In June 2022 a new executive committee was voted in, in order to grow the Verulam Business Forum. This prestigious organisation is headed by Mr. Sagren Venkatas chairperson and followed by his team, Sudhir Raghajee vice Chair, Jodache Reddy secretary, Shiraaj Ismail treasurer, Vijay Sukram member, and Amar Singh member. VBF is a constituted body registered with CIPC as a NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION. From inception, the EXCO members have worked tirelessly with all role players in order to increase growth, and sustainability as well as reduce crime in our CBD. We have accomplished an array of tasks in our very short term in office including building relationships with multiple security companies who share the same goal of keeping Verulam safe.
Our recent project which was a success was launching its very own BOOTS ON THE GROUND. With the increase in crimes along most of the streets of the CBD, we decided to launch our very own security site. The Chairperson approached the owner of the vacant property, situated at the corner of Todd and Wick Streets, who informed him that he would begin construction at the site in a few months. Venkatas requested space on the land in the interim, which would be cleared and used as a visible security site. The owner agreed, and the property was adopted and rehabilitated. The place was cleared of all dumped dirt and we have removed the overgrown bushes. This task on its own has helped clear a breeding ground of infestation that was previously there.
The area has since been fenced off and a shipping container was donated and equipped to serve as a station for various crime projects. During the month of December SAPS approved the request for constables who were stationed at our secure site and these constables together with other SAPS members and our dedicated security companies kept the CBD safe. Our main aim is developing awareness and boosting its economy, and getting shoppers back into our businesses which will aid in restoring Verualm to its former glory. As Verulam Business Forum, our aim is to build business and promote safety and security. We aim to create an example that will be worthy of emulation and hope other communities follow the same suit.
Our Partnership with SAPS, Security companies, Sector Policing, Community Policing, Community in Blue, and most importantly our businesses and sponsors, we will continue to strive to keep Verulam Safe. The only guarantee we can give the community is that we are trying our utmost best to take back our own town from the criminal element. VBF has many projects which we will roll out in the near future. the success of these projects will be fast-tracked by the continued support of our residents as well as a business owner of the CBD.