CIDC EXECUTIVE MANAGERS OVERVIEW
The past financial year ending June 2024 has been a year of notable accomplishments and challenges for the Claremont Improvement District as we continue to provide top up municipal services to the Claremont CBD and enhance the well-being of our community.
The Annual Report 2023/2024 outlines our progress and efforts in the face of harsh socio-economic challenges, particularly for the poor and marginalised. Despite facing significant challenges, our financial performance remains stable, and this is reflected in the delivery of our CID services within budget.
A vibrant urban node is typically characterised by high levels of economic activity and growth in employment opportunities – both of which are positive for the surrounding housing markets. The net influx of young South Africans to the country’s major metro areas – coupled with the semigration of older, more affluent South African homeowners to the Western Cape, suggests that housing markets in growth nodes across the Cape region will continue to flourish.
With effective transport links, decentralised centres like Claremont are becoming a more attractive destination for people who want to live, work, play and invest in well run, vibrant business nodes.
They are easier to get to and to get around. People and businesses are still able to access quality accommodation and diverse amenities while avoiding the chronic congestion that chokes our cities.
We are beginning to see the effects of that decentralisation in Claremont in the form of low vacancy rates, high rental rates and rising property values. That, combined with a collective commitment to building a sustainable city centre, makes Claremont the destination of choice for commercial and residential investors alike.
The role of the improvement district becomes a critical element in this process. The Claremont Improvement District Company (CIDC) was established in 2000 to fulfil this role. The work we do on the ground is inextricably linked with the success of the CBD’s growth and development. From maintaining clean streets and public spaces, to ensuring public safety and caring for society’s most vulnerable, everything we do is focused on ensuring that Claremont remains open for business.
The ClDC believes in the efficacy of its delivery model and with its sixth renewal of its Business Plan ready for approval it is repositioning itself to address the associated impact of the greater volume of challenges facing the Claremont CBD with its projected upward economic and social growth.
The success of our CBD depends not only on how well we can deliver on our mandate, but also depends on the commitment of both our core team and our partners (both public and private), to deliver the best service within the resources available.
I would like to acknowledge the role that our partners have played and continued to play in helping us to achieve our goals. CIDC cannot do this alone. It is throughpartnership and collaboration that we are able to support the continued growth we have seen since our work began in 2000.
I would also like to acknowledge the commitment of the CIDC Board, who through their support, guidance and action continue to ensure that Claremont remains an area that people wish to work, shop and play in.
Abdul Kerbelker, CIDC Executive Manager