GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A powerful new ratepayers forum, the Garden Route Ratepayers Alliance, has been formed.

The Garden Route RPA consists of 22 ratepayers associations, including the RPAs clustered around Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay - stretching all the way to Swellendam and Prince Albert.

The initial meeting was held in Knysna on 25 May and the second in George on 7 September. 

"The objective of the alliance is to share information, best practices and examples of what is working well and what needs improvement in the governance of our towns," said its chairperson, Steve Pattinson, who is also chairperson of the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers Association.

"The combined strength of our memberships makes the organisation a formidable force in effecting change. Our towns are faced with similar, if not identical issues, and we need to open channels of communication in order to share experiences, knowledge and solutions.

"It will allow the associations to present a united front when having to deal with government at the district, provincial and national levels."

George ratepayer Dennis Farrel, who recently conducted research on the state of the Garden Route cities/towns, said he is "one hundred percent" behind the new initiative as it would open up communication between various ratepayers associations and municipalities.

In his research, only 30% of respondents indicated that the political and municipal leadership were addressing the needs and concerns of citizens.

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