As the newly appointed operations manager at the Pinelands City Improvement District (CID) since 1 August it is paramount for Yazied Davids to work with the police, Pinelands Community Police Forum (CPF) and the Neighbourhood Watch.

“The Pinelands CID was approved on 25 May 2023,” he said, “and has since initiated several interventions addressing public safety, maintenance and cleaning, environmental upgrades and social development. Besides, my appointment service providers have also been appointed.”There are five public-safety vehicles as well as emergency-response vehicles for public safety. The vehicles operate 24/7 with a dedicated control room. Two bicycle patrollers are stationed along the Elsieskraal River seven days a week.

“We have installed security cameras and additional cameras are currently being installed and upgraded,” Davids pointed out. “The Pinelands CID employs two City of Cape Town law-enforcement officers with arresting powers dedicated to Pinelands. “The team has engaged with the traffic department and initiated several traffic enforcement operations. The public-safety portfolio has been effective and assisted with several arrests, medical and traffic emergencies.

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”Pinelands, also known as a leafy suburb because of the stone pines synonymous with the area, is maintained, cleaned and environmental upgrades done by him and his team.“The team has initiated top-up services throughout the area focusing on parks and open spaces to keep the area clean and safe,”  said Davids. “A subcommittee has been formed to address concerns by environmental groups to conceptualise environmental upgrades. A dedicated dog park is also being considered.

 “The CID has sponsored river clean-ups which create employment opportunities, working in partnership with NPOs such as NETwork and Renew the Elsieskraal. Plans are underway to upgrade the Garden of Remembrance and a meeting has been scheduled with the Parks Department of the City in this week.”He and his team also believe they have a social responsibility to the several displaced people in the area.“We have assisted several displaced people with access to shelters and safe spaces. A social development policy was drafted and guides the portfolio between us and the City’s Displaced People Unit.

“The past weekend we partnered with the Samaritan’s Feet Journey of Hope project, where residents paid R35 to walk the 4 km scenic route along the canal to raise much needed funds for shoes and socks for vulnerable children in our province. “We assisted with the logistics at the event and hope the money raised at the event will also help with school supplies.”

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