The City of Cape Town’s Transport Directorate has resumed construction of a road that will link Nomatse Street and Ndlulamthi Street. This link will connect two communities from Kuyasa in Khayelitsha. Residents from Makhaza east and west currently have to use dirt tracks to get to the other side.
The project was terminated last year due to continuous community unrest. However, the Transport Directorate is pleased to say that the budget was reallocated, the work went out on tender and a contractor was appointed.
The new road link will cover a stretch of approximately 280m and will be elevated by four meters.
“We’ve put in a lot of effort to get this project back on track because we know how much this link will mean to the residents from these two communities. The Kuyasa East and Kuyasa West residents can now look forward to a safe crossing that will connect directly to the areas. Currently, the two communities from ward 97 and 99 in Kuyasa in Khayelitsha are separated by a stormwater channel, which makes it very difficult and dangerous for residents to get to the other side. Thus, not only will this project improve safety, it will do what Transport is focusing on, namely to improve residents’ mobility and access, be it through building a new road or bridge, or a new walkway,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Councillor Rob Quintas.
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“I also want to thank our officials who went beyond the call of duty to ensure that this project happens. They met with the community and role players including local councillors, community groups; Metro Police and SAPS. I also want to appeal to the residents from these communities to work with us so that the project can be delivered on time and they can benefit from it,” said Councillor Quintas.
The project is scheduled to take 11 months to complete, if all goes as planned.
The work entails:
- the construction of a surfaced road link, extending the existing Welcome Zenzile Street from the east towards Nomatse Street in the west
- the construction of surfaced sidewalks, street lighting and associated storm water infrastructure
The City is investing approximately R4,6 million in the project. Local residents will benefit from temporary work opportunities, and subcontractors from the area will have an opportunity to bid for subcontracts.
