Durban North area is going to receive a make over from the combined efforts of NGO EnviroFixers and local business. An island on Kelvin Place in Durban North was given an incredible transformation, by the Durban North Conservancy and eThekwini-based Dykes van Heerden (DVH). It is all part of the Adopt-A-Spot programme offered by the eThekwini Municipality. This programme is a community initiative that allows residents to adopt a piece of land owned by the municipality. The aim of this project is to maintain and beautify the land’s environment. The flower bed on Kelvin Place is the third Adopt-a-Spot pioneered by the environmental organization Enviro Fixers. Local resident and organization member, Helen Koch, gave some background to the conservation of the project.
“Initially we were approached by residents in the area to beautify this island by installing an organic flower bed. The project had started when our original sponsors fell away and we were in the process of looking for a new sponsor when DVH came on board. We’ve planted a variety of aloes and other flowering grassland species which draws in wildlife all year round. “A big part of this project is about getting other communities and businesses on board, especially with green areas that are overgrown or unsightly. If someone comes to us we will approach the municipality on their behalf and we help facillitate the application with the intention that the company or community will sponsor the green areas upkeep. I think this particular bed is a real standout and when it flowers it definitely catch more eyes of residents and visitors to the area,” she said.
Durban definitely needs more green spaces and plant life. Conserving the environment and ensuring it thrives in terms of nature should be a priority for attraction. It is good that EnviroFixers was able to bring DVH on board as a supporting sponsor. Durban with be a dull place if it was all concrete and no natural scenery. The Adopt-a-spot project will be able to attract many patrons from Durban residents. The flower beds and plants of these land plots will serve as an attraction to the bees, butterflies and birds from across the city. It will serve as a form of beautification for the metro area. Residents, visitors and tourists alike will overall be impressed. The participation of local businesses in these projects will show case their entrepreneurial skills and improve their business profile. Sponsorships of environmental NGOs such as EnviroFixers could go a long way to improve conservation awareness and its value.
Meanwhile eThekwini Municipality remains one of South Africa’s top destinations for investment. This has led to billions of rands being earmarked for various development projects.
The report also indicated that in the past financial year, the City’s Development Facilitation Department processed 15 planning applications related to Catalytic Projects. These applications included components ranging from scheme amendments to consolidations and subdivisions. “There were 12 Strategic Projects, which comprised the same components. These Strategic Projects have a value of between R100m and R499m,” the report said. The City detailed key developments that have been approved or are currently under way, these include:
- The Westown Square (Ntshongweni): Official opening on March 27, with an investment value of R1.5bn and the City’s contribution for bulk infrastructure amounting to R600m over three years.
- The Beachwood Development: Site clearance commenced in early February 2025, with earthworks to begin in March 2025. The estimated investment value is R4bn, all set to start before the end of this financial year on June 30.
It is good to see the Municipality invest excessive money in the infrastructure of the city. We need to stimulate investments to Durban to improve our sanitation, waste, roads, bridges and facilities run by the municipality. The Municipality needs to manage its infrastructure construction and development and the local economy in accordance with transparency and accountability. They have to ensure that the money goes to improving the lives of citizens. The city has potential to attract more money due to investments in the port infrastructure and the tourism industry.
- The Municipality’s main goal is to utilise its position on the sea attracts great interest from wealthy investors. This promotes areas like Westown as commercial and tourist centres. It leads to the creation of jobs across the city and municipal area.
- The Beachwood Development serves as an example of the employment that can be created through placing the money in the right places. Be it shopping centres or entertainment venues. The rides in such venues are family friendly and attract the children.
Summary
Durban North area is going to see a different setup to its landscape from the combined efforts of NGO EnviroFixers and local business. An island on Kelvin place in Durban North was given stunning transformation, by the Durban North Conservancy and eThekwini-based Dykes Van Heerden (DVH). The new gardening project is part of an Adopt-a-spot programme offered by eThekwini Municipality. City needs more green space and plant life. Meanwhile the Municipality has invested excessive money brought in by Durban’s tourism potential to improve decadent infrastructure. Schools, housing, roads and bridges need repairs and extensions. Billions of rands earmarked for development projects. Durban needs to ensure transparency and accountability rules are followed. Both Westown Square (Ntshongweni) and the Beachwood Development are being extended and upgraded to create jobs.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
