Businesses in the Bloemfontein central business district (CBD) are suffering due to crime in different forms.
“Instead of complaining about the circumstances, I believe in looking for solutions,” said Anneke Anker of the Bloemfontein Neighbourhood Association Group (BNAG) at a meeting in the BON Hotel Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 16 July.
The CBD Bloemfontein Association, managed and administered by the BNAG, hosted this impactful event aimed at addressing the pressing issues within the CBD together with a range of business owners operating in the CBD.
The event saw participation from notable non-profit organisations such as Tower of Hope, Kidz Care Trust, OurSA and the Free State and Northern Cape Branch of the South African Institute for Architechts.
The gathering also attracted developers, retired architects and representatives of large car dealerships.
Guest speakers included representatives of Business Against Crime South Africa (Bacsa) as part of the E2 initiative, the Parkroad CPF Executive Committee, Ward Councillor Qondile Peter and municipal representative Mpho Mojanaga.
Anker highlighted key issues plaguing the CBD, each accompanied by viable solutions.
These sollutions included enhancing CCTV coverage; vetting car guards and formalising their activity; incorporating community policing forum (CPF) foot patrollers; and addressing the challenges posed by illegal hawkers in collaboration with the municipality, SAPS and the CPF. Discussions also touched on the problems associated with vacant properties in the CBD and the crime they attract, as well as the presence of vagrants sleeping in the area and often in the vacant properties, with solutions actively being pursued.
The proposed solutions are expected to have a positive influence on uplifting the economic status of businesses in the CBD. By improving safety and order, the initiatives aim to create a more attractive and secure environment for both customers and businesses, encouraging increased foot traffic and commerce.
BON Hotel and Josha Research, two main stakeholders in the CBD, were commended for their active involvement and sponsorship of both the association and the evening’s event.
The atmosphere was one of optimism and collaboration as stakeholders had the chance to socialise, discuss common issues, and propose ideas and solutions. The interaction with key role players fostered a sense of hope and positivity, marking the event as a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to revitalise the CBD of Bloemfontein.
For more information about the initiative, go to thecbdbloemfontein.co.za or call Anker on 073-160-4390.
