By Sipho Masondo

With a budget of about R3-million, work to transform the ailing Walmer enterprise village, give it a facelift and make it an important attraction for the 2010 soccer World Cup has begun.

The work forms phase three of the business centre, which will see it getting additional business outlets, kiosks, strict security, walls and advertising billboards.

The village, which was established in 2004, includes a number of retail facilities aimed at alleviating poverty through the fostering of small businesses in Walmer Township.

Nelson Mandela Bay municipality‘s economic development, tourism and agriculture portfolio chairman, councillor Anne-Marie van Jaarsveld, said: “We want to have the centre upgraded for 2010. It is ideal for craft manufacturing, curios, arts and other related businesses.”

The area, she said, had previously fallen under the wrong people who ran illegal businesses, some of them creating homes inside the facility.

Without proper security, criminals had also broken into the businesses, stealing whatever they could and causing damage running into thousands of rand.

“The municipality has since taken over the management again and things are much better. We want the area to serve its real purpose. We want to give our people hope because they have a lot of talent,” Van Jaarsveld said.

The Herald visited the centre this week and found different businesses in operation including salons, a butchery, hardware shop, carpentry workshop and second-hand clothing shops.

Nomathemba Madlwabinga who runs a second-hand clothing shop, said: “We are grateful to the municipality for upgrading the centre and putting up security. Thugs troubled us, breaking in at night and stealing our goods.”

Although business was not too good, she said it was better than sitting at home doing nothing.

Morris Yang, another businessman in the area, shared the same sentiments: “Crime used to be very bad here. It‘s a bit quieter now, but still not too good for a business environment.

“I have to cut the grass and look after the place myself.”

He said the people of Walmer supported the business.

Source: The Herald