15 July 2008

DURBAN, like any other city has its fair share of graffiti. And just like any other city there are people who are shocked, appalled, and disgusted by it.

Children and young adults become involved in graffiti vandalism for a number of reasons. These include gang association, peer recognition, lack of artistic and recreational alternatives, the element of danger, and lack of appropriate parental supervision and discipline.

This was revealed by Gary Roper, Director for Graffiti Removal Services during a recent Business Retention and Expansion seminar. The seminar was an initiative of the South Durban Basin (SBD) Team, the Durban Investment and Promotions Agency (DIPA) and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Roper said: “Council electricity boxes, Municipality roads and signs, Telkom infrastructure and Metro rail coaches are the preferred targets of the “taggers”.

He said graffiti is a growing problem in many neighbourhoods but one company has a new weapon in its war on graffiti.

“Graffiti is unsightly and if it is not removed it attracts more graffiti and if it's gang related you want it gone right away to show others we don't want gangs”, added Roper.

Lee D’Eathe, SDB Area Manager said: “Graffiti has defaced many walls, buildings, bridges and road signs, and has forced the municipality to mount several clean-up campaigns.

“The Municipality's routine cleaning operations cost the ratepayer hundreds of thousands a year - a figure that could rise sharply as the problem grows. And the growing number of road signs being defaced in and around the city is of serious concern to the municipality, because of the cost and dangers involved.

According to Russell Curties, DIPA CEO, Graffiti could have long-term effects if left unattended to as we approach 2010. He indicated that it is vital for the public to take ownership and pride in their city and send out a clear message that graffiti is unlawful.

“We would also like to appeal to businesses to come on board by adopting a wall that could be maintained and kept clean at all times by our partners,” said Curties.

Source: Durban.gov.za