The Riverhorse Valley Business Estate Management Association (RHVBEMA) introduced a survey to gauge public perceptions of this well-established business estate located along the N2 just north of Durban. The results of the recent survey revealed solid business confidence levels while security and transport issues needed to be addressed to improve overall satisfaction ratings.
The RHVBEMA is mandated to collectively manage and protect the business estate’s public spaces. In so doing it protects private property owner interests and ensures the precinct is a place where businesses can flourish. “We introduced the perception survey to better understand what the public’s perceptions of the precinct are and whether we are fulfilling our mandate to keep it safe, clean, green and thriving,” explains RHVBEMA precinct manager Nwabisa Mkhize.
The survey was distributed to businesses and people in the precinct digitally and via tablets. There were 98 respondents who were asked to rate the precinct’s security, cleanliness, green open spaces, general experience and what their business confidence levels were. Out of 10, the business confidence and experience ratings were both a solid 7,5 with respondents stating they were generally happy with the precinct’s management but suggested a focus on improving security and movement of buses and taxis in the area.
On this outcome Nwabisa Mkhize comments: “We are aware of what the estate’s security and transport challenges are and while many of them fall outside the RHVBEMA’s mandate, we have rallied the relevant authorities to address them. The result can already be seen with an increase in Metro Police’s presence in recent weeks.”
Despite security and transport challenges, Riverhorse Valley is perceived as a good place to do business with 93% of respondents saying they would recommend the estate to other people.
RHVBEMA chairman Rob Thomson concludes: “We are extremely pleased with these survey results despite the security and transport challenges which require strong intervention by eThekwini Municipality. Businesses and workers in the area can rest assured the management association is doing its best to collaborate with the relevant authorities for solutions while doing a stellar job keeping the area looking great.”
Please click here for more stats from the Riverhorse Valley Business Estate perception survey.