Sandton slowly regains its vibrancy
The precinct is buzzing with construction works and contractors repairing and maintaining services.
After 160 days in lockdown and the recent transition to lockdown Level 2, the Sandton community has somewhat come live once again.
The Sandton Chronicle caught up with Sandton Central Management District improvement manager Elaine Jack for an update on the Men in Red who work on the ground to ensure the safety of those in Sandton Central.
According to Jack, it is evident that the once vibrant atmosphere of the Sandton precinct is slowly recovering from the hard lockdown restrictions. “The precinct is buzzing with construction works and contractors repairing and maintaining services. Pedestrian and traffic movements remain at low levels but since the announcement of Level 2 lockdown restrictions, a gradual increase of these activities is being seen in the precinct,” she said.
Jack added that the shift from Level 3 to 2 has mostly allowed many of the area’s esteemed restaurants and hotels to open for business as many of the corporate businesses in the precinct have opted to maintain their ‘work from home’ approach.
“Restaurants are experiencing more takeout orders than sit down patronage, although we are now seeing increased sit down support in restaurants as the weather gets warmer and restaurant patron confidence grows.”
A number of hotels, venues and restaurants do, however, still remain closed as a result of the curfew and the restriction on international travel.
Jack added that due to the low levels of activity in the precinct, crime had remained low. This did, however, not mean that people should become careless. “We do still appeal to the public to be aware and remain vigilant.”
The increased number of car accidents in the evenings and on the weekends has also become a great concern to the management team. “We appeal to the public to be responsible when enjoying their favourite drinks and not to drive. We don’t want to add unnecessary pressure to hospitals and medical staff due to injuries from drunken-driving accidents.
“Our team of Men in Red are always there to support and assist you if you are in Sandton Central. We are very excited to announce at a later stage, new security improvements in the precinct.”
The community is encouraged to keep supporting initiatives and foundations in the area, such as Rays for Hope, that care for the vulnerable, homeless and hungry in the community.
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