MyCiTi construction under way

Mitchell’s Plain residents and commuters are worried about vandalism and theft at the construction of Phase 2A of the MyCiTi bus infrastructure.

Pensioner Fatima Tagodien, from Lentegeur, said the MyCiTi bus service was convenient.

“I can get into the bus and get out at the Civic Centre. If we don’t have a car we can get into the MyCiTi bus and go to the beach instead of putting petrol in a car, which is so expensive,” she said.

Ms Tagodien pleaded with the contractor to use cheaper materials, which would not entice criminals to steal and break down infrastructure.

“Mitchell’s Plain is a beautiful place if people did not dump and destroy public spaces which people can enjoy. The community must play their part in insuring that the place is not broken down,” she said.

She spoke at an information session regarding the MyCiTi construction along AZ Berman Drive and Stock Road in Mitchell’s Plain at Lobelia community hall, in Lentegeur, on Wednesday September 13.

Another pensioner Fatima Ismail, from Lentegeur, requested cheaper rates for pensioners.

She always chooses the cheapest transport but said the MyCiTi bus was convenient when she wanted to go visiting in Bo-kaap.

Lentegeur resident Shamier Ismail said it took him 30 minutes in the morning to travel about 300m from Marguerite Street to Stock Road.

“The road is very congested any time of the day and I want to know specifically what will be done during construction,” he said.

Community activist Youmna Mohammed asked where the bus stops would be and how contractors would improve traffic flow at intersections.

The public was able to view maps and community liaison officers and City of Cape Town MyCiTi officials were at hand to answer questions one on one.

Contractors are in the process of moving electrical cables close to the AZ Berman Drive, which will be widened to accommodate dedicated bus lanes and stations.

Johan Fowler, MyCiTi Metro south east corridor project manager, said work has already begun along the portion of AZ Berman Drive from north of Nduli Road to Wespoort Drive in Mitchell’s Plain, in preparation for the roll-out of the next phase of the MyCiTi bus service.

Phase 2A of MyCiTi is due to bring quality, safe and direct public transport to more than 30 communities along one of the city’s busiest transport corridors by linking Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain, Wynberg and Claremont with high frequency, direct public transport along dedicated lanes, with stations to access and transfer between routes.

Mr Fowler said that all road users and residents would benefit from intersection upgrades that help ease congestion, make safer cycling and walking lanes, improved street lighting and landscaping improvements to uplift the surrounds.

Plans include construction of kerbside bus stops on Stock Road in the vicinity of Portland Road, Sheffield Road and the Stock Road rail station; work on existing bridge embankments on either side of the R300 underpass; reconstruction of general traffic lanes to cater for dedicated bus lanes and stations; construction of two open stations near Kerrem, Marguerite and Sesame roads; construction of substructures for the Sesame and Marguerite due to be closed stations; construction of non-motorised transport facilities for walking and cycling along the eastern side of AZ Berman Drive; and signage, landscaping, drainage, road-markings and traffic signal improvements

Mayoral committee member for urban mobility Rob Quintas, in a media statement, said they were keen to share the details of the upcoming MyCiTi construction.

“We want residents to understand just how this bus service will bring quality, safe and scheduled public transport to their community with high frequency public transport along dedicated lanes,” he said.

Although the bulk of construction requires highly specialised skills, the project includes some opportunities to employ local labour and to source goods and services from local sub-contractors.

Residents who are interested are encouraged to confirm that they are registered and that their details are up to date at the local Sub-council, in Merrydale Avenue, Lentegeur.

Residents who are not yet registered can look out for new registration drives in each area before work starts.