New precinct manager hopes to make a difference

THE new Florida Road UIP precinct manager, Jarrod Evans, is feeling positive about changes he can bring to Florida Road precinct.

Jarrod was appointed at the beginning of December and said although he had taken on a functioning road, there were many challenges ahead of him, especially with regards to car guards who operate along Florida Road.

Jarrod spent 10 years in the UK after finishing high school and spent a good part of this time in the military.

“When men in the military leave, they wonder what they are going to do. and most get into the security business. I did man guarding in the UK as well as sales in the security sector. I would come back to Durban on holiday once a year, and one time I had such a great holiday with my family that after returning to the UK for three months, I decided to move back to Durban. It has its challenges but I appreciate the lifestyle,” he said.

Jarrod started working at Enforce soon after returning to the country, performing man guarding and managerial work.

“It was nice and an interesting way to return, as security is a big concern in South Africa. For three years I guarded housing estates in Hillcrest then moved to Tongaat Hullet. I got in touch with Brian Wright from Urban Management and discussed the opportunity to start in Florida Road. Itt was just an opportunity I couldn't refuse. Security and guarding was one dimensional and I wanted to broaden my horizon and experience,” he said.

He said the job was so much more involved and there were interesting challenges ahead that he looked forward to tackling.

“Taking over from Gray Braatvedt was easy – he did an excellent job in turning the road into what it is aesthetically, due to his strong construction background, so I have taken on a functioning road. I aim to tackle the vagrant and car guarding aspect this year, which is a challenge, but I have a plan in place to rectify the problem as I have an understanding of the importance of fixing it, I hope to see progress in the near future. There are a lot of wonderful chaps working in the road who want to work to support themselves and their families and I want to assist them,” he said.

He said the security provider (Enforce) and SAPS needed to support this initiative as well.

“This is my number one priority now. After that I would like to address what can be done to fully utilise the park in the road, which has a lot of potential. It should be used for families and I envisage there being a coffee shop and acoustic gigs on the weekend,” he said.

Jarrod said he was feeling positive about the job. He said he had visited Florida Road for a long time, living nearby, which made it an incentive to get the road to reach its full potential.

“It looks great, but it can look a lot better and be safer. I aim to build relationships with residents and the municipality as well. I have a lot to learn,” he said.