Plumstead ward budget allocation proposals

Andrea McKenzie,  Plumstead Civic Ratepayers' Association (PCRA) media manager

The Plumstead Civic Ratepayers Association (PCRA) has presented proposals to the ward councillors of Plumstead.

This financial year, each ward is allocated R1 million rand for projects considered necessary by the residents.

After consulting with residents and members of the PCRA, a list of recommendations for projects in Plumstead (spanning across wards 63/73 and 72) has been submitted. Our community based organisation has served Plumstead residents for over 75 years. Due to our familiarity with council operations, we recognise that dedicated funds require strong projects.

To ensure community awareness, we share our main project ideas with the public. The aim is to demonstrate the viability of our projects to the councillors.The PCRA appreciates all those who have participated in the process.

Together, we have identified several concerns and compiled a list of solutions:

• A dedicated law enforcement auxiliary officer is needed for Ward 63. This officer will help reduce drug use in parks and vandalism, as well as address traffic and parking issues.
• New wooden toddlers' jungle gym play equipment is required for Lympleigh Road Park to improve the park and create a safe play area for young children.
• Road signs and street markings need to be repaired. Repaint "no right turn" signs from Twine Road to Victoria Rd Bridge, and "no right turn" signs from Victoria Service to Victoria to ease traffic congestion and enhance traffic safety.
• Traffic violations should be monitored near Plumstead Prep School. City by-laws should be enforced on Totnes, Dragoon, Coombe, Evremonde, and Tynemouth Roads to reduce congestion and prevent road rage. Repaint the "no stop" lines.
• Increased cleaning efforts are necessary throughout the area, along with a winter plan to prevent flooding.

As this process continues, the PCRA invites all interested parties in the Plumstead area to make recommendations as soon as possible. Please contact one of our primary representatives:Mark.mjmotors@gmail.com (PCRA Chairman); Carolbbew@gmail.com (Secretariat) or visit the Plumstead Civic Ratepayers Association (PCRA) website  https://plumsteadcivicassociation.wordpress.com/.

Plumstead residents and ratepayers are encouraged to provide their ideas for improving the suburb. This opportunity allows everyone to contribute to the enhancement of Plumstead. Share your thoughts and assist us in building a better future together.

• Carmen Siebritz, Ward 63 councillor, responds:

I had in person engagements with communities across my ward on Saturday March 15. Unfortunately, not many took up the opportunity to come out and engage.

With reference to Plumstead, the items listed in the letter has been requested, however, the Ward 63 budget remains in a proposed form.

Following the community engagements, I will now take all proposals to the Ward Committee and together we’ll make a decision and finalise the 2026/27 Ward Allocation Budget for Ward 63.

Kindly note that I’ve also received budget proposals via email, and with a budget of R1million per Financial Year, spending it across five areas is no easy task.

• Kevin Southgate, Ward 72 councillor, responds:

The matters raised do not form part of Ward 72, which includes Southfield, Heathfield, Punts Estate, Elfindale Retreat.

Also note that some issues are part of the normal operations of line departments and where services are required residents are encouraged to log service requests.

The budget for 25/26 has already been allocated and will form part of the tabling of the City’s draft budget at the Council meeting on Thursday March 27.

The requests for Park upgrades could be considered in the 26/27 budget. This process will commence soon and residents/organisations are encouraged to engage their ward councillors.

• No response was received from the Ward 73 councillor, Eddie Andrews at the time of publishing.