The Urban Improvement Precinct, better known simply as the UIP in Ballito, has gained substantial momentum, but still needs another 113 votes.
Currently sitting with 157 signed forms, the project needs a total of 270 to lodge an official application with the municipality requesting commencement in the municipal financial year July 1, 2015.
Having missed its initial deadline of January 15, which would have had the project up and running by August this year, the UIP team is not discouraged.
“What is most important is that if we get 51 %, it will go into legislation and everyone in the UIP boundary will have to pay,” said UIP co-ordinating manager Clare Swithenbank Bowman.
“But we want to get 60, 70, 80 percent. This is something that people need to buy into.”
The UIP aims to reverse urban decay, specifically targeting the issues of crime, grime, by-law enforcement and general deterioration of public areas, all of which it maintains are having negative effects on property value, investor confidence and general quality of life in the area.
The precinct covers the Ballito business park, Ballito Drive and the beach front area.
“People are worried about the extra rates, and that is understandable. Things are tight, but if we do not take hold of this urban degeneration, it is a vicious circle,” said Swithenbank Bowman.
Property owners within the precinct are invited to attend in depth presentations at the Ilembe Chamber of Commerce every second Wednesday, the next two occurring on March 5 and 19 respectively.
For more information you can contact Swithenbank Bowman on 087 727 8630 or at clare@ilembechamber. co.za.
