With young couples and families moving into the Fish Hoek Valley to raise their children, forge their careers and enjoy the magnificent environment, the Fish Hoek Valley Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (FHVRRA) is inviting them to join as members of the FHVRRA to contribute to the preservation and improvement of the infrastructure.
“The geographic region of the FHVRRA covers Clovelly, the False Bay seaboard in the east, Kalk Bay Mountains (TMNP) to the north, Ou Kaapse Weg and Glencairn Expressway in the west, and Fish Hoek Mountains (TMNP) in the south.
“When the new residents attend our meetings they will be informed on issues of concern to them,” says Brian Youngblood, chairperson of the FHVRRA.
Between meetings, various notices of interest to the community are circulated to members.
These notices include media releases from the City of Cape Town and anything requiring public participation.
“Our members are our strength and we invite their support. Residents and ratepayers should keep in mind that their issues are the issues of the FHVRRA and if you don’t want to receive any of our notices, you should let us know,” Youngblood says.
Residents’ associations are organisations for groups of people from a specific geographic community who came together to address issues within their local area and act as a voice for their local community. Membership of the FHVRRA is open to all people residing in the area.
“As the FHVRRA we address issues of concern that contribute to the preservation and improvement of our infrastructure. We also try to protect the constitutional rights of property owners and lobby for improved security, law enforcement and police presence,” he says.
Other issues addressed by the FHVRRA are monitoring service delivery by the municipality, promoting the improvement or maintenance of the beach area, and maintaining communication with and supporting the ward councillors.
“In short, we inform news of value to our ratepayers and residents, like opposing developments in environmentally sensitive areas. We keep various lists of the members, some of whom already are subscribed to the mentioned notices, so we don’t want duplication. You might choose only to receive the notice of a forthcoming meeting and the minutes of the previous meeting as some members do,” Youngblood says.
The FHVRRA addresses a wide spectrum of matters, acting as an advocacy group independent of any political process. A proactive community is necessary to guide the future of the Valley, making it imperative that all demographics are represented.
The next quarterly general meeting will be held on Thursday 23 August at 19:30 in the Fish Hoek Civic Centre Main Hall and Peter Becker will enlighten the attendees on how to make their own wind generators.?