Have your say on by-law amendments

The public participation process is under way for the proposed amendments to the Citys Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances By-law. Picture: Sinazo Mkoko

The City’s safety and security portfolio committee chairman, Mzwakhe Nqavashe, said the amendments were proposed to ensure more effective resolution of complaints from the public.

He said this also takes into account the amended powers that have been afforded to law enforcement officers, and expands ways in which the City can recover costs where need be.

“It is important to point out that there are no other amendments proposed to the original provisions of the by-law. We encourage residents to engage with the amendments and to provide feedback before the closing date. The City’s safety and security portfolio committee will consider all contributions received after the deadline for submissions closes,” he said.

Fowzia Achmat, secretary of the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers’ Association, said they hadn’t had time to meet and discuss the matter due to the lockdown. Weighing in in her personal capacity, however, she said she needed clarity on noise levels.

“Bo-Kaap is a loud area, we have the athaan (call to pray), thikr and traditional gatherings and we need to understand how that’s going to affect the community,” she said.

Ms Achmat said she didn’t want the culture and the tradition of the community to be restricted.

Comments, input or recommendations may be submitted by email to lawenforcement@capetown.gov.za and written submissions can be sent to Leon Wentzel, Law Enforcement Department, Omniforum Building, 94 Van Riebeeck Street, Kuils River.

Elizabeth Knight of the Green Point Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association, said: “Based on our informed view, we presume that the move is to enable the City to enforce existing by-laws. This is all we have to share at this time.”

Atlantic Sun also asked Sea Point Fresnaye and Bantry Bay Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association for comment on the matter but they had not responded by the time this story was published.