TygerBurger | Milnerton | E-edition | 15 April 2026

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Key interventions include real-time monitoringof56pumpstations, infrastructure upgrades in areas such as Koeberg Road, Dunoon and Table View East, and ongoingimprovements at the PotsdamWastewaterTreatment Works.

Asaline-water pilot project was also planned to improve water flow and reduce pollution, while scientific trials using nanobubble technology and microbial treatmentswere showingearly promise.

SIGNSOFPOLLUTIONSTILLEVIDENT

Despite theseefforts concerns about waterquality persisted. Communitygroup RethinkThe Stink recently reported unusualfoam in the lagoon, believed to be linked to pollution.

“Thisisn’t just unsightly,” the group pointed out,“it’s aclear warning of poor waterquality andpotential health risks

for people, pets and wildlife.”

TheCitycommitted to investigating. Monitoring data indicated asignificant drop in hydrogen-sulphide nuisance levels, akey contributor to the lagoon’s notorious odour. While nearly 1400 exceedances were recorded between February and December 2025, only 10 wererecorded between January and late March 2026.

As the City moved intowhat it described as a“critical phase” of implementation the debate highlighted adelicate balance between urgent intervention and longterm environmental impact.

For residentssuch as Nortje the concern is not whether the lagoon should be restored, but how. “I think the public has the right to know how the most beautiful and dominant water feature in this area could be changed forever for verylittle ecological return.”

. TheCapeTownGem and MineralClub'snextopen daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede HoopSt, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout the hobbyofcrystals, gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Plentyofoff-road parking.Food available. Allwelcome,especially children

.Ahisha Samson from Brackenfellwilllaunch her debutpoetrycollection So deur dielewe/Along Life's Path atthe Durbanville Library. In her poetry Ahisha sharesher personaljourneythrough life, socio-economic challenges,her faith and growth as awomanofcolour. Thebooklaunch starts at 10:00 for10:30 ending at 12:00. Contact Ahisha Samson on ahishasamson28@gmail.comwith enquiries

SATURDAY30MAY

. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarketDay from 10:00to15:00atthe SummerGreens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, SummerGreens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmadecrafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment. Free entry.For more informationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp 072 8301966.

Updateonsewer disruption in Montague Drive

The City’s Water andSanitation teams successfully cleared asewer blockage in Montague Drive, Montague Gardens at approximately 19:00 on Wednesday 15 April, following an incident earlier that afternoon. The blockage was removed usingsteel rods andacombination jettingmachine.

Theincident caused sewer overflows to enter the stormwater system, affecting theTheo Marais Canal and MilnertonLagoon. ReThink The Stink said this likely explained the unnatural foam visible in Milnerton Lagoon last week:amix of sewage pollution and chemical run-off.

Initialassessments suggested a

possible sewer collapse. However, further investigation confirmed the issue was caused by ablockage within the pipeline. At this stage there wereno visible signs of acollapse. Mitigation measures were ongoing. A6-inch (15,2cm) pump had been installed at the Theo Marais Canal to divert flows to the Koeberg Pump Station, helping to minimise further contamination. Teams had also disinfected affected roadways along Montague Drive after clearing the blockage. Work was continuing to remove visible sludge in, and just upstream of, the concrete weir in the Theo Marais Canal.

Parklandsresidentsdemandaction

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Residents in Parklandsare voicing growingconcern over crimein the area, warning that drug dealing, violence and alack of visible policing are contributingtoa deteriorating sense of safety in the community.

The concerns follow an attempted murder case registered by Table View police after ashooting incident in MorningfordRoad on Friday 3April.

DAYLIGHTSHOOTINGTRIGGERSFEAR

According to police, aman wasshot and wounded after intervening in an altercationbetween agroup of men. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation,and no arrests have been made.

The incident unfolded near the busy Morningfield Spar during peakhours, causingpanic among shoppersand nearby residents. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and described scenes of people fleeing forsafety.

