Business Forum committed to uplifting Umbilo

SINCE it’s inception in 2010, the Umbilo Business Forum has demonstrated a commitment to improving the area not only for local businesses but residents as well.

At its AGM held earlier this week, vice chairman Sikho Msomi, said the volunteer organisation which represented businesses in the area, had grown from an initial five businesses when it was launched, to just shy of 100 businesses today.

The growth and strong presence of the UBF was confirmed by treasurer, Simon Reeves, who said the input of its members had placed the forum in a healthy position financially which was necessary for it to tackle the various community projects in the area.

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Among the highlights the forum has accomplished over the past year, chairman, Kelvin Caldwell said the introduction of the Umbilo Blue OPS, a project in which the UBF and Blue Security joined forces and allocated a patrol vehicle to fight crime in the Williams Road area, after a number of break-ins were reported, had been a huge success, with no incidents reported since the vehicle was implemented.

“We appeal to other businesses to join to continue to make this viable,” he said.

Another project that has been successful is the Congella Park vegetable garden, established through a partnership with the city’s Parks Department. Ten homeless people were trained in organic farming and given temporary accommodation in the park. Caldwell said plans were in the making to get the second part of this project, the construction of a cardboard recycling station in the park, off the ground.

He said this would go a long way in cutting down the grime problem and alleviate the problem of drains blocked by cardboard.

“We aim to help the homeless recycle cardboard, giving them the proceeds. This will help us start to clean up as well as empower people,” he said.

Caldwell also mentioned the feeding scheme project that is being run in collaboration with Gavin Scott who prepares meals for residents of Kenneth Gardens, CANSA, Congella Park and residents at Dalton Hostel. He said 250 people are fed three times a week.

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Other exciting plans in the pipeline were also revealed. Ian Campbell-Gillies, policy director, addressed business representatives at the AGM about a new project the UBF will be working on at Dalton Beer Hall, along with the municipality.

“We have made contact with Steve Thusi of Dalton Hostel, as something needs to be done to kickstart the Dalton economy.”

“We are integrally involved in planning to inspire massive business revival at the hostel. Out of the 800 residents, only 30 are employed. We will be putting together a database of residents’ qualifications and skills and will require massive input from the business community,” he said.

Campbell-Gilles also said the forum was looking to restart negotiations with the municipality regarding a clinic the UBF hopes to establish at 33 Davenport Avenue with the help of the Umbilo Social Development Organisation.