Property Company Cleans Up Durban North
The North Durban suburbs have always been sought after by property buyers because of their proximity to good schools, large property stands, easy access to both Durban and Umhlanga, as well as the beauty of the natural surroundings with community parks and of course the amazing sea views. In the last few years however, the lack of care given to the municipal parks and verges in these suburbs has left the area looking neglected. “The risk of standing by idly and watching further deterioration of our beautiful suburbs could be disastrous from a crime point of view – and also for property values in the future.” says Grant Gavin, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Panache.
“For many of us, who live and work in the North Durban suburbs, it’s been very sad to see how municipal contractors have allowed our once well maintained suburbs to deteriorate because a half-hearted job is being done of keeping our verges and centre islands in decent condition,” says Gavin.
Not content to stand by and watch the deterioration, and for the benefit of the community, Gavin put together a team of his own contractors to complete the jobs that the municipal contractors have neglected. “We started with Maryland and Danville Avenue, where contractors were cleaning the side verges, but the not centre island down the middle of the road. The grass was looking so long that residents could have been mistaken for thinking that they were living in a game reserve,” said Gavin. “The reaction from the community has been really appreciative. We have received numerous phone calls and emails thanking us for taking the first step in claiming back our suburbs.”
Gavin urges all residents to place pressure on the municipality when they see that the parks, verges and islands in their area start to become neglected. “We can’t just sit back and accept poor service, because the consequences of a suburb that goes into decline are quite serious and can be far-reaching especially where property values are concerned. It’s in all our interests to ensure that our suburbs are well maintained, and if it means getting out on a Saturday morning and cutting the municipal verge in front of your home, I would urge all residents to rather take this action, rather than wait for somebody else to do it – because it’s not going to happen,’ concludes Gavin.