The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate is seeking feedback from Khayelitsha residents and stakeholders on its plans to build universally accessible walking and cycling lanes in the area. This initiative aims to improve the safety of all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists. The submission period is from May 18th, 2023, to June 18th, 2023.
The Importance of Road Safety
The United Nations Global Road Safety Plan emphasizes that road safety is a shared responsibility. The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate is playing its vital role in contributing to this effort by introducing various programs to provide safer, more accessible non-motorized transport (NMT) spaces for pedestrians and cyclists. The residents of Khayelitsha are encouraged to voice their opinions on these plans.
Proposed Infrastructure
The proposed NMT infrastructure will be implemented along several roads and streets throughout Khayelitsha, including Bonga Drive, Aliam Drive, Phakamani Road, Makabeni Road, Sizani Road, Mongezi Road, Tabulele Avenue, Govan Mbeki