Excitement at revamp dampened by crime
A R460 million revamp of the Isipingo CBD – the first in decades – has energised business owners who have watched with dismay as crime and decay chased customers away from the once booming town.
A joint eThekwini Municipality and National Treasury project, which is part of the municipality’s urban regeneration plan, will include the erection of proper trading facilities, a multi-purpose centre which will have retail and office facilities, public parking, a new taxi rank and municipal offices.
The streets will also be upgraded with better street lighting and CCTV cameras to monitor the area.
While welcoming the plan, local business owners fear it could come to nought if spiralling crime is not tackled head on.
“We operate our businesses in fear. Wholesale stores will not even deliver to us because they are robbed of stock,” said a businessman who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“I believe we need an upgrade, but what good is an upgrade when our crime rate is so high?”
He said suppliers delivering stock to his store had to ride with security escorts because it was extremely dangerous travelling alone.
Another business owner, who said he had been robbed three times this year, has been operating his business in Isipingo Rail for 30 years.
“Isipingo used to be a sought after area, but now it is riddled with crime,” he said.
“Before embarking on any upgrade, the government needs to ensure we are safe to operate our businesses
“People refrain from shopping in the Isipingo CBD because it is dangerous. Even with SAPS and metro (police) just a stone’s throw away, people are still afraid.
“A refurbishment or makeover is not going to change that – the root of the problem lies in crime.”
“The CBD needs an upgade,” added another businessman. “But first the municipality needs to formulate a plan with metro and SAPS to reduce crime.”
A takeaway owner welcomed the long-awaited revamp.
“This is an old area – the buildings are in need of an upgrade, so are the streets,” she said. “But while the municipality focuses on making things look better, they also need to create a safer environment for business owners and customers.”
Project manager Vuyo Jayiya said the regeneration sought to make the town centre more functional in terms of linking all economic activities.
“This is a three-phase project begun in 2012 and we are currently working on the infrastructure,” he said.
“The second phase of the project includes upgrades to roads, storm water drainage, sanitation, street lighting and CCTV masts, which we are hoping will be completed this month.”
Jayiya said next year there would be no construction but they would be busy with acquisition of land.
“The final phase will begin in 2017 and include the development of pedestrian walkways, paved sidewalks and 25 new parking bays, as well as modern shelters to accommodate 233 traders.”
The project is expected to be completed by 2018.