Kew Action Group (KAG) requires substantial funding so they can sustain their clean-up programmes.
This according to Ruggero Grech-Cumbo, co-founder of the group, saying they call on both the public and private sector to support their initiative.
Grech-Cumbo said the group was established as an urban management intervention plan launched by Kew industrial precinct owners to halt the urban decay and degeneration in the industrial area.
He said clean-up services have been implemented with two shifts of 12 hours from Sunday to Saturday between 6am to 6pm and 6pm to 6am. The group’s staff picks up litter from pavements and gutters, takes down illegal posters, removes graffiti and stickers, cuts pavement grass and disposes of refuse bags.
The 24-hour patrolling of the area also needs more personnel and surveillance cameras need to be installed, added Grech-Cumbo.
“This can only be achieved if we have more owners contributing to the voluntary levy for each property proposed by KAG,” he said.
“The renewal and regeneration of the Kew area will require both the private and public sector working closely together, the enforcement of by-law regulations and monitoring of the urban environment. A well-managed public realm evokes community pride and creates a strong, positive image.”
The principal challenge facing the area is poor security and illegal occupation of buildings, lack of coordination between enforcement entities to prevent the degradation, leading to a generally poor public and working environment.
Without the support of the residents and business, Grech-Cumbo said Kew would become a slum as the invasions of properties would be unstoppable and informal mechanics and informal traders would totally disregard the by-laws.
He added that chaos would prevail and companies would possibly move out of the area or close down, and many people would lose their jobs.
Details: Ruggero.GC@Tiscali.co.za
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