Urban renewal project on track for Tweni
Mr Morris thanked the community for its support in dropping off food for the men and women working in the area.
If you haven’t yet seen how amazing Commercial Road in Umtentweni is looking – you must take a drive. The Umtentweni Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association is on a mission to not only beautify the leafy suburb but make it safe, and their hard work is certainly paying off.
“We want to make the suburb of Tweni look like it was 15 years ago,” added Derrick Morris, chairman of the association. The ‘Restart Tweni Project’ kicked off a few months ago, with the help and partnership of the Umtentweni Conservancy and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.
The project is, and has, already made a massive difference in restoring the suburb. This is also largely thanks to local businesses, which are throwing their weight behind the vision. The association has also received its public benefit organisation (PBO) status which means certain receipts (mainly derived from donors) are exempt from donations tax. One businessman in particular, Brett Robins of Industrial Supply Centre, is contributing tremendously towards the project.
He has recently helped employ 12 people from Hope House to tackle the mammoth task of cutting back bush and clearing Commercial Road. Hope House is a privately run safe haven for the less fortunate. Based in Izotsha and Margate, Hope House provides shelter and three meals a day for about 120 people, including children. Alet Swart helps her daughter Linda Meyer run Hope House. Many will know Ms Swart for her involvement with Tent City. She has been actively involved in helping the homeless for some 30 years.
As the employment figures rise, it is acknowledged that the number of people needing a roof over their heads and food is sadly increasing. “There is always a need for food and clothes. We have men and women who are talented and qualified in various different fields who are looking for work,” she Ms Swart.
Mr Morris thanked the community for its support in dropping off food for the men and women working in the area. The drastic improvement along Rethman Drive and Old St Faith is thanks to the roads department. The next step will be Link Road where the Tweni Conservancy will be spending a few days to clear away and make the area safer, especially around the pedestrian bridge.
Mr Morris asked residents to take care of their verges and keep the area around them clean and attractive. Jana Perold, secretary of URRA, thanked everyone who has donated towards the project.
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