Parra’s initiatives making a difference
Beautification projects to be extended to street art
Port Alfred Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (Parra’s) efforts to beautify the town’s inner precinct are taking root after a decision to embark on renewal projects was put into action two months ago.
Parra’s short tour of the projects on Friday February 9 included the front walkway of the main library next to the Port Alfred Civic Centre and a few others at the town square. Parra chair Lindsay Luppnow, who led the tour, said the planting of aloes and yakka trees was a collaborative effort.
“We want to be part of positive change in our town. We work in collaboration with the Ndlambe Municipality’s various divisions and we regularly meet with the departments involved.
“We get full approval for our projects from the municipality before carrying them out,” Luppnow said.
“Parra has had many roleplayers who have helped build a good relationship with Ndlambe and we are reaping the benefits.
We work really well together, while still calling for accountability on other matters.”
Luppnow makes a point of the joint effort to beautify areas of the town, adding that while the public’s response to the projects was overwhelmingly positive, there had been many negative comments, too. One of the initiatives uprooting a tree on the town’s square and replacing it with a brickedbordered flower bed of tree aloes led to an outcry from some quarters.
Luppnow said the tree had become a problem because drug dealers and users frequented it, and it was being used as a public toilet.
“It had become a real eyesore and a problem for businesses in that area.
“We are not prepared to get weighed down with the negativity. Wherever you live in the world, it is your choice to live there.
“If it doesn’t suit you, then it’s better to find an alternative, nowhere is perfect. I would want people to be openminded. If you have had differences in the past with associations, even with Parra, look to put that in the past and look to rather working together for a better future.
“People and businesses are sacrificing their services and offering them for the betterment of the community and that’s what our primary focus is towards living in a better Port Alfred tomorrow than today,” Luppnow said.
Luppnow said Parra has received approval for further projects.
“Our projects include a street art project, focusing on areas at our beaches and the Wharf Street area.
“These will take the form of murals, focusing on nature and we have developed a logo similar to the ‘I love Cape Town’ theme.
“These types of murals are popular because when visitors are taking photos of these places they share them on social media.
“We are also focusing on Kowie River braai areas, and an upgrade of the East Beach public toilets.
“This is a collaborative effort with the municipality and we are trying to finish some of the projects before Easter.”
Luppnow made an impassioned appeal to the community to preserve all the upgrades.
“We really want the community to encourage people to respect the areas that have been upgraded.
“If there is an issue please escalate it through to us so we can make sure that it is attended to.
“Please do not vandalise the areas. If anyone sees people vandalising the area please report that as well.
“We would like to appeal to ratepayers, residents and business folk to take pride in their buildings.
“If we take ownership and pride in the areas, the town will look much better.”
We really want the community to encourage people to respect the areas that have been upgraded