Amanzimtoti CBD officially reopens
“What was essentially a dirty, dark and unpopular part of town is again starting to attract tenants and interest,” says André Beetge.
THERE was a hive of activity down at ‘The Square’ in the Amanzimtoti CBD, during its official reopening on Saturday, August 6.
Arguably one of the better stories to tell, is the recent rejuvenation of The Square located in the Commercial Road curve, largely driven and funded by businessman Clayton Wayne and ward 97 councillor André Beetge.
ALSO READ: Making the Amanzimtoti CBD appealing again
Beetge said that there is sanity in madness when proving to a community what can be done with a few innovative ideas coupled with rolling up your sleeves and sticking your hand in your pocket.
Those who attended the day were met with lamb on the spitbraai, a picnic area, well-maintained gardens and statues, live music by Plain Down and Cassandra Fraser, a few vendors, including the Candy Crush Candies store, whose portion of their profits goes to their charity organisation, Branches of Care.
There was a life-size checkers board game, jumping castles and a new jungle gym for the children to enjoy. Later in the evening, residents brought their chairs and cooler boxes to watch the South Africa vs New Zealand rugby game on the big screen.
ALSO READ: Making the Amanzimtoti CBD appealing again
“While there is certainly more work to be done to get the dark sea of faulty street light repaired, new LED lighting in The Square has it standing out like a full moon,” said Beetge.
He said the next step is to get all building owners around one table to fund the painting of buildings to one colour scheme and to discuss a sustainable funding and maintenance model.
“We are also pleased to note that there are several individuals within the community who have indicated that they are either prepared to lead or participate in community projects that could see our town return to its former glory, albeit in this instance rather privately funded and resourced, as opposed to waiting for a failing government to react,” said Beetge.
These projects will include verge maintenance, painting of buildings, adopt-a-spot, cleaning of rivers, ravines and beaches, pothole repairs and much more.
“It is time not to ask what the government can do for us, but rather what we can do for ourselves,” he said.
There are night and day markets in the pipeline, so keep your eye out for these upcoming events in the SUN newspaper.
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