Report Back – May 2025
Dear Residents of Napier,
We’d like to update you on the important work your Napier Residents Association (NRA) has been doing this past month. We’ve been actively engaging on several critical issues that affect our community:
1. Community Safety
Napier recently faced two serious incidents—an assault and a murder—that understandably raised community concern. While we stress there’s no need to panic, we encourage everyone to remain alert, vigilant, and connected to safety groups.
In response, the NRA is convening a multi-stakeholder safety meeting to bring together law enforcement, the Municipality, and community organizations. This meeting will:
- Improve coordination between SAPS, municipal departments, and community structures
- Address root causes like unemployment, substance abuse, and social challenges
- Explore sustainable solutions across sectors
- Reinforce a zero-tolerance approach to crime—big or small
We will send out formal invitations to all key stakeholders soon.
2. Water & Sewerage
We’ve continued raising concerns about the unfair sewerage tariffs applied to households using septic or conservancy tanks compared to those connected to municipal mains.
We’ve formally recommended:
- A flat fee or usage-based option for septic/conservancy tank emptying
We’re also monitoring and addressing:
- The sewer pump issues (budget has now been allocated to address these)
- Our reservoir capacity and water supply security (funding has been allocated over the next 3 years; we’re awaiting more details to share with you)
3. Solid Waste & Refuse Removal
We’re tackling several refuse-related issues:
- Double-charging of homes running small businesses or guesthouses
- Illegal dumping and poor enforcement of dumping by-laws
- Recyclables being mixed with regular refuse
We’ve urged the Municipality to:
- Enforce fines for illegal dumping
- Provide skips for the informal settlement
- Keep recyclables separate from household waste
We also encourage residents to:
- Use clear bags for recycling only
- Avoid putting recyclables into household refuse
A proposed new fee for using the municipal transit site is under discussion. We’re meeting with the Municipality to explore fair solutions—especially around who should pay for removing refuse, rubble, and garden waste from the transit site.
Remember: your monthly refuse fees only cover one wheely bin collected weekly. We need to tackle the challenge of landfill capacity filling up fast—recycling is key to controlling long-term costs. Let’s work toward better separating glass, paper, tins, and plastic at source.
4. Budget & IDP Participation
The NRA submitted feedback on the Cape Agulhas Municipality’s 2025/26 Draft Budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Key points we raised:
💦 Water Tariffs
- Review the removal of the free 3kl
- Adjust higher volumetric tariffs (for usage over 30kl)
- Introduce prepaid water meters for chronic non-payers
- Address water losses in problem areas
🚽 Sewerage
- Create a fair tariff structure for septic/conservancy tanks
🗑️ Refuse Removal
- Fix double-charging issues for home-business dual-use properties
- Develop fairer tariffs for small-scale guesthouses/home businesses
⚠️ General Budget Comments
- Prioritize core services: roads, water, sewerage, refuse
- Ensure maintenance schedules are transparent & enforced
- Seek more grants & external funding to supplement ratepayer costs
Our full submission is available on https://napierresidents.co.za/2025/05/04/nra-budget-and-idp-response-2025-25/ .
5. Bridges Update
Repairs have begun on Napier’s bridges! While some sequencing wasn’t as we requested (we hoped Trade Street would be completed before Van der Byl), we’re thankful the project is progressing.
We’ve raised concerns about:
- Providing toilets for construction workers
- Rock removal from the riverbed
We continue engaging with the Municipality and will keep you updated as we receive feedback.
6. Special General Meeting (SGM)
The NRA recently held a Special General Meeting, where we:
- Reported back on key community issues
- Adopted a new constitution
- Hosted a vibrant Q&A and discussion with residents
Get Involved, Napier!
We encourage every resident to:
- Comment on municipal plans during public participation processes
- Join local initiatives to uplift Napier
- Be proactive in tackling crime & social challenges
- Report all crime incidents to SAPS
- Log service delivery issues via the CAM Citizen App
Notices
- Council Meeting 30 May – 10am
- NRA Annual General Meeting will be held the end of June.
- Senior citizens Rebate applications at CAM offices.
- Applications and Departures – https://capeagulhas.gov.za/documents/spacial-planning/town-planning-applications/land-use-applications/napier/
- Policy regarding ward committee – https://capeagulhas.gov.za/download/draft-revised-policy-on-establishment-and-operation-of-municipal-ward-committees-for-public-comment/
We’re here to represent YOU—and we invite you to be part of creating a safer, cleaner, more equitable Napier.
📩 Contact us: info@napierresidents.co.za
🌐 Website: www.napierresidents.co.za
📱 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/209368649444562
📲 Contact us to Join our WhatsApp group for updates.
Let’s work together to make Napier stronger and a model town!
Kind regards,
Kevin Poulter
Chairperson
Napier Residents Association
