Erin keeps Kempton Park industrial area spruced up
Major investments to the collective value of R3 billion have been made in the building of new premises over the past two years
The East Rand Industrialist’s Association (Erin) plays an important role in the upkeep of Kempton Park’s industrial areas.
The association was formed 31 years ago and serves to provide a platform between the metro and the industrial sector. It holds the municipality accountable for ensuring that basic service delivery issues are met so businesses can run smoothly, says current chairman Ramatiyane Seepe.
“We have monthly meetings with officials of the municipality to improve the relationship between the two parties, and to make sure issues such as electricity, water and other services that affect the industrial areas of Isando, Spartan and Aeroport, are well taken care of by the municipality.”
Seepe said regular surveys were conducted in Kempton Park’s three industrial areas to assess requirements for repairs or upgrading of infrastructure, such as the condition of roads, potholes, storm water drains, electricity outages and upgrades, and all other infrastructure matters which affect the day-to-day operation of business.
“We conduct site inspections together with officials of the municipality every few months by driving through the areas to check for issues with roads, electricity and any sort of infrastructure matters affecting the industrial areas.
“We have been instrumental in the resurfacing of Quality Road, which took about four years of persistent pressure on the municipality. We also assisted one of our members with major water leaks lasting for more than two years on their premises.
“Major investments to the collective value of R3 billion have been made by some of our members in the building of new premises over the past two years. This is ongoing,”said Seepe.
Over the past three to four years the association has also been working with the Harambee Bus Service for industrial workers to be included in the metro’s public transportation system from Kwa-Thema to Isando. The service was introduced some two years ago.
“Currently we are negotiating to extend the bus service to include a service from and to Rhodesfield Gautrain Station, and to extend the service to include Spartan. This is important because at the moment the bus only caters for workers from the township to the industrial areas, and not from the Gautrain.”
For more information, contact Erin administrator Attie Kolver on 082 458 2264 or email erinbremner@gmail.com.
