Pinetown upgrade a huge success
A PUBLIC consultation on Wednesday to discuss the development of an upgraded Pinetown CBD was a success said residents, ratepayers and business-owners.
The meeting, organised by ethekwini Municipality, focused on the urban design upgrades in progress. They include first phase of Go!durban which will link the CBD to Kwamashu’s Bridge City and a proposed Urban Improvement Precinct.
According to the city, the vastly improved urban environment, will be a major catalyst to stimulate its economy.
Carlos Esteves, head of infrastructure roll-out, outlined a detailed design of the roadways, stations, depots, traffic management centres and other facilities required for the integrated rapid public transport network system to operate. Residents said the CBD was in decline.
They cited crime, lack of enforcement of by-laws, flaunting of traffic regulations, slow progress in completion of Go!durban, crumbling infrastructure and neglected parks as issues that needed urgent intervention.
Pinetown business owner and member of the interim UIP committee, Yusif Solwa, discussed how it would work and how it would make Pinetown a liveable town: “To provide privately funded supplementary services that include security and cleaning and create dedicated points of contact to allow for the municipality and the UIP to have a single entry of communication and form a catalyst for social and environmental development.”
He said Pinetown was strategically located but failed to reach its investment potential as a result of the decline. Solwa said the community needed an innovative collective response.
“UIPS can address this decline, with the right commitment, resources and approach from business, municipal and citizen approach. The UIP will convert problems into opportunities,” said Solwa. Precinct-specific workshops to engage with residents will take place at Regent, Josiah Gumede, Civic station, Beviss station and Moodie station until June.