In an effort to improve the image of Isipingo and Clairwood, the South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Management (ABM) hosted a workshop at Enchanted Gardens in Isipingo.
The objectives of the workshop were to draft a turnaround strategy and obtain departments’ commitment to participate in the strategic and implementation plan of these areas.
“We have established ABM departments as a vehicle to speed up service delivery and we are confident that through this vehicle, the areas of Isipingo and Clairwood will receive the attention they deserve,” said eThekwini Municipality speaker, Councillor Logie Naidoo in his key-note address.
eThekwini Municipality manager, Sibusiso Sithole said secondary central business districts such as Isipingo and Clairwood are vital to the city’s economic growth and one of the major rates collectors.
“The city is committed to transform these areas back to vibrant urban spaces that optimise public and private investments, and desirable public environments.
These secondary CBDs have a long history of development challenges that have led to serious service delivery issues,” said Sithole.
The workshop deliberated on how to deal with derelict buildings, public transport, land use, informal traders, informal settlements, operations maintenance, crime and drugs.
It resolved to develop a plan that will be championed by senior officials who will report to the city manager’s operations meeting on a bi-weekly basis.
It is hoped that the plan or the model that will come out of this initiative will be replicated to all other secondary CBDs throughout the city.
