Tokai Residents' Association AGM: Key concerns about municipal rates and traffic safety
Plans for a signalised pedestrian crossing for the busy Orpen Road, Tokai was discussed at the meeting.
Image: Wesley Ford
Steep municipal rates and new traffic calming measures were some of the concerns shared at the Tokai Residents’ Association (TRA ) annual general meeting (AGM), at Steenberg Golf Club on Wednesday, November 12.
At the meeting’s opening, TRA chairperson Don Kourie said steep municipal rates and new property-linked fixed charges remain the most urgent issues for households. He reported that, after sustained lobbying by the TRA and the Cape Town Collective Ratepayers’ Association (CTCRA), the City reduced the increases by about 3 to 4% from July. The TRA has also joined the CTCRA in the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) High Court challenge as a friend of the court.
Ward 71 councillor, Carolynne Franklin, outlined recent upgrades and plans. She encouraged residents to log all service issues and by-law concerns via the City’s C3 system to ensure resources follow the data.
“Grow-don’t-mow” trials are expanding in local parks, and an off-leash dog area is being explored at the end of Chard Road after an earlier site fell through.
CTCRA Chair Bas Zuidberg briefed residents on the association’s current focus on the spatial development policy, the municipal budget and tariffs, and strategy and member committees. He noted that CTCRA is supporting the court matter alongside other civic bodies. The case contests fixed water, sanitation, and cleaning charges tied to property value rather than actual usage, with hearings expected in December.
City traffic engineer Tim de Villiers shared updates about the signalised pedestrian crossing on Orpen Road. The projected delivery should be in the next financial year. He also shared rather concerning information about the speeding on Orpen Road, a road that runs through a National Park frequented by pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and wildlife.
The TRA's existing committee was approved for re-election, with a call for at least two additional volunteers, especially those with legal, planning, landscaping, or civil-engineering expertise.
For more information about TRA, email tra.tokai@gmail.com