We continue to hear residents ask, ‘What value is there in supporting the Hilton Ratepayers Association?’ This is exciting because it illustrates a growing interest in the Hilton Ratepayers Association as the need for us to be a strong player representing and working for our CommUNITY is increasingly necessary. We work hard on a range of key focus points and will continue to inform our Hilton Residents what the Hilton Ratepayer’s Association (HRA) is, why it exists, what it does, what we have achieved etc. Here goes, pour your coffee and settle in for a fact-filled read!
What is the HRA?
• The Hilton Ratepayer’s Association was established over 20 years ago.
• All Hilton Residents are represented in dealing with CommUNITY issues.
• Committee Members meet once a month.
• Membership is open to ALL Hilton residents and the ANNUAL fee is R300 per household.
• Membership fees cover 1st March to end of February of the following year.
What areas is the HRA active in?
• Town planning - ensure that regulations are met and adhered to.
• Preservation and maintenance of our environment.
• Provide representation on Ward Committees.
• Work with and support Councillors.
• Ensure that municipal services are affected and that rates are used productively.
• Give support to locally driven CommUNITY initiatives.
• Attend CPF meetings dealing with security and SAPS.
• Deal with NERSA regarding the establishment of an End-User Forum.
• Deal with Msunduzi regarding unlawful electricity disconnections.
• Active communication with the Msunduzi and NERSA regarding electricity supply issues.
• Promote Hilton becoming and involved CommUNITY.
• Support HBI, a task team founded by Kate Warr which has successfully beautified Hilton and is now under the wing of our HRA.
What has the HRA achieved recently?
• Dennis Shepstone Drive and Pedestrian Pavements – liaison with Roads Department at various times during the contract period.
• Fibre Optic Cable Installation – arranged formal liaison with the project teams and their respective Contractors and Sub-contractors.
• New Water Pipelines – liaised with the project team as well as resolving water supply issues, failures, and dealing with snags during completion.
• Have been involved with planning input and permissions regarding the design, traffic, landscaping, water supply and wastewater at the Hilton Life Hospital.
• Municipal planning – attended meetings with input into planning schemes.
• Municipal council – represented on ward committees and providing input where required.
• Continual meetings with all new developments to ensure that legislation is adhered to.
What is on our ‘to do list’?
• First up – you can find us at The Quarry Centre in front of the Wishing Well from 8am to 12pm on Saturday, 31 August 2019, and please come along and say hello! Bring any questions you may have.
• More ad hoc assistance to local initiatives such as the HBI.
• Involvement with the UCSI’s security camera network in Hilton.
• Organizing a dedicated cycle/running/walking route through Hilton utilizing and connecting open space.
• To address road surface and pothole issues in Hilton.
• To report and resolve street lighting issues.
• Painting of the Groenekloof Road Bridge.
• Welcome wall in Hilton.
• To have a fun concert in our Hilton Park.
• And more…. a new and exciting initiative!
URBAN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (UID)
One of the main projects for the forthcoming year will be to assist in the creation of an UID in Hilton. Set out below is a brief outline of what this is and involves. There will be further communication as this project evolves as it will require the support of the whole community.
1. National Legislation and Treasury Guidelines do make provision for UID's. What needs to be done is to pass a by-law that empowers the creation of such a district. Draft by-law has already been completed.
2. The area which is covered by the UID needs to be demarcated.
3. The ratepayers in this area would then be consulted by via a referendum.
What does a UID provide for?
1. It creates a section 21 company (non-profit organisation) made up of members voted on in the UID.
2. It enables an additional levy on rates that is collected by the municipality. Probably in the region of 2 to 5 percent. This is paid over to the Section 21 company.
3. This money can be spent in whatever way the community deems fit. Security, beautification etc.
4. Provision is also made in legislation for a rebate on rates where the UID carries out tasks that should be done by the Municipality. There are court rulings in this regard.
There are a number of UID's Functioning in the country. Closer to home they exist in the Umhlanga area and Southbroom. They are also well established in Cape Town where they go under the name of Business Improvement Districts. (BID's)
Benefits are considerable. Reduction of crime, better property values resulting from neater and crime free neighbourhoods.
Further communication will be forthcoming as this matter progresses. In the interim interested persons can google BID's and UID's
It is sincerely hoped that this newsletter has helped more people understand how hard the HRA Committee works behind the scenes, for ALL Hiltonians. We cannot do it alone! Sadly, we currently have only about 190 contributing households out of 3000+ households. This is your town, the more people who get involved in dealing with CommUNITY issues the more we can do together to improve our special place on the hill!
Joining the HRA as a Member is easy, go to our membership webpage
(https://www.hiltonvillage.co.za/hra-membership-form), complete the form, then make payment using the details provided, copied below for ease of reference.
HILTON RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
Nedbank Branch: 151925 Account No: 1519 004540 Reference: Surname, Initials
Please send POP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you are unsure if you are a paid-up Member please email us to check.
Hilton Ratepayers Association
You are receiving this email because you are on our private address list, updated through direct contact with you or your company. However, if you feel this is a mistake, we apologize for the inconvenience.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Banking Details:
Name: Hilton Resident's Association
Bank: Nedbank
Branch: Hilton Code: 151925
Account No: 1519004540
Annual contribution: R300 once off.
News supplied by Hilton Ratepayers Association.