Vehicles, including ared Range Rover and asilver Audi,were allegedly seen speeding away from the scene shortlyafter the shooting.

Community members have suggested the altercation may have been linked to adisputeovermoney, believed to be connected to drug-relatedactivity, although this has not been officially confirmed by police.

'HAPPENINGINPLAINSIGHT'

For many residents, theincident has reinforcedconcerns that crimein Parklands is becoming increasingly visible and normalised Allegations of open drug dealing around

Park WestShoppingCentre on MainRoad havesparkedparticular outrage,with residentsclaiming thatindividuals are being approached openly in public spaces during the day.

“This is no longer something that happens in the shadows,” aresident wrote in aletter to TygerBurger.“Peopleare being approached in broad daylight,in front offamilies andchildren.”

Residents warn that the situationis worsening andthat alack of intervention risksallowingcriminal networks to becomefurtherentrenched in the area.

POLICINGSTRETCHEDAMID GROWINGPOPULATION

Frustration hasalso been directedat whatresidents describe as insufficient policing anda lackofvisible law enforcement presence.

The Parklands Satellite PoliceStation on Parklands Main Road remains closed due to resource constraints, alongstanding issue thatcontinues to impact policingin the area.

WardcouncillorJonathanMills acknowledged the challenges, pointing to rapid population growthinParklands and surrounding areas as akey factor placing strain on existingresources.

He saidthere is strongsupport for the reopeningofthe satellite police station, but stressedthatthis would only be effective if it is adequately staffed, warning againstdiverting already limited resources from Table View PoliceStation.

Mills further raised concerns about thebroaderneedfor increased policing

infrastructure,suggesting that the scale of development in the areamay ultimately require afully fledged police precinct.

ENVIRONMENTALANDSAFETY CONCERNSINTERSECT

In additiontocrime, residents have raised concernsabout the expansion of informal settlements nearSiyahlala and Pioneer Valley into theTable Bay Nature Reserve.

The encroachment, particularly along theDiepRiver floodplain, has reportedly resultedinpollution, habitat disruption and increasedsafety risks, with residents claiming thatcriminals are able to use theseareas to evade detection.

Mills confirmedthatthe City is aware of theissue,notingthata court interdict has been granted to prevent further occupation of theland. He said discussions with human settlements authorities are ongoing to findlonger-term solutions.

Theareahas alsoseen incidents of theft, including damage to municipal infrastructure suchasfencing along stormwaterfacilitiesbordering the reserve

COMMUNITYDEMANDSACCOUNTABILITY

Residents are now calling for urgent, coordinated action from authorities, including increased police patrols in identified hotspots, stronger engagement with thecommunity policing forum and improvedcollaboration between law enforcement and private security.

Questions have alsobeen directed at local leadership, with residents seeking

clarity on what steps are being taken to address crime in the ward.

“We need visible action, coordination and accountability,” one resident said. “We cannot continue to live in acommunity where criminal activity operates without consequence.”

While ongoing infrastructure upgrades and long-term development plans have been noted, residentsargue that immediatesafety concerns must take priority.

ACOMMUNITYATACROSSROADS

Parklands remains one of the fastestgrowing areas in Cape Town, but residents warn that without decisive intervention, the area risksfurther decline in safetyand stability.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential long-term impact on property values and the overall quality of life.

Despite the challenges, residentssay they remain committed to the area and believe it can be restored to asafer environment —but only if meaningful action is taken.

“Parklands is abeautiful area,”a resident said. “But we cannot pretend everything is fine when it clearly is not.”

PANORAMAPALMS

Stormscauseheavyflooding

KAILINDANIELS KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Cape Town was lashed by aweekend of relentless rain as aseries of coldfronts swept across the city, triggering widespread flooding, road disruptionsand hazardous conditions across severalareas. Dunoonwas amongthe hardest-hit communities, with residents waking up to flooded streets, waterlogged homesand extensive damage to vehiclesafterheavy overnightdownpours.

