Initiative to tackle urban decay in Fourways
FOURWAYS - Future City Fourways (FCF), a community initiative designed to reverse urban decay and reduce crime in Fourways was launched on 9 July at Montecasino.
The glittering launch was attended by local property owners, businesspeople, government officials and members of the academic fraternity.
Leader of FCF, Advocate Jean Berdou said, “FCF’s services will not replace those supplied by the [city] council, but will supplement them. FCF will partner with the council to capacitate its service delivery efforts to the benefit of everyone who accesses Fourways. FCF will incorporate everyone, including from Dieplsoot, in skills development and work programmes.”
He announced that FCF was in the process of launching an application to the City of Johannesburg for approval. The success of the application was dependent on public acceptance.
“The FCF members have begun reaching out to affected community members to obtain their input and are inviting property owners to direct their enquiries to info@futurecityfourways.co.za,” added Berdou.
Some of the Fourways companies and organisations backing FCF are Fidelity Holdings Limited, Moben Africa Limited, Andira Urban Services, Lonehill Residents Association, Douglasdale Business and Residents Association, Douglasdale Community Policing Forum and Gauteng Provincial Community Police Forum.
He added that the initiative would bring together the best practices of transparency, cost effectiveness, innovative approaches, high-tech solutions and equipped professionals to address the long-standing problems around urban decay, and traffic and bylaw enforcement in the area.
Rashika Padarath, of Andira Urban Services, which is handling FCF’s application to the city council, said she was confident that their bid would be approved.
“The FCF initiative aims to provide services that will enhance the potential economic node precincts in the area through the establishment and management of an improvement district organisation,” she said.
“It will combat problems being experienced at street level, including broken sidewalks, dirty pavements, and other issues that impact on human and environmental health and safety.”
Details: FCF, Susan Mottram of 0824658718; susanm@futurecityfourways.co.za or www.futurecityfourways.co.za
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Also read:
Organisations compete to keep Fourways clean and safe
City breaks silence on City Improvement District rules
