GQEBERHA – The Central Special Rating Area (SRA), a non-profit organisation run by volunteers and supported by homeowners, has been taking proactive steps to address neglected buildings and improve safety in the area.
Covering the area between Rink Street, Russel Road, Donkin and the Baakens Valley, the SRA has dealt with several problem buildings.
“A few years back, there were many problem buildings in that area. Some were sold and redone into student accommodation,” said David Edwards, chairperson of the Central SRA.
“We have helped in the past owners to have buildings renovated and assisted with demolition and getting approvals. There was a building taken down in Hout Street. When it comes to problem buildings in the Central Special Rating Area, not many are left.”
Last week, the SRA secured an abandoned building on Prospect Hill.
“There is a dispute on who owns that building, and it has outstanding municipal bills,” he explained.
“The bylaws allow the municipality to take action on buildings that are neglected and abandoned. Unfortunately, it takes time, though, and we have not seen it successfully implemented.”
As a temporary solution, Central SRA bricked up the front of the building to make sure it a safer space for the St Augustine Church and St Augustine School.
“We bricked it up to stop easy access and criminal activity. Since we’ve done it, in the past few days, the principal has said there has been a significant improvement,” Edwards shared. “I think as a temporary solution, it has solved that problem.”
The Central SRA also focuses on improving overall safety and cleanliness in the area.
“We have 75 cameras, monitored by the Citywide control room and armed vehicles patrolling 24/7,” Edwards explained of their proactive measures to reduce crime.
“We have seen a reduction in crime reported, and if only more people implemented a proactive approach in their area, they could also see the improvement.”
Formed as a non-profit association under municipal regulations, the Central SRA operates with a team of volunteers and employees.
“We are an Association not for gain, a group of directors who are volunteers who want to see improvement in the area. We also have a team headed up by an operations manager with six employees doing waste management.”
According to Edwards, several tons of waste are taken out of the area and disposed of at the municipal tip per month.
The SRA also runs community initiatives such as heritage tours.
“On a monthly basis, we sponsor a heritage walk, where we have a tour guide retained for a three- to four-hour walk around Central, providing historical information,” Edwards shared.
“The public is welcome to come to an activity that is free of charge and safe with security provided on the day.”
Other planned monthly activities include Saturday clean-ups.
You must be logged in to post a comment.