Ballito UIP Promises Slow, Steady Progress
The man responsible for the roll-out of the Ballito UIP project, Brian Wright, spoke to business owners at the recent Ilembe Chamber Networking Lunch at Simbithi Country Club. His message is one of steady, if perhaps slow, progress toward a rejuvenated Ballito town.
In a clear, no-false-promises approach, Brian Wright outlined what the Ballito community could, and could not, expect from the newly implemented Urban Improvement Project.
Based on the various Urban Improvement models around the world, Wright reiterated the purpose of the UIP is to work hand-in-hand with existing government/ municipal bodies. The ultimate goal of any UIP program is to secure the value of property investment. Well maintained, well managed, secure community and public areas have a direct effect on raising property values in the area.
Referring to the work done by his company Urban MGT in similar UIP programs in Umhlanga, Florida Road and Riverhorse Valley, Bridge City and Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate, Wright explained how, with the support of the UIP team, improvements are done co-jointly with local authorities. Potholes (a major concern for Dolphin Coast residents) for example, are filled using UIP appointed and paid contractors – using materials supplied by the Public Works Department.
The immediate focus of the UIP will fall to the public/ community open spaces around high traffic tourist areas such as the Ballito Promenade. Barbara Shingler, a major role player in getting the property owner buy-in to the concept, has managed to secure financial support for the program from 90% of the property owners along the promenade. Shingler’s company, Ballito Estates, manages many of the beachfront properties.
Public security, another major concern for Ballito residents, will be supported by a proven initiative involving a formalized Car Guarding Force. The Umhlanga Village area has long benefited from the uniformed presence of Imvula Car Guards (a management arm of Servest) and Florida Road has recently introduced the Red Shirt Brigade in an effort to discourage vagrant, opportunistic chancers. Although without legal authority to enforce public by-laws such as raucous behavior in public areas, the mere presence of uniformed guards tends to moderate such situations.
As the Ballito UIP develops a stronger financial purse with more business and private property owners coming on board, the precinct is expecting to uplift the area to the world class destination it has the potential to be.