The overall condition of infrastructure in Sebenza has left much to be desired said Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart.
Hart said as a relatively young industrial area, portions of the area have fallen into disrepair in recent years.
“Between five to 10 years ago, Sebenza was a model for what industrial areas could be, however, because of the degradation of infrastructure and impacted economic decline that is no longer the case.”
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Some of the infrastructure-related concerns identified by Hart include damaged pavements, damaged stormwater drains and manhole covers.
“If it weren’t for the Sebenza Business Forum, I believe this area would be worse off,” said Hart.
Revived in 2018 the forum hopes to unite businesses and transform Sebenza.
Founded by Gerhard Swart and managed by Hans Jooste its main objectives include:
- Displace crime.
- Attract quality businesses to the area.
- Protect people, property and the environment.
- Uplift and better the area.
- Work together with departments from the municipality to remediate issues.
Hart said since the revival of the forum, Sebenza became one of the few industrial areas to have a forum which operates similarly to a city improvement district.
She explained that by having a municipal inspector in Sebenza it would assist the area and the forum.
“The presence of an inspector would hopefully reduce the number of contraventions and help educate business owners.”
A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on July 23. Comment was requested by July 24 at 4pm.
At the time of publishing no comment was received.
