Report Back – August 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:
Policies & Appeals
The NRA has been actively involved in several policy-related matters this month, from heritage appeals to reviewing municipal policies.
Appeal against Decision of Heritage Western Cape We have received formal notice regarding our appeal to the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport against a decision of Heritage Western Cape. The process and next steps have been officially scheduled. All parties involved, including the NRA, must submit their submissions/heads of arguments by August 20, 2025, with a reply to deadline of September 5, 2025. A formal hearing will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Cape Town. We will keep you updated on the outcome of this appeal.
Policies Under Review The Cape Agulhas Municipality (CAM) is currently reviewing its Event Policy following numerous concerns expressed by residents. The NRA is monitoring this process to ensure a fair and effective outcome.
Decision Process within NRA
How does the NRA handle public participation for Policies, SDF, IDP, Budget, Land Applications etc?
Depending on the scope and extent of the public participation process we may request input from the community or request those interested to be involved in the process to join our working group.
For land use applications with look at what the law says specifically to the property effected. What does national, Western Cape, District and Municipal legislation say. What do the SDF say with regards the property and consider all legislation that may impact the application. If there is something that is outside the legislation, then we will object. Then we look at the impact on services and infrastructure. So how will our town be affected.
In all cases a document is produced. Depending on if the document can be presented at the NRA monthly meeting it may go out for committee approval via WhatsApp group. The committee then comments on the document. Once all comments are received and updated it goes to WhatApp group to vote on should the document be sent. The voting requires at least 51% to agree to send. Should it be taken to the monthly meeting also requires a vote of at least 51% to approve.
No public participation process is decided by one individual but a majority vote of the committee.
The same process applies for any ward committee decisions The person represented on the ward committee must vote according to the NRA committee’s mandate.
Water & Sewerage
We have received a comprehensive update on the status of various water and sanitation projects from our water portfolio liaison.
Projects Completed: New meters with remote telemetry capability have been installed at the boreholes and reservoirs. While they are currently being read manually, this is a significant step towards future remote monitoring.
Projects for 2025-2026:
- Sewerage Pump Station Upgrade: The project is moving forward. Consultants are finalizing their work before an application is submitted for technical evaluation. The plan prioritizes a larger overflow tank to prevent spillage into the river and includes new pumps to replace the current refurbished ones. Funding will be sought through a WISEC grant, but the municipality is prepared to cover costs if necessary.
- Expanded Reservoir Capacity: Plans are in motion for a new reservoir at the Kerkhof (graveyard) site. The required capacity is being verified, and WSIG funding will be sought. This is an 18-month project but has not started.
- Network Augmentation: A project to improve water pressure and network flexibility has been approved but may be delayed due to higher-priority projects.
Future Projects (2026-2027):
- Relocation of pipes on private property to improve access for maintenance.
- Re-equipping boreholes 17 and 18, which were previously vandalized, to improve redundancy and capacity.
Community Safety & Noise
The NRA has been actively addressing several community safety and noise-related issues.
Sawmill & Woodchipper Noise:
This report provides an update on the ongoing issue regarding a sawmill operating in the industrial zone and the associated noise from a woodchipper. The NRA has been actively involved in this process, working to find a solution that addresses residents’ concerns while navigating the legal and municipal frameworks.
Summary of Progress to Date:
- On-site Investigations: We have been actively involved in this process, with our representatives going on-site with the Building Inspector from the Cape Agulhas Municipality on three separate occasions. We have also met directly with the sawmill owner to discuss the matter.
- Formal Noise Testing: Following our engagement, the municipality conducted formal sound tests on a day when the woodchipper was in operation. The tests, which included monitoring from the smallholdings and residential areas, concluded that the noise levels were within the legal limits for an industrial area as set out in the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations. An owner from the smallholdings was present for the testing.
- Acknowledged Nuisance: Despite the technical compliance, the municipality’s representative acknowledged that the noise from the woodchipper is a “tangible factor” and could be considered a nuisance, especially when affected by wind. The municipality is therefore not dismissing the residents’ complaints.
- Proposed Mitigation Measures: The formal email from the municipality confirms that the sawmill owner has agreed to explore and implement mitigation measures to reduce the noise impact. The installation of a sound barrier is a key factor in resolving this issue and remains outstanding.
