Development projects to upgrade Helenvale have been at a standstill for the past six months as workers fear for their safety because of the gang violence in the area.
The R3-million Helenvale Safe Spaces through Urban Upgrades project, which has German funding, was halted in December after a shooting incident involving a child that month.
Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) chief executive Ashraf Adam revealed this week that it had had to provide counselling to its some of staff.
One of the staffers, who returned to the area last week, was left traumatised after he came across the body of someone who had been shot.
As a result of the continuing gang violence in the area, the MBDA is battling to meet its targets to complete the project.
The aim is to beautify the area and create a safer space.
In addition attractive pathways on which the national anthem would be played are envisaged.
Adam, who was presenting a report to the economic development, tourism and agriculture portfolio committee on Tuesday, said working in the area had become challenging.
“Towards the end of last year, there were some serious problems with the projects, with the violence and attacks on some of our contractors and a hijacking and stealing of equipment.
“We had to pull back,” Adam said.
“This project is behind schedule as a result of the violence.
“We are also exploring alternative approaches to the development.“It is a difficult area to work in and we basically also have to get counselling for our staff.”
Weekend Post visited the area yesterday where pathways between houses on Fitchard Street, Lenique, Deverell Road and Lieth Street were meant to be beautified with musical notes and piano designs.
Adam said yesterday they hoped the Helenvale dialogues the MBDA had hosted with residents this year would help.
“One of the weaknesses of the Helenvale Safe Spaces through Urban Upgrades project is the assumption that you bring peace and safety through urban upgrades.
“Our argument is that there is a long legacy that has created the conditions.
“The mere provision of infrastructure is not going to solve the safety issues.
“If you look at the issue behind the underlying crime in safety and peace, there are real things such as historical memory and why we are so violent.”
Adam said they hoped to unpack these through the dialogues.
Helenvale ward councillor Pieter Hermaans said the community felt let down.
“The project not continuing not only means that the beautification is delayed but the difference that would have been made has also been delayed,” Hermaans said.
He strongly believed that work on the rest of the precinct should have continued as the shooting had occurred only a few blocks away on Sewende Laan.
He said the community had formed a street patrol forum that would help curb the violence.