The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee for Transport, Councillor Rob Quintas was in Khayelitsha as part of his Transport Month visits to highlight the non-motorised transport facilities in the area.
“Almost every trip begins with walking or cycling, be it between the home and a bus or train station, or parking bay to the office. Thus, it is befitting that non-motorised transport facilities form part of our basic delivery initiatives. We are a city committed to deploying services that will give our residents a sense of safety when moving in and around their areas. Khayelitsha is the biggest township in Cape Town and most of our residents depend on public transport to get around and often have to walk to the stations and need safe walking areas,” said the Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Councillor Rob Quintas.
The non-motorised improvements were implemented along the following roads:
Spine Road
A total length of approximately 2,3km of the NMT improvements were completed along Spine Road from Jeff Masemola Road to Mew Way in 2011. NMT improvements along the southern side of Spine Road include a generous NMT facility for use by pedestrians and cyclists, dropped kerbs with tactile paving for those with special needs, soft landscaping such as tree planting, and hard landscaping such as paving and seating.
As part of the Spine Road NMT project, a roundabout or traffic circle was implemented at the intersection with Lwandle and Walter Sisulu Roads. The roundabout acts as a traffic calming measure and improved road safety, including safety for pedestrians.
Lwandle Road
NMT improvements along Lwandle Road from Spine Road to Parma Road was completed in 2013 and covers a total length of approximately 1,4km.
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NMT improvements along Lwandle Road extends from Spine Road north up to Parma Road and include sidewalks, dropped kerbs, soft landscaping, hard landscaping and bus and minibus-taxi embayments and traffic calming to allow children and residents a safe crossing.
Walter Sisulu Road
NMT improvements along Walter Sisulu Road from Spine Road to Steve Biko Road was completed in 2013 and covers about 1km in total length.
NMT improvements along Walter Sisulu Road extend from Spine Road south to Steve Biko Road and include sidewalks, dropped kerbs, soft landscaping, hard landscaping and bus and minibus-taxi embayments. As part of this project, the area in front of the court was paved and public places were created under the Dignified Urban Spaces Programme.
“This morning, I saw first-hand how the NMT is helping residents from Khayelitsha move safely and with ease. I had the privilege of standing outside the court and watched with admiration as people were being dropped off outside. On the other side, people were either waiting on the pavement or walking to the mall. The facilities were built for the people to bring them closer to amenities like the Lookout Hill Hall, the court and the mall, to name but a few. The NMT includes public places for people so socialise and for recreational purposes. The NMT also includes designer construction and block paving to add character and make it aesthetically pleasing,” said Councillor Quintas.
