Proposed roadworks in Hanover Park, which are out for public comment until Saturday September 2, will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, says the City.
The universally accessible walking lanes, bicycle parking and other non-motorised transport facilities are part of road upgrades in Hanover Park, Elsies River, Kensington, Factreton, and Maitland that are meant to make the roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists in a city where 10% of people walk to their destinations, according to mayoral committee member for urban mobility Rob Quintas.
“This expansion includes footways, signage and intersection improvements that are universally accessible. With the communities’ input, we can ensure that the improvements and infrastructure we implement suit their needs for enhanced safety and access,” he said.
The affected roads include Jan Smuts Drive from Turfhall Road to Klipfontein Road, Turf Hall Road from Hanover Park Avenue to Orion Road, Blomvlei Road from Jan Smuts Drive to Hanover Park Avenue, Hanover Park Avenue from Turfhall Road to Lonedown Road, Lonedown Road from Summit Road to Heinz Road, Lodewyk Road from Surran Road to Bakker Road, Newfields Road from Lodewyk Road to Turfhall Road, Jim Francis Road from Bakker Road to Lodewyk Road, Bakker Road from Jim Francis Road to Andrews Road, Freda Road from Jim Francis Road to Andrews Road and Turflyn Walk from Jim Francis Road to Andrews Road.
Hanover Park resident Yaseen Johaar said the road upgrades were not needed as their pavements had been upgraded a year ago and more pressing issues, such as unemployment, dumping and crime, needed attention.
“Why not invest in crime prevention and social development programmes to uplift the community? Fire victims also really need assistance. Some of their houses stand like that for seven months, and they have to live in it or move out,” he said.
Washiela Samuels also felt that crime prevention should be prioritised over roads that had already been upgraded. She said street lights in her neighbourhood had not been working for two to three months.
“Where must the people ride with wheelchairs? And walking lanes for who? Crime prevention and lights are more important. Our crime has gone sky high.”
To comment, email Transport.News@capetown.gov.za or visit www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay. Or deliver comments by hand to the public participation unit, third floor, Podium Block, Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town; Sub-council 11, Dulcie September Civic Centre, on the corner of Protea and Klipfontein roads, Kewtown, Athlone; or Hanover Park library, on the corner of Hanover Park Avenue and Surran Road.