Dear Residents,
Winter is almost here…” Cape Town has wet winters and we are doing all we can to prevent flooding of our streets and roads, however, we cannot do it on our own. Preparation for winter is a shared responsibility between the City of Cape Town and residents,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.
“We implore our residents to work with us by making sure that their gutters are cleaned, trees are pruned and that there are no obstructions in waterways around the home that could result in flooding or water damage,’ Alderman added.
In terms of what you can personally do to prepare your home for the rainy season, we suggest the following steps.
Clean out your gutters–
This is essential when preparing for winter. Any sort of leaves, twigs or debris can lead to blockages, which can then result in expensive repairs, especially if the damage has extended to your roof.
Insulate-
Insulation is key when trying to keep warm. Ensure that your windows and doors have proper seals around them to prevent unwanted leakages or drafts. Given that electricity prices are on the increase and the high likelihood of load shedding over the winter months, it is best to prepare ahead and look for ways to minimize reliance on electricity for heating purposes. Roof insulation is one way to regulate the heat (and cold) in your home. A geyser blanket is another great addition, or better yet, install a solar geyser.
Keep your pipes warm-
This might sound like quite the undertaking, but it will be worth it in the long run. The simplest way to ensure your pipes don’t freeze or burst is to use heat tape on the problem areas. Heat tape is essential during winter because it is designed to prevent heat from escaping and is relatively easy to install.
Broken tiles and damaged waterproofing
Leaks are often caused by broken tiles and cracked walls. Wear and tear are to be expected, so check if any tiles need replacing or waterproofing needs to be done. This includes checking balconies for waterproofing and any blocked drainage. Flat roofs often need waterproofing maintenance to prevent water from pooling. Do a simple flood-test with a hosepipe or get your local handyman in.
The City of Cape Town has released its winter preparedness programme for 2021
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/city-of-cape-town-unveils-its-annual-winter-preparedness-programme-for-2021/
Did you know…
- As HVCID Manager I raise safety concerns in the Village with various security role-players, including SAPS, Law Enforcement, Fidelity ADT, Har-Lyn neighbourhood watch, the Claremont Community Police Forum, and our Ward 58 Councillor.
- So please send me your concerns and I will do my best to help!
REMEMBER: If a street light/s needs fixing or you see potholes or a water leak, please log it through the city’s Service Requests channels https://eservices1.capetown.gov.za/coct/wapl/zsreq_app/index.html
Har-Lyn Neighbourhood Watch is needing support and looking for patrollers. Please consider signing up with them to help keep us all safer. https://www.harlynwatch.org.za/
Please let’s keep recycling…
CRIME REPORT : (Please note that we are not allowed to report specifics)
Reported by Fidelity ADT: 26 April – 3 May 2021
No incidents reported.
Incidents reported to SAPS: 16 April – 22 April 2021
– Attempted theft out of motor vehicle – Mathew Road
– Fraud – Princes Square
– Theft general – Epsom Road
Incidents reported to SAPS: 23 April – 29 April 2021
– Theft general – Wessels Road
FIDELITY ADT PATROL CARS: 26 April – 13 May 2021
The two dedicated vehicles for the HVCID have either D19 or D20 on the back of the vehicle
Mileage per vehicle:
D19: 2084
D20: 2183
Call outs per vehicle:
D19: 14
D20: 60
Please follow these basic guidelines if you need help or need to alert someone urgently…
Call: Police 10111 and Fidelity ADT Emergency: 086 1212 301
Also call Har-Lyn Neighbourhood Watch: 071 802 2454 (Please hold on the line if no-one answers right away, as it will forward through to F-ADT).
OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS:
Police (National): 10111, Police (Claremont): 021 657 2250
Police Sector 1 Manager – W.O. Colin Geneke: 079 894 1555
HVCID Manager – Jen Rowe: 081 412 6109 (9am – 5pm Mon to Fri) / admin@hvcid.co.za
City of Cape Town Emergency Services (When life or property is endangered by fire, accidents, natural disasters etc.): From mobile: 112; From Landline: 107
Metro Police & Traffic: 0860 765 423
Please always phone to check the credentials of people saying they are from the Council before letting them in! Tel: Leandre Layman 0624606906
Recycling:
PPG Recyclers, Kadar: 0618390530
Oasis: 021 6712698
Wynberg Waste drop off: 0860 103 089
Recycle Rachel: 082 292 1588
Kool Waste: Barry 072 129 5787
Please Stay Safe and have a joyful weekend!
Kind regards,
Jen Rowe and the HVCID team