The initial phase of a R10m precinct-management project started this week in Parow.
As part of the Mayoral Urban Regeneration Programme (MURP), the project was given a unanimous thumbs up by councillors and described as a “prize-winner” at the recent Sub-council 4 meeting.
Ward 26 councillor Franchesca Walker said the project would commence during the 2019/20 financial year, funded by the City’s operating budget, and would take two years to complete.
Further funding would be required from the City’s budget to sustain the project to establish an operational control room, additional CCTV cameras and improvements to area lighting.
Other funding needs include equipment used in the control room and distinctive clothing apparel, protective clothing and tools to undertake duties related to safety, cleansing and beautification of the precinct.
The footprint is between Voortrekker Road, Picton Street to Steenbras Street and it includes the flea market area and council buildings. It will also encompass Parow station and the taxi rank in Connaught Road.
The project was set in motion in June 2019 after local residents and property and business owners met with the mayor and identified the need to improve the existing conditions within the Parow central business district (CBD).
Ms Walker said the first phase began started on Monday December 9 by focussing with a focus on reducing crime and grime until the end of June 2020.
Additional safety services would be patrolling on foot within in the precinct, she said, and in mid-December, extra cleaning staff would be deployed.
“Auxiliary law enforcement officers are soon to be recruited for the area and we are working hard to have them fully trained and ready to commence their duties in February,” she said.
They will be focussing on enforcement of by-laws and addressing social crime within the of the precinct.
The impact and success will constantly be monitored and assessed. This will inform the approach to be taken in the longer term, beyond June 2020.
“The idea is to create an environment conducive and attractive to existing investment, business growth and to bring new investment to maintain or increase the economic value of the Parow precinct,” says said Ms Walker.
“The focus is on improving the day to day operations and the user experience by improving safety, cleanliness, hygiene, general upkeep and operational maintenance of public space while also addressing existing social problems.”
To do this, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) will be used to create the type of jobs for which there is a demand in the work and marketplace. The project also creates similar opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups and contributions to economic inclusion.