The eThekwini Municipality has rolled out an ambitious project to revitalise the inner-city precinct.
This as the city increased capacity to achieve its ambitious plan to rejuvenate the inner-city precinct and deliver a safer, cleaner, and greener Durban.
Rejuvenation
Plans for the rejuvenation are moving swiftly, and the programme involves a comprehensive range of services designed to revitalise the heart of the city.
These include the deployment of professional security teams, armed patrol units, and rapid-response squads.
Complementing these efforts is a team of dedicated street ambassadors that will be introduced to monitor and maintain cleanliness in designated areas, while acting as community liaisons, by reporting suspicious activities directly to a local command centre.
City Manager, Musa Mbhele, said the introduction of street ambassadors will bring a visible and welcoming presence to the streets of Durban, while the enhanced security measures, will provide peace of mind to residents and businesses operating in the area.
The enhanced security measures include armed patrols and a coordinated command centre.
Significant step forward
Mbhele said the landmark initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of residents’ lives, including businesses, and visitors, while boosting the local economy through the creation of over 100 new jobs.
“This project is a game-changer for eThekwini. By combining enhanced security measures with proactive facilities management, we are not only addressing immediate safety and cleanliness concerns, but also laying the foundation for a vibrant and sustainable inner-city precinct that residents can take pride in.
“We are confident that these efforts will have a profound impact on the revitalisation of the Durban inner city, contributing to its transformation into a more attractive, secure, and economically vibrant area,” Mbhele said of the KwaZulu-Natal municipality.
The initiative aligns with the city’s broader vision to regenerate urban spaces, stimulate economic growth, and improve public safety.
He highlighted that with over 100 jobs created through this initiative, the project represents a significant investment in the local workforce, empowering communities and fostering economic resilience.
“[The] eThekwini Municipality is committed to working closely with its partners to ensure the successful implementation of this project, which is expected to serve as a model for urban renewal efforts across the region.”
Do you think these plans could help revitalise Durban’s inner-city precinct?
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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
