CBD improvement plans afoot
In 2014, the ECID plans to focus on the beautification of the CBD area.
The necessity for an initiative to improve Edenvale has become a reality.
Last year saw the establishment of the Edenvale City Improvement District (ECID).
While the project has many challenges to face, these are being tackled on a daily basis.
“Since February 2013, several improvements were made as well as many which form part of cleaning up Edenvale but are not visible to the naked eye,” said ECID manager, Mrs Linda McKenzie.
“As managers for the ECID, Mrs Sheryl Damerell and myself were mandated to address crime and grime in the CBD as well as oversee the greening of the area,” she said.
To date, as part of the initial measures to address crime in the CBD, security guards were appointed to patrol the CBD from 6am to 6pm.
“We have seen visible results already and we are also investigating the installation of cameras,” said Mrs McKenzie.
“We have working relationships with the SAPS as well as members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the K9 Unit and the Equestrian Unit,” she added.
Financially, one of the biggest problems facing the ECID is ensuring that money are paid over regularly.
“We are finding ways to work around this but continue to be limited to what we can do,” said Mrs McKenzie.
As part of the strategy to welcome residents back to the CBD, a number of events were organised, including a walk against crime and a Christmas market.
Current and ongoing projects to improve the CBD include handing over trolleys to traders in the CBD and repairing the Edenvale fountain.
“We also worked with a social worker from Tembisa to reunite three vagrants with their families. They are being given identity books and put on social grants,” said Mrs McKenzie.
In 2014, the ECID plans to focus on the beautification of the CBD area.
“Some of the projects we have planned include work on the Eden Mall Taxi Rank, liaising with various landlords to paint and upgrade their buildings and shops, and repairs to various roads,” said Mrs McKenzie.
“We also plan to encourage residents and businesses to return to the CBD. We want to aggressively address negative perceptions and promote the ECID as well as address and improve safety, health and environmental issues in the area,” she said.
Other plans for the CBD include achieving and sustaining a well-managed, safe and clean public space.
For more information, contact Linda on 083 973 7093 or Sheryl on 082 575 6130. Alternatively, an e-mail can be sent to manager@edenvalecid.co.za, or events@edenvalecid.co.za
