As Executive Mayor of Drakenstein, I recently attended the Western Cape State of the Province Address held in Mitchell’s Plain. Premier Alan Winde spoke of the challenges facing the Province, the actions taken to mitigate challenges as well as current and future plans for the Province.
The Drakenstein Municipality places the safety and security of all our residents high up on the priority list and as such I was especially pleased with the commitment to continue and extend the current Safety Plan.
Premier Winde pointed out that it is not a one size fits all plan, that decisions would be informed by data and evidence and the focus would be where the crime is worst. He added that they would not be afraid to adapt and change the plan if data and evidence called for that.
I also welcomed the news that the focus on safety is bringing new features to other departments including housing. In fact In Vlakkeland and Dal Josaphat, “stoeps” are being incorporated in new homes because in the past, the grannies who sat on their front stoeps were the eyes and ears of their communities. Work is also being done on safety lighting, and creating more open communal areas in developments so people can get to know their neighbours.
The good work done by critical sectors like Health, Education, Economic Development as well as Energy is impressive and the future plans are bold and ambitious. I really believe that bold and ambitious thinking is exactly what we need to ensure that the Province and all the Municipalities within the Western Cape move into 2020 and beyond with a clear, focused and people centered plan.
As the Drakenstein Municipality we will continue to work closely with the Provincial Government to strive work towards shared goal and common objectives.