Business owners initiate a project to address problems
Business owners are fed up with the excessive litter of informal traders and informal recyclers who regularly transgress City bylaws. Over the past few months, this problem has escalated with an influx of street vendors trading in the area. As if this wasn’t enough, the illegal taxi rank on the corner of Fabriek Street and …
Business owners are fed up with the excessive litter of informal traders and informal recyclers who regularly transgress City bylaws. Over the past few months, this problem has escalated with an influx of street vendors trading in the area.
As if this wasn’t enough, the illegal taxi rank on the corner of Fabriek Street and CR Swart Road adds to the severity of the situation.
“There is no regard for traffic rules, as taxi drivers turn in the face of oncoming traffic. They couldn’t care less about holding up the traffic or bringing the traffic flow to a complete standstill while they examine their prospects for the perfect parking spot,” said Karolynn Van Vuren, one of the business owners in the area.
She also explained that the taxis had brought the area to a state of absolute squalor.
Business owners complained about the fact that men are seen urinating against the trees on a daily basis.
“Our workers no longer feel safe walking in this road. It is reported that ladies, in particular, walking in this area have to turn a deaf ear to the unwelcome propositions from these drivers,” she explained.
Business owners believe that the taxi rank encouraged the flourishing street vendor business as the taxi drivers and their commuters were regularly seen supporting the trade.
“Legitimate businesses in the area are struggling to survive as a result. In addition, the vendors discard all of their waste such as bones, meat offcuts and vegetable trimmings into the nearby bushes. This has seen a large colony of rats evolve. The rats are so tame and seem very accustomed to the human activity,” she explained.
All the business owners in the area are called into action to claim back their area and make a difference. This will start with the inception of the business forum to tackle the problems.
“We are appealing to all businesses in the area to get involved by donating 67 minutes of their time and their employees’ time to clean up Strydom Park,” she said.
Ward 104 Councillor Mike Wood said they were planning a massive cleanup on 18 July to keep the area clean.
Details: Ward 104 Councillor Mike Wood, 082 853 2174; Karolynn Van Vuren, Karolynn@rocktech.co.za or Doug@grobaby.co.za.
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