Key points during October:

• A change of style for the monthly newsletter
• An excellent example of “working together”
• Decision to move the HPP Control Room to rented premises
• Information on cleaning activities
• Sharing extracts from our daily reports

A change of style for the monthly newsletter

Encouraged by my colleague Peter Doble, this new format aims to be more accessible and engaging for a broader readership. We hope to keep residents well-informed of HPP’s initiatives and progress. He has also suggested a change in the strapline from ‘Supplementing Municipal Services for a Safe, Clean and Healthy HSRA’ to ‘Keeping our community safe and clean, together’. The reason for this choice is that although close cooperation with the Overstrand Municipality (OM) is essential to our mission, the word “together” recognises our reliance on the cooperation of a wide range of other stakeholders. This includes property and business owners, the South African Police (SAPS), the neighbourhood watch groups, the business chamber, resident’s associations, our neighbouring Overstrand Special Rating Areas and of course the broader community.

An excellent example “working together”

On 24 October, a member of the public witnessed a cellphone theft in the CBD. Acting quickly, they reported the incident to HPP’s Control Room, who notified SAPS. Camera footage from our operators tracked the suspects, providing SAPS with critical information, including the car’s details. SAPS subsequently stopped the vehicle and arrested three suspects. The car itself was found to be stolen. We extend our thanks to the alert member of the public, SAPS, and our vigilant Control Room Operators for their swift, effective response.

Decision to move the HPP Control Room to rented premises

In the previous newsletter, we mentioned OM’s invitation for HPP to join their new Operational Command Centre. However, given limited space, the HPP Board has chosen to secure an independent location in the industrial area. The new site will unify all HPP operations under one roof, ensuring secure, dedicated space for our expanding needs. We have also arranged for shared desks at each site to facilitate close collaboration and prompt information sharing between HPP, Overstrand Municipality and law enforcement stakeholders.

Cleaning activities

To show the amount of rubbish collected – a total of 240 black bags filled in September in the central public and tourist areas. The cleaning team covers the areas between Roman Rock to the Marine Hotel, Gearings Point to New Harbour, Grotto East to Kraal Rock plus Hoys Koppie, Bekker’s Park and Piet se Bos. Daily cleanups run Monday through Saturday, with an additional team member assigned to dog excrement collection three times weekly.