Durban needs more urban improvement precincts
“DURBAN has the potential to offer the best quality of life” but lags behind Cape Town and Johannesburg.”
That is the view of former chief of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew Layman. He believes the secret to Durban matching South Africa’s two biggest urban centres is revitalising key nodes by creating specially-managed precincts.
He believes the precincts will mean cleaner streets, orderly traffic and thriving local businesses – but more effort is needed in setting them up in the greater eThekwini region.
Layman has been tasked by the SA Property Owners Association (Sapoa) to facilitate the creation of urban improvement precincts (UIPs) in KZN.
“Cape Town has 35 areas that are specially managed, and people notice how clean the area is, and perceive them to be safer. Gauteng also has about 35 nodes. In Durban we have about five, and there is much work to be done to create areas that are carefully managed and offer a good quality of life,” said Layman.
Special precincts bring together property owners, businesses, local government and other stakeholders in providing services that complement those of the municipality, and encourage investment and development.
“Imagine walking down a street, using clean public toilets, being able to support local businesses, walk without having to step in pollution, or feel unsafe. This is what we aim to create with the special precincts,” said Layman.
Precinct managers and employees would ensure greater service delivery and attention to the public space within a precinct.
While the uMhlanga precinct is one of the success stories in KwaZulu-Natal, Layman said there was a push for the creation of more precincts.
“Very soon there will be the creation of the beachfront precinct, which will stretch from Blue Lagoon to the Point. This precinct will run alongside the already existing south beach precinct, and we hope the creation of a specially managed beachfront will lead to more investment,” he said.
The Pinetown CBD is also in the process of establishing its precinct.
“There is a strong thrust towards urban regeneration, which ultimately will translate in increasing property values.”
Layman said uMhlanga had been in a “poor state” prior to the creation of the urban improvement precinct.
“There was a willingness for change on behalf of the council, the ratepayers and the businesses, this was the key to success in that area, and for any area to rise there has to be a willingness to do so from the people,” he said.
“Durban has the potential to offer the best quality of life. It starts with simple things such as fixing a broken street light, or being responsible for the garden outside your property, we can make it into an area that has the best ambience, good facilities and where you feel safe.”