Videos circulating on socialmedia showed cars partially submerged and

water rushing through residential areas, highlightingthe severity of the situation.

HOMESANDSTREETSUNDERWATER

Heavy rainscaused stormwater systems to overflow, leavinglarge parts of Dunoon submerged under muddy water. In some areas,waterlevels rose rapidly, flooding homesand forcingresidents to scramble to savebelongings. One car was left almost completely underwater, while debris floatedthrough thestreetsasfloodwaters surged Residents describedscenesofdevastation as theyassessed the damage

“The watercame in so fast, we didn’t even havetime to move everything,” said Nomsa Dlamini. “By thetime we woke up,our floors were already covered. We’velostfurniture, clothes —almost everything.”

One residentsaid hisfamily was left stranded. “Wetriedtopushthe water out, butitjustkeptcoming. My children were scared. We didn’t sleep at all.”

For others, thedamage was even more severe.“Ourshack is gone,”said Zanele Mniki. “Everything we hadhas been washedaway. We don’t know where we are going to staynow. Youwork so hard to build something, andinone night it’s destroyed. It’s heartbreaking.”

ParklandsCollegebeats40schools

Parklands College claimedtop honoursatthe first-ever Metro Interschools Life Sciences Challenge, hosted by the Metro Eastand Metro NorthEducation Districts on Saturday, 18 April at De Kuilen HighSchool in KuilsRiver.

Teams from 41 schools participated,with Malibu High School finishing second, followed by Melkbosstrand and Stellenberg sharing third place.

The brainchild of Jeremy Dietsiso, viceprincipaland life sciences teacher atDe Kuilen, the competition aimed to foster academic excellence among grade 10 to 12 life sciences learners.

“The aim of the competitionistoshow that science is fun,” said Dietsiso.“We want to cultivate alove for science amongst our learners.”

Each team consisted of six learners from grades 10 to 12, with amaximum oftwo grade12learners per team. Schools held preliminaryassessments in March to selecttheir representatives for Saturday’s finals.

The competition focused on strengthening learners’ competencies in terminology usage, scientific concept analysis, and understandinglife sciences applicationsineveryday lifeand indigenous knowledge.

Team member Alexa-Rose Schreuder described how thecompetitionbegan with arapid-fire round where one learner

41 TEAMS COMPETE IN INAUGURAL LIFE SCIENCESCHALLENGE

fromeachschool answered questions on thespot. “When it was ourturn, Jenna Simpson, agrade 11 learner, confidently tackled adifficultquestion, earningusour firstpoints,”Schreuder said.

Teams were later dividedinto pairs and rotated between stations testing practical skills andidentification abilities. “With two matricstudents andfourgrade 11s, we paired agrade 11 with amatric at keystations to maximiseour combined knowledge,”Schreudernoted

After the rounds, learners enjoyed ameal catered by Gift of the Givers before results were announced.

Parklands College life sciencesteacher Jolandi Gibson said her learners were extremely proud to compete in thewellexecuted event, particularly excited by the largetrophy and the energy throughout.

“MrDietsiso deserves immense credit fororganisingsucha seamless inaugural competition,providing astimulating environmentthatallowed learners to shine across various testing formats,” Gibson said. “His dedication hasset a high barfor thefuture, leaving thelife sciences community eager for next year’s competition.”

Kommentaar // Comments

THINKING OUTLOUD SLICEOFLIFE

Socks,storms and stubborn summer vibes

Winter has officially arrived. Youcan feel it in theearly morning chill, see it in the grey skies rolling in,and hear it in the steady rhythm of rain against thewindows. For some, it’s aseasonto endure. For me, it’s one to embrace. There’s something deeply comforting about winter. It invites you to slow down, to trade the rush of summer for quieter moments. To wrap yourself in blankets, cradle awarm cup of coffee,and sitalittle longer beside the fireplace while the world outside turns cold and wet

But this past weekend, winter reminded us that it is not always gentle. Heavy rains battered parts of thecity, leaving floodingand damage in their wake. For many families, the season did not arrive with cosy blankets and warmdrinks, but with risingwater, soaked belongingsand uncertainty. My heart goes out to those who have been affected —especially thosewho havelost their homes or have nowhere to go. It’s astark reminder that while winter can feel magicalfor some, it canbeincredibly harsh for others. It puts things into perspective.

