Many areas of KZN including Riverhorse Valley and some parts of Gauteng were severely affected by last week’s unrest, looting, and violence. In the aftermath, it has been truly inspiring to see communities quickly rally together to protect, clean up, assist with supplies to affected areas, lift spirits and help rebuild KZN.
RHVBEMA Precinct Manager, Nwabisa Mkhize, provides an update on the precinct’s current status:
- How was Riverhorse Valley affected by the unrest and what was the response?
It was a busy and extremely challenging time for everyone. Our security teams both on the ground and on surveillance were overwhelmed with calls coming in and calling for backup from the local authorities and emergency services when necessary. The RHVBEMA team and key stakeholders subsequently held an emergency meeting to set up a communications and operations framework for how the precinct would navigate the week/s ahead.
- What are the new security interventions and progress?
At the meeting, the board of directors approved the deployment of two additional patrol/reaction vehicles in the precinct to ensure additional visibility and proactive patrols. Our service provider is still working on getting the requested deployment arranged.
- What is the clean-up plan and progress?
With the extra help from DSW, various organisations, and communities most areas are clean, especially the main roads. It was wonderful to see communities teaming up to assist us with this mammoth clean-up – we cannot express how much we appreciate all the joint efforts by all these amazing people. Going forward our cleaning teams will assess the internal roads that still need attention to see if additional manpower is required.
- What does the road ahead look like for Riverhorse Valley?
We are pleased to report that the precinct is conducive to business again and most unaffected businesses are open. We hope to see the remainder getting back as soon as they can.
Our hearts go out to all those property owners and businesses who suffered a massive loss. Recovery is going to be a long and emotional process; we pray for your strength and we remain hopeful that things will eventually get better.
As we commit to rebuilding our precinct and our province and in keeping with Madiba Day on 18 July now is a good time to remember the words of Nelson Mandela:
“It always seems impossible, until it’s done”
Nwabisa
MAIN IMAGE: Before and after in Quarry Park
IMAGE BELOW: Massmart area during chaos
IMAGE BELOW: Queen Nandi Drive before
IMAGE BELOW: Queen Nandi Drive after