- Chipping Schedule: During initial discussions, residents proposed limiting wood chipping to a single day per week as a compromise. However, after experiencing the sustained noise on that day, this solution may not be considered satisfactory by the complainant. The municipality’s email suggested “spreading out the process,” which is still under discussion.
Conclusion and Next Steps:
While the sawmill’s operations have been found to be in technical compliance, the issue of an ongoing nuisance remains unresolved for affected residents. The effectiveness of the 150m buffer zone—which smallholdings form part of—is compromised by environmental factors such as wind, which may be exacerbating the noise. They are also creating employment for our local community although the owner does not live in Napier.
We encourage residents to engage with the municipality and the owner to ensure the agreed-upon mitigation measures, particularly the installation of the sound barrier, are implemented. The Residents’ Association will continue to monitor the chipping.
Weekend Noise Complaints:
Following numerous noise complaints lodged by the NRA, the municipality is exploring a solution. They have requested our assistance in identifying the three most problematic locations for noise disturbances to install noise monitoring equipment. CAM has already conducted feasibility visits with the Chief Information Officer, and a network coverage test has taken place. We will keep you informed of the progress.
EPWP Workers:
A reminder for those seeking Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) opportunities: the list you register on is a database to notify you of job openings, not a list for automatic employment. You must still apply for each job that comes up and be selected as the best candidate. This is a crucial distinction to ensure residents understand the process.
What you need to do https://napierresidents.co.za/2025/08/13/epwp-unemployed-database/
RDP Housing:
Residents on the RDP housing list are encouraged to visit the municipal offices in Bredasdorp to confirm their details on the current database. This verification will be critical once the housing project begins.
ASLA will be building the houses within Napier and the contract will be managed by Western Cape Goverment. The first phase will be to start the roads and services infrastructure which is meant tot be done by the end of next year. Only at that time will any housing start.
Roads Update:
The tender for the Nuwerus Road has been closed. The NRA will be closely tracking the process to ensure the tender is awarded and work begins.
We are aware of the state of the roads and awaiting confirmation for a meeting with CAM to discuss. The issue was raised at the ward committee meeting.
Electricity Concerns:
Residents have noticed an increase in power dips. We have raised this issue with CAM, who previously stated the problem was with Eskom’s supply and had been resolved. We will be setting up a new meeting with the municipality to address these concerns again.
Proposed Subdivision of Erf 1358:
The NRA, along with other organisations, has formally objected to the proposed subdivision of Erf 1358 (59 Sarel Cilliers Street). Our key concerns include:
- The negative impact on Napier’s heritage landscape.
- Questions about the legality and transparency of the recently registered servitude.
- The lack of public benefit and the potential strain on municipal services.
We await the municipality’s outcome on our objections and our PAIA request for relevant documentation. We remain committed to ensuring development respects our town’s unique character.
Festival Update:
We received a formal response from CAM regarding a recent festival on agricultural land. The municipality has confirmed that the use of the land was unlawful and that, going forward, no event will be approved on agriculturally zoned land without the necessary land use approvals. This is a positive step toward ensuring fair and regulated event management.
Informal Settlement:
Updates on the Informal Settlement Toilet Project
The municipality contractor started a project to install new toilets at the top end of an informal settlement on Monday 11 August, but the contractor was stopped by residents. A meeting was held later that day to resolve a dispute over where the toilets would be placed, with some residents not wanting them on their property. An agreement was reached on new locations.
However, when the contractor returned on Tuesday morning, they were again blocked by residents who were demanding to be hired for the project. The contractor explained that due to the project’s short, two-week timeline and specific safety requirements (medical exams and protective gear), they couldn’t offer jobs. The contractor left the site to wait for instructions from the Cape Agulhas Municipality.
Following this, a meeting was arranged with the municipality, the informal settlement committee, and the residents who had blocked the work. During the meeting, residents claimed that the land designated for the toilets was already allocated to others and reiterated their demand for employment on municipal contracts.
The meeting concluded with a new agreement: the contractor would be able to restart work in three weeks, and job opportunities would be made available for residents to apply for. A second meeting was requested for 7:30 PM to further discuss employment. Both of Tuesday’s meetings were attended by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement to ensure everyone’s safety.
We would like to extend our thanks to the municipality for their intervention and to SAPS and law enforcement for their support.
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 – https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FA4VznhAz/
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.
Here is a link to our current committee members –
Let’s work together to make Napier stronger and a model town!
Kind regards,
Kevin Poulter Chairperson
Napier Residents Association
