Chairperson’s Report for 2021

Another year has passed! We have a new ward councillor, Cllr Steven Fourie, elected in November last year, to serve Ward 11 for the next five years. We are also in the fortunate position of being able to retain the guidance and advice of our former ward councillor, Alderman Dudley Coetzee, as our Constitution allows for the automatic ex officio membership of a councillor. So in effect, we can rely on the expertise and knowledge of two elected Overstrand Council members in our little village!  

Shortly after the Local Government Elections, the election of ward committees for the next 5 years took place. We are grateful for your support that ensured that PBRPA will once again be represented on the ward committee. I am your elected representative and will keep you abreast of activities in our ward.  

All the roads in Pearly Beach have been now been sealed with a chip and spray process, with the exception of Melkhout Street and the Esplanade. Neither of these two roads have any residential properties. 

During the course of this year we have requested that a four way stop be installed at the intersection of Loop and Cross Streets.  

At a meeting held with the Manager responsible for Solid Waste Disposal, we requested that the Pearly Beach Drop Off Zone be opened on Saturdays for the full day and on Sundays until 2 pm.  

We understand that the caretaker cannot be expected to work seven days a week, fifty two weeks a year, and have suggested that the Drop Off Zone be closed on Wednesdays. The reason for this is to allow weekend visitors to the village to access this facility.

At present, a large amount of garden and household refuse is dumped outside the gates of the Drop Off or across the road in the bush after hours, despite no dumping signage being erected. 

I would urge you to report any such illegal activity please, should you witness it. Photographs of offenders would be appreciated and will assist in the issuing of fines.

We take pride in our village and need to keep it looking its best! The community will be advised once the hours at the Drop Off Zone are revised.

Requests have been made for the parking area at Castle Beach to be tarred this financial year - as this is our Blue Flag beach, as well as the repairing of the boardwalks - particularly the boardwalk from Rotunda Way to the beach. The signage at Pearly Beach will also be corrected as soon as possible.

The Pearly Beach Ratepayers’ Association management committee is also in the process of upgrading the wall at the entrance to Pearly Beach. The stone cladding has been removed from the front of this wall and a seascape mural is currently being painted on the wall, along with the name Pearly Beach. An updated street map will also be fixed to the table section at the wall.

In consultation with the Pearly Beach Conservancy, we have agreed to erect a drinking fountain on the village green, which is the start and finish of the 5 km village meander.

I wish to thank Nelia, Viv, Wilma, Trevor and Jason for their dedication this past year and for agreeing to make themselves available once again for re-election to the committee for a further year. The job is not a glamourous one, as they will no doubt agree. Criticism is often levelled at the committee and praise is frugal, nevertheless, there is an excellent team spirit and a real sense of camaraderie is evident!

Our thanks to the municipality for their willing assistance whenever we have required their help. We are privileged to live in a beautiful part of the Overstrand and to have a municipality that strives to offer its residents the very best service. 2021 was a demanding year for everyone.  

Despite staff shortages and government contracts that were not renewed, our municipality rose up to meet the challenges that were posed.

Finally, thank you to Alderman Dudley Coetzee for his ongoing assistance. Our very best wishes to Cllr Steven Fourie as he serves Ward 11 for the next five year cycle. Strength to you, Steven!  

SHIRLEY COETZEE

CHAIRPERSON

10 MARCH 2022