Christo Louw, Johan Jordaan
Abstract
After the local council failed to do so, the Cachet Park City Improvement District renders services to the demarcated area in Potchefstroom. These services include above-the-ground services that the stakeholders of the demarcated area fund. The contribution model is calculated on the property owner’s municipal value divided by the value of all the properties in the demarcated area. The study asked: “What are the perceptions of service users in Cachet Park regarding the services of the City Improvement District?” A qualitative research approach was used. The Hatfield CID model was identified by the Cachet Park CID as a perfect model, with similar stakeholder demographics regarding educational organisations. The Hatfield CID model was included in the study as a starting point, as limited research is available on CIDs in South Africa. Some 28 semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders, including property owners, businesses, service providers and the community. Data analysis identified two themes: successful CID and CID operations, each with categories and sub-categories. The study concluded that stakeholders perceive the Cachet Park CID to render effective services in all areas but beautification. The main reason is that the uptake of membership proves to be a problem and, thus, leads to the funding model that needs to be adapted. The stakeholders notice the change the Cachet Park CID has brought about and experience the security and cleaning services necessary to change the demarcated area into a thriving community.