Parra not just for ratepayers
THE committee members of Parra [Port Alfred Residents and Ratepayers Association] has become increasingly aware that more should be done to open up the goings-on of the organisation as it is intended for all residents and ratepayers of Port Alfred, not just for ratepayers as was previously believed.
The following are current issues pursued on behalf of residents:
1. Relationship with the mayor’s office is improving drastically. Last meeting was due May 16, feedback to follow;
2. Boardwalk and stairs at Kelly’s Beach are of safety concern – imminent collapse possible;
3. Sewerage treatment plant, raw sewage flowing into Kowie – vandalism big issue;
4. Continuous sewage spillages on Biscay Road and Van der Riet Street, as well as water surrounding museum and police station;
5. Caravan at Duck Pond – safety and health issues;
6. Proposed cellphone tower at NG Church – applications flawed;
7. Stray animals always continue to be an issue despite court orders;
8. Drainage of water on new section on Beach Road next to Kowie River is insufficient and will exacerbate ever continuing collapsing river bank. Pavements incomplete and building rubble not cleared;
9. Small boat harbour in disrepair, still no action by municipality;
10. New tenants at indoor swimming pool have cleared up beautifully.
Parra has also started a Facebook page with the members growing slowly. We urge all readers to join this page and open up discussions. Parra is also in the process of setting up a website. We will need input from the public here, and maybe a nice mascot or similar can be voted for by the public. This website will include all relevant phone numbers, dates for meetings, process for reporting problems and so forth.
There will also be bi-weekly feedback in the local press regarding positive and general issues.
Our hope is to get the whole community involved and to do away with the exclusive image that Parra might have had. We accept this is still early days but we will all learn and take the baby steps required.