NEW City Manager, Sipho Nzuza together with senior municipal officials conducted a walkabout of the Central Business District (CBD), on Monday to identify challenges and fast track urban renewal and regeneration. The walkabout included Albert Park, Dr Pixley KaSeme Street, Denis Hurley, Dr Yusuf Dadoo and Dr A.B Xuma Streets.
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Challenges that were revealed during the walkabout included illegal dumping, littering, damaged municipal infrastructure, derelict buildings, unapproved building plans, illegal businesses and illegal street traders.
“The city is committed to addressing these challenges. The renewal of our CBD is critical to maintain business confidence and investment. By addressing crime, grime and other social issues we will boost confidence in the City and enable our communities to thrive. We will be visiting other areas to identify challenges as well,” said Nzuza.
The walkabout also revealed that some property owners have illegally altered their buildings located in the CBD to house people who are forced to live in appalling conditions. To address this, the city has a better buildings programme and regular raids are conducted in problem areas. “We urge the community and businesses to work with the municipality to keep Durban clean. This is an opportunity for all sectors to get involved and get rid of litter. We must reclaim the neighbourhoods and take initiative by reporting any illegal activity or bylaw infringements,” said Nzuza.
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He said this would help to fast track the process of responding to the challenges affecting the areas. Littering is not acceptable and it is one of the elements that contribute to the degradation of the CBD. The Head of Durban Solid Waste, Raymond Rampersad, said the owner or occupants of any premises should ensure that all the domestic or trade refuse generated on the premises is placed and kept in refuse receptacles for removal by the municipality.
