Derek Bock, chief operations officer of the Central City Improvement District (CCID), will fly to Gabon to attend the opening of its capital's first central improvement district (CID).

According to a report on IOL, Cape Town's CCID had been invited because it was known as South Africa's strongest and most successful improvement district.

The event is being opened by Gabon's President Omar Bongo, Africa's longest-serving ruler.

"This invite is another feather in the cap of the CCID.

"I am extremely proud to be a Capetonian and to be part of the CCID team that has changed the central city into what is probably the safest and cleanest central city in the country," Bock was reported as saying.

Formed in 2000, the CCID has helped contribute more than R90-million from the private sector in CID levies for additional services.

Andrew Boraine, chief executive of the Cape Town Partnership, said: "Cape Town is being recognised for its experience and expertise in the management and development of business areas."

Read the full story, posted on iol.co.za (originally published on page 5 of The Cape Times, 16 January 2006).

Source: IOL