More ‘foot soldiers’ to boost enforcement of nuisance by-laws
THE Durban Central Urban Improvements Precincts (UIP) has increased security visibility in the CBD and South Beach to assist metro police in nuisance by-laws enforcement.
This came after the UIP formed a collaboration with Blue Ocean Security Services (Boss) to improve safety in the inner-city.
The UIP’S security guards will work with all city departments in maintaining and protecting open spaces in the two precincts, North East Business and South Beach.
Ebrahim Vadachia, UIP chairperson, said it had realised it had a major role to play within the city.
He said the CBD had more challenges than other parts of the city and there were demands for more security.
“It was time to form a new partnership to take on major issues affecting businesses and residents who are ratepayers.
“As a role-player working closely with the city, it is our responsibility to ensure we keep it clean and safe.”
He said the new collaboration would not focus only on security, but also on clean-up campaigns.
“As urban improvement, our mission is to work with the city through its active cleaning and security initiatives.
“Health and safety remain our core function.
“Through our strategic vision for the inner city and beachfront precincts, we work closely with various city departments to address the urgent needs of business and residential owners, to build and maintain their property values.
“We have also increased security visibility in the prime areas,” he added.
“The security company will work hand in hand with the metro police, they have the necessary equipment such as CCTV control rooms and patrolling vehicles.”
Deputy head of metro police, Steve Middleton, commended their joint operations with the UIP. He said it would add numbers to the unit and assist during operations.
“We conduct operations twice a day, dealing with illegal traders, vagrants and those who break the by-laws. We work hand in hand with all Durban UIPS, we communicate via Whatsapp groups to keep updated on what’s happening around the areas.
“It is not only the areas of security, but the solid waste department is also a part of our operation when we conduct clean-ups, said Middleton.
Razi Ali, Boss project director, was also pleased to work with the metro police.
“We brought our expertise to assist the police to enforce the city by-laws. Our members are equal to the task, they are walking around the city and people should not hesitate to consult with them.
“We also assist with cleanups, illegal traders and dumping. Our members are also monitoring CCTV.
“We are confident that from now on the city will change, since the beginning of July we have collected tons of waste and removed a lot of illegal traders,” said Ali.