Report Back – June 2026 – Napier Residents Association

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

The NRA had committed to convening a meeting with key stakeholders to address several pressing issues in our community. The focus areas identified include:

Enhancing coordination between SAPS, municipal departments, and community structures
Tackling root causes such as unemployment, substance abuse, and social challenges
Exploring sustainable, cross-sector solutions
Promoting a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of crime, big or small

Progress on this initiative has been delayed due to concerns raised about whether it falls within the NRA’s mandate. However, given that no other entity has stepped forward to take on this role, the NRA will continue pursuing this effort to address Napier’s social and safety challenges.

Last month also marked the resignation of Ivan Boshoff as Chairperson after many years of dedicated service. We extend our sincere gratitude to him for his invaluable contributions to the community. A new Chairperson will be elected at the upcoming meeting on 18 June 2025.

2. Water & Sewerage

Final Budget 2025/26 Update

The approved 2025/26 budget includes allocations to address both reservoir capacity and the sewerage pump station—two key infrastructure concerns we’ve been actively monitoring.

Sewerage Pump Station:
Funding has now been allocated to resolve the ongoing issues at the sewer pump station, which we’ve been closely tracking and raising for attention.

Reservoir Capacity & Water Supply Security:
The budget also includes a multi-year investment to improve reservoir capacity and ensure long-term water supply security. Funding has been earmarked over the next three years, and we will share further details as they become available.

3. Law Enforcement and Traffic

A pilot project currently underway in Napier has brought Law Enforcement and Traffic Officers into town on weekends. This initiative has already shown results:

A noticeable reduction in weekend disturbances at the local Tex Bottle Store has been observed, thanks to the visible presence of law enforcement.

Speed enforcement using cameras along Sarel Cilliers Street has led to numerous fines being issued.
Targeted traffic operations have been conducted, with vehicles stopped for inspections and for failing to stop at stop signs.
A noticeable reduction in weekend disturbances at the local Tex Bottle Store has been observed, thanks to the visible presence of law enforcement.

We also urge all residents to adhere to traffic laws and to drive responsibly. As a general guideline, please keep to a maximum speed of 40 km/h on all roads except Sarel Cilliers, which is better suited for higher traffic volumes. Napier’s many narrow and unpaved roads require slower, more cautious driving to ensure the safety of all road users.

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
Repair work on Napier’s bridges is underway! Although the construction sequence differed from our initial request—Trade Street was intended to be completed before Van der Byl—we are pleased to see progress being made. The letter provided to the NRA specified scheduled completion by 30 May, The new communication.

“The contractor was appointed on 1 April 2025 for a construction period of 3 months. Therefore practical completion will be by end of June 2025 (weather permitted). They are still on program.

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It must be noted that this contract is for the repair of existing bridge structures and NOT for new bridges.

The existing bridges were damaged due to the blockage by branches, debris etc. due to the river not being kept clear of this ruble. The existing bridge structures do not need to be upgraded, just to be repair to the original state.

It must be noted that the construction is not completed on any of the three structures and also not signed off by the Engineer yet. The work is still in progress.

The height of the gabions is determined by the river sides that needs to be protected against erosion (also taking into account the level of the water during a flood). The assumption is made that the river is clear of any debris that can cause blockages and that the water can flow freely.”

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We have also raised the following concerns with the relevant authorities:

Provision of sanitation facilities for construction workers
Removal of rocks and debris from the riverbed
- Clarification on improvements made to ensure long-term flood mitigation and prevent future damage

We will continue to monitor the project closely and keep residents informed.

6. Background on Traffic Calming Measures

For many years, there has been ongoing back-and-forth regarding the installation of raised tables or speed bumps along Sarel Cilliers Street. While funding for this has been allocated at times, it has also been removed—resulting in no tangible progress to date.

Through our investigations, it became clear that traffic calming measures cannot be implemented without sufficient supporting data. Additionally, fixed speed cameras may only be installed once traffic calming measures are in place, creating a frustrating cycle of inaction.

To break this deadlock, mobile speed cameras have been acquired to collect the necessary traffic data. These mobile units can be deployed anywhere from the Caledon entrance to Napier right through to Bredasdorp. However, their exact placement is subject to legal regulations, including the requirement for appropriate signage and visibility, which limits where they can be erected.

7. Background on Napier Heritage

In the past, the Cape Agulhas Municipality (CAM) had a functioning Heritage Advisory Body that included representation from Napier. However, this body was eventually disbanded, and the process of heritage consultation was no longer formally maintained.

Previously, the Land Use Bylaw included a Heritage Overlay Zone to protect historically significant areas. Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding regarding the relationship between the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and municipal bylaws, the Heritage Overlay was removed in the 2022 revision of the Land Use Bylaw. It is important to note that while the heritage area designation was lost in the bylaw, it has remained a recognized component within the SDF.

Recognizing this gap, efforts were made during the SDF update to prioritize the development of a Heritage Inventory and Heritage Strategy, with the goal of restoring the overlay in the bylaw and potentially reinstating the Heritage Advisory Body.

As per heritage legislation, any structure older than 60 years requires formal heritage approval for alterations or demolition. The need for clear heritage protections is particularly relevant in a town like Napier, where the character and cultural value of older buildings contribute significantly to its identity. Having specific properties listed on the Heritage Inventory means that not all houses over 60 years old will require individual heritage approval.

The Heritage Inventory for Napier has since been completed and was released for public comment. Following this, an individual submitted an appeal, requesting an extension of the public participation period, claiming insufficient time to respond. The same individual also requested an extension for the Heritage Strategy consultation.

The Napier Residents Association (NRA) will be appealing the decision to grant an extension for the Heritage Inventory’s public participation process. In our view, sufficient time was provided for comment, and the appeal did not follow the correct procedural steps or meet the required submission timeframe.

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We remain committed to protecting Napier’s heritage and ensuring that proper processes are followed to restore formal heritage protections within our municipal planning framework. The NRA does not oppose development, but we strongly advocate for context-sensitive development that respects not only the historical character and architectural integrity of individual buildings but also the broader streetscape, landscape, and rural village atmosphere of Napier.

This means considering how new developments affect the visual harmony of the town—so that the town’s unique identity is preserved and enhanced for future generations.

8. 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

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

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Report Back – June 2026