Page 58 - Bulletin 7 2003

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difficulties. These however had been overcome and the work was about to be
commenced, thanks to their able Engineer Mr. Bennett. They had also decided to
have electricity, and when this was installed there would be no Municipality in
South Africa able to show such reproductive public works for the sum which it
was going to cost them. They had been fortunate in having the market when the
loan was floated. This, with the advantage of their engineer buying the material
on the spot, had undoubtedly saved them a few thousand which allowed for
contingencies in completing the schemes. During his Mayoralty a plan of the
Municipality had been prepared, so that every foot of land was accounted for and
in future they would always be able to get a complete valuation roll of all
properties. The Council had also provided a much-needed cemetery which
would prove a boon to the district. He was proud to be associated with the
improvements that would make Muizenberg yet more the Queen of South
African watering places.

Musical items were contributed between the various toasts and an enjoyable
evening was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.

The Wynberg Times, 3 Sept 1904

Scowen’s council was responsible at the end of 1903 for the initiation of the
huge scheme known as “The Drainage and Electric Lighting Scheme” which,

after years of expense and frustration, would bring waterborne sanitation and

electricity to Kalk Bay, St. James, Muizenberg and Lakeside. Extensions and
improvements to the Silvermine Reservoir were completed during his second

term of office. That his Council had embarked on the Drainage Scheme in a

sanguine frame of mind is evident from the following report in the Wynberg
Times.

The number of tenders for carrying out the Drainage Scheme has, up to the time
of writing these notes, reached a most satisfactory total. No fewer than 21 firms
have submitted estimates. While the state of the labour market is deplorable
from every other point of view, it is fortunate for Muizenberg, as it will enable
them, no doubt, to fix a contract at an exceptionally low sum, which, under
ordinary circumstances would be totally impossible. There will also be an
additional advantage that with the amount of unemployed labour available, the
completion of the scheme will be very much accelerated. From the trial pits
which have been sunk along the proposed pipe track there is little reason to fear
that the cost of excavating will be anything above the normal. Where the
difficulty has occurred, it has not been owing to the presence of bed-rock, but to