The REEA fun family day – not to be missed! This coming Saturday 24 October, cnr Richmond & Marlborough Aves CHP.
Not only can REEA become a community focal point but it is one of the few caring shelters for people living with severe epilepsy. It is a sobering thought that any one of us could become an epileptic – it is not normally congenital but can manifest for a number of reasons such as severe stress or a car accident.
The CRA will have a table – please come and say hello to us and let us know if we can help in any way.
The CRA’s Sandra Dewes has also been assisting REEA with spatial design plans and sourcing donations in kind. REEA also thanks Benjy Pein from Firzt Reality and Gary from Wendy Machanik Properties for their support.
Signage and publicity
CRA chairman, Ralf Degni, has arranged for Caxton to have a regular CRA column in the RKG which will be supported by advertising from local businesses. The first column should appear on Tuesday 20 October.
Parkview SAPS Community Policing Forum
The Parkview CPF now has its own website which contains a lot of useful information.
Traffic & Infrastructure
Peter Heritage is back and once again tackling the mounting problems. He hasn’t had time to update the online report but let him know if there’s more to add – or has been fixed. According to a media release received from our Ward Councillor Gordon Mackay, the City has substantially cut the JRA’s budget – the operational budget has been reduced by R26.1 million from R506.55 million (largely due to cost over runs on Gautrain and BRT). Another problem has been the City’s failing asphalt plant, only very recently repaired.
Issues
Service delivery is obviously a major issue at the moment. We’re not advocating civil disobedience but the frustrations that we deal with on a regular basis, just in our area, are cause for concern. We would welcome constructive suggestions for “pressing buttons”. Parliament’s website has information on the submissions of petitions… time for all of us to be more proactive??
- Electricity – the sparks are flying! Comments include “Scrap the R47 billion transport aircraft deal and put that money into Eskom generation projects.” We’re also informed that even with City Power’s financial constraints, incentive bonuses were paid to Senior Personnel amounting to R 43,7 million, a figure that exceeded the budget by R30-million.
- Call Centre and emergency numbers: a survey revealed that less than 1 in 25 people kknow which emergency number to call in Joburg. The DA has called for the introduction of a one stop emergency number (eg the 911 system of the USA) and the revamp of the existing call centre.
- Did you know that Johannesburg's emergency number is 011-375-5911? Did you know that Craighall and Craighall Park now fall under Region B and that an alternative telephone number to the Call Centre (011 375 5555)to report complaints etc is 011 718 9600 (office hours, ask for Eunice).
- Swimming pool security – we’ve been told that the Council has extended the period for public comment re legislation to secure suburban swimming pools – an exercise that could cost you R10000. Of course we believe that drownings must be prevented - but blanket legislation such as that proposed is problematic. As far as we know, the person to whom to send your comments KebitsamangM@joburg.org.za.
Dates to diarise
- Domestic Watch: Friday 30 October, 12-13:00, Wesleyan Church, Norfolk Ave, CHP – LAST meeting of the year before year-end function in November. The topic is “Fighting Back Legally” - there will be demonstrations of the legal methods of fighting back and products which can be used as deterrents.
Contact Sue Harris (082 659 1936) for information
- Craighall River Market: every second Saturday 08:30 - 13:00 at REEA, Marlborough Ave, CHP next to Colourful Splendour Nursery.
2010 subscriptions are now open . After no increase for four years, the CRA has reluctantly increased subs to R250 per annum – still a very modest sum (just over R20 a month). If you want more of a voice, what can we say but ask you to give us the support and wherewithal to continue working on your behalf.
CRA Community adverts
Thank you to these advertisers who have paid their subs for 2009. If you are a member of the CRA just email Wendy to place an ad.
- HANDS ON RETREAT, 4 ARGYLE AVENUE CRAIGHALL, 011 3263181 - Guest House and Stay Spa. Opening Special: Couple Romance Weekend pamper: R3999 for the weekend including all meals and 4 treatments. Book online www.handonretreat.co.za
- Social tennis close to home - Craighall Tennis Club, St Albans Avenue. Call Mike at 083 228 1693
- Reliable and hard working handy-man and gardener looking for work, with or without accommodation. Available from 1 to 4 days per week. Good references available. Isak @ 078 325 7892. Reference Linda Vermeulen @ 082 853 1127
