Epping CID
Epping CID. The Epping Community Improvement District (ECID) was established in 2003. Since then, it has become the core of the well-functioning suburb of Epping Industria in Cape Town. (There are currently 36 Special Rated Areas (SRA’s) currently in operation in the City of Cape Town). 48 jobs have been created as a direct result of establishing the ECID. Especially relevant, property values have grown substantially. Businesses are flocking to this area. Epping Industria is the most central business location in Cape Town. The ECID is part of the overall success of Epping. Additionally, the newly formed Western Province Park CID has recently appointed the Epping CID to manage WP Park.
The Epping CID is a Section 21 company that works with the City of Cape Town to assist with the essential services offered by municipalities. The cost of the additional services allows property owners the benefit of a well-managed business district.
Primary responsibilities of the Epping CID include:
- Facilitate a cooperative approach between the city and private sector in providing municipal services.
- Supplement and enhance the essential services offered by the City of Cape Town.
- Assist with the upliftment of distressed business and mixed-use areas within Epping Industria.
- Promote economic growth and sustainable development within Epping Industria.
- Facilitate investment in Epping Industria.
- Most of all, The SRA does not replace the services of the City of Cape Town. Instead, it supplements those areas as set out in the Business Plan.
Funding and Section 21 Company
Funding is by way of a levy that is charged over and above the municipal rates charged by the City of Cape Town. The City of CT collects this levy and hands it to the Epping CID. Firm financial controls are in place with business plans and budgets. Most importantly, all financial matters are accounted for and audited each year. The current fiscal year (2017/2018) has a total expenditure proposed of R8,500,000.
The Section 21 company has seven directors representing the City of Cape Town and property owners. Directors meet quarterly, and all day-to-day operations are communicated via e-mail. The Board is elected at the AGM, where 1∕3 of the Board members stand down each year but may be re-elected.
Day-to-day operations are carried out by a small and efficient team based at offices at 24 Gunners Circle. As a result, Epping CID aims to ensure that visibility is at its optimal. Also, there is a rapid response from the patrol teams and that all security vehicles are operative and presentable. Recommendations are submitted to the ECID Board after the security needs are assessed. The vehicles and quad bikes are monitored by the ECID. Requests, suggestions & instructions are given as and when required operationally.
Property owners have realised that a better function of Epping CID enhances the overall Property Asset Management of one’s portfolio. It thus adds value to both owners and businesses.
ECID Officers
The mobile security office is deployed at various hotspots in Epping. The Law Enforcement officers are dedicated to ECID. The officers will each be assigned to a security vehicle with a security officer. The Law Enforcement officers are on contract from the City of Cape Town. Their contracts are renewed on an annual basis. This has been a successful project, with various by-law infringements being addressed on a daily basis. The Law Enforcement Officers have been instrumental in dealing with parking, dumping (especially around the areas of scrap metal dealers) and informal trading. They can undertake concerns that the ECID security is not authorised to.
Security Cameras
