Ballito UIP Gears Up For Action

 In September 2015, the Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) saw its’ first levies raised by KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) on behalf of the UIP, a significant step that signals the call-to-action of the Ballito UIP implementation plan.

This plan will hit the ground on Monday 9th November 2015, with a series of cleaning, landscaping and maintenance blitz projects aimed at significantly impacting the state of high visibility public areas within the UIP before the start of the Festive Season. Daily operations will then roll out on 16^th November with the permanent Ballito UIP teams deployed to attend to their security, landscaping and cleaning duties to top-up on municipal services.

Although the start date of the implementation plan is three months after the first levies were raised, this lag is required to allow for the accumulation of a financial reserve and to allow for the back-end set up work required to allow for operational roll-out. “The set-up phase of any UIP can be a frustrating period for UIP members as there is no visible action on the ground. Behind the scenes however, the team has been busy with staff appointments; tender calls and the appointment of service providers; as well as corporate governance, financial systems, communication, logistics set-up and setting up operational systems with the Municipality,” said Brian Wright, managing director of Urban MGT, the company responsible for managing the Ballito UIP. Urban Mgt also manages the uMhlanga UIP; the Florida Rd UIP; Riverhorse Valley Business Estate; Bridge City Management Association, and the Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate.

Of vital importance to the success of the UIP is that of the management team. In this respect the Ballito UIP is very happy to announce the appointment of Thierry Leclezio as the Precinct Manager and Dieter Fittkau as the Security Manager. This professional team will commence orientation with the uMhlanga UIP team on 1st of November, familiarizing themselves with the unique aspects of managing public open space. “The teams’ orientation will further enhance the skills and attributes on which they were appointed” said Brian.

This team will be supported by the administrative; technical, and communication and marketing services of Urban Mgt, ensuring the holistic management of Ballito and the benefit of full range of urban management services. “This team aims to work collectively with existing community organization in Ballito, property owners and of course with the Municipality, whose services to Ballito will continue, but with greater support and encouragement from the UIP. It is going to take time and very importantly a collective effort to get Ballito’s public spaces to level of quality we all wish to see” said Brian.

A PDF version of the Ballito UIP implementation plan is available – please email cara@urbanmgt.co.za for a copy.

Meet The Ballito UIP Team

Thierry Leclezio – Ballito UIP Precinct Manager 

A family man who enjoys running, Thierry is relocating to Ballito from Durban North. Occupying operations and general management roles in the landscaping industry for most of his career, Thierry’s strengths lie in people management and planning for the most efficient delivery of services.  “Ballito is a dynamic town that offers plenty to locals and visitors, and knowing that I will be involved in enhancing this offering and ensuring it grows from strength to strength is very exciting,” said Thierry.

Dieter Fittkau – Ballito UIP Security Manager 

A Salt Rock resident, Dieter has worked in law enforcement for the past 27 years and is well-networked in the area. Having started his career in Ballito in 1987, he has watched the area develop and is looking forward to being associated with the work of the UIP. “I want to sink my teeth into this new challenge and show the community the benefits of a UIP. I think this is the start of something that not many people thought would be possible,” said Dieter.