 30 tanks which means we have now taken 150 000 litres of rain water out of the system! The new price will be R3 350 per tank from 1st September. Order your tank now to take advantage of the discount price!

    Umdoni Municipality

    Ward Committee: The Ward Committee is where our representative takes Pennington issues forward ... via our elected councillor, for the attention of the various departments in the municipality for immediate action. It is also a means for our Councillor to keep in touch with ratepayers and share relevant information. We are currently discussing a more appropriate civic representation across all sectors of ward 10.

    Maintenance: We have received a copy of the Scope of Work from the verge Cutting Contract enabling us to monitor the quality of their work. There have been sightings of individuals dumping building rubble on vacant stands. This is being investigated, but please let us know if you see this happening in your area.

    Umzinto Traffic Department: Renewals of Driving Licences can be done at Umzinto Traffic Department. Driver Testing is still only available at Amazintoti Testing Centre.

    Strategic Planning - Integrated Development Plan: The planned Pennington Drive Walkway is linked to this plan as a strategic route for tourism. It is the first impression of the village. This will be followed up by the PRRA at the next IDP meeting on 29 August.

    Pennington Clinic: Recent staffing and administrative issues in the Area Primary Health Care department have been resolved. Sister Padayachee is the newly appointed Clinic Manager. Additional staff will be appointed to bring the clinic up to strength and we can look forward to a new team attending to the needs of the community. Please bring this to the attention of anyone who may need to make use of the medical and counselling facilities provided.

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