Because while I’mlightingafire and reaching foranotherjersey,thereare people trying to stay dry, trying to stay warm, trying to hold onto whatthey have And inside my home, winterlooks very different. My three-year-old sonisfirmly convinceditisstill summer

Every morning beginswitha negotiation —socks being the main point of contention. To him, they areunnecessary and deeply offensive. To me,they are essential. “Just try them,” Isay,holding

FORMANYFAMILIES,THE SEASONDIDNOTARRIVEWITH COSYBLANKETS...

outasmall pair. “No,” he replies, without hesitation.

Then comes the wardrobe debate. While I’m layering up, he’s pointing atshorts andT-shirts as if the weather outside is merely asuggestion. Explaining winter to atoddler is no easy task.

“It’s cold,” Itell him. “Butthe sun is there,” he says, pointing outthe window. And in his mind, that settles it. Because sun means one thing: beach.

So when Iexplain that we can’tgo, the confusionisreal. Why would anyone not go to the beach if the sun is visible? It’s a fair question —one that logic struggles to answer when you’rethree years old

After one such conversation, he paused, looked up at the sky, and asked, “Is the sun on holiday?” And just like that, winter made perfect sense.

Because that’s exactlywhatitfeels like sometimes —like the sun has taken abreak, leaving clouds, wind andrain behind.Itstill makes the occasional appearance,just enough to remind us it hasn’t disappeared entirely But it doesn’t linger. Itriedtoexplain this to him —that the sun is still there, just not as warm, not as strong.Hewasn’t convinced. In hisworld, things are simple. Warm means outside. Sun means beach. Socks are optional.

The recent flooding has reminded us how vulnerable so many people are when the rains come.And maybe that’s the balance winter asksofus— to find comfort wherewecan, while remaining aware of those who cannot. To be grateful,but not unaware. So whileIsit with mycoffeeand my blanket, and continue the daily battle oversocks, I’m holding space forboth realities. Thecosy and the difficult. The laughter and theloss.

And somewhere in between, asmall voicestill asking whether the sun will be back from holiday tomorrow. Itell him yes. Even if, for now, winterishereto stay.

BRIEWE|LETTERS

Wag togvir jou beurt

-KAILIN DANIELS

Heavyrain bringsback thepotholecrisis

As winter settlesoverCape Town once again, so too doesthe familiar and frustrating problem of potholes returntoour roads.Every year it feelslikethe same story is replayed —heavy rainsarrive, roads deteriorate, and motorists arelefttonavigateanever-growing network of craters anddamagedsurfaces

In some areas, temporary'patchwork fixes' seem to last only afew days before the damage re-emerges, often worsethanbefore. Better planning, more resilientroadmaterials, andfasterresponsetimes couldgo alongway in reducing the impact of winter damage.

ACONCERNEDMOTORIST, Email

Ek is nounet mooi keelvolvan mense se ongedulden selfsugtigheid op die pad, veralinspitsverkeer soggens op Bottelary

Onsmoetalmal ‘n sekere tydbydie werk komen, net soos 'n mensin'nwinkel in 'n ry gaan staan om te betaal,nie net summier voor ander indruk nie.Jykan mosopdie padook jou beurt afwag

Die padwerke op Labellewegisnou al sedertdie begin vandie jaar aan die gang. Dit is nie 'n nuweding nie,maar vanoggend staan die ry karreopBottelary watalmal voor wil indruk amper net so lank soos die ry watindie korrekte baan geduldig moetwag —eintlik noglanger, te dankeaan al die selfsugtiges. Elkedag dieselfde storie —dieselfde voertuie wathul neusenet voor joune indruk. ESTHER,E-pos