Q1 REVIEW, WINTER PREPARATION & WHEELIE BIN SAFETY

As we move into the cooler months, we’re looking back and highlighting the efforts made during Q1 to keep the Somerset West City Improvement District a safe and clean place to live, work and visit. At this time, we also start preparing for winter with all the necessary maintenance to public space, and we ask you to take care of your property and business by doing the same. Lastly, we offer our safety tips for your wheelie bin, which can become a security hazard, especially as our daylight hours decrease.

Looking back at Q1

For Quarter One 2024, we focused on maintaining a safe environment through our security initiatives, which include ensuring bin-pickers and loiterers are monitored and dealt with.  Additionally, the Somerset West City Improvement District’s cleanliness was a priority, with our cleaning services ensuring a well-maintained space through initiatives such as emptying public bins on time and cleaning public gutters when needed. You can learn more about what we accomplished this quarter below.

On the ground report from our CID manager

Andrew Malgas has two positive incidents to share.

“After the storm of 7 April 2024, the City of Cape Town’s City Parks Department was determined to get the SWCID area into a safe shape again, especially Oak Street. They assisted by ensuring that all fallen over trees and rubble had been collected and were off the streets as soon as possible.”

“The parking areas in Main Road, in front of ABSA and Ackermans, were in dire need of repainting. After logging the need to the City of Cape Town they sent out a team to ensure that all road markings were clear and make the roads safe again.”

Wheelie Bin Safety

Learn how to keep your wheelie bin and property safe, or replace a lost bin, with these helpful tips.

Keeping your wheelie bin secure benefits both you and the community. Clearly marking your bin with your house number or address increases the chances of its safe return if it gets misplaced. But security goes beyond just the bin itself. To ensure your overall safety, be mindful of what you throw away. Avoid discarding medication bottles with your name or address visible. Shred any personal documents before disposal to prevent identity theft.

Bin placement also plays a role in security. Leaving your wheelie bin too close to walls or fences creates a potential climbing aid for trespassers. Ideally, store your bin in a designated area, like a garage or shed, whenever possible. If not, position it in a well-lit, open area away from fences and walls. By following these simple tips, you can keep your wheelie bin secure and reduce potential security risks around your property.

Winter Readiness

The crisp air and cosy vibes of winter are fast approaching, but so are the challenges of rain, wind and potential disruptions. Don’t get caught off guard! We’ve got you covered with essential tips to navigate the season seamlessly. 

From keeping your property prepared and business functioning smoothly, to staying safe on the roads, these handy suggestions will help you embrace the winter flow. 

New Shopping And Lifestyle Experience In Somerset West CBD

On 4 April, Village Collective was officially unveiled as an initiative aimed at revitalising Somerset West’s central business district (CBD). 

Hosted at The Forum building on Drama Street, the event marked the beginning of a partnership effort focused on rejuvenating infrastructure, attracting new businesses, and ultimately reshaping the town centre into a vibrant destination for living, working, visiting and shopping.

Among the standout developments are the revitalisation of the Forum building and 42 New Road, drawing in tenants like Bootlegger Coffee Company, William’s Bike Shop, Wild Eatery, Holy Dough, Poke Co, Sushi Box, Tyson Properties and artist Jimmy Law. The eagerly anticipated wine emporium WYN is set to debut soon.

Along with the Somerset West City Improvement District (SWCID), the three founding partners of Village Collective include the Dewvest Property Fund and the Rola Group. Operating within the SWCID’s boundaries, the space spans Main Road, Caledon, Drama and Bright Street precincts, with the Somerset West Village Garden at the “green heart”.

“As far back as 2017 Somerset West’s old town was earmarked as a potential growth area,” explained Bertus de Waal, managing director of Dewvest, “and as a result much has been done to upgrade properties and create a cleaner, safer environment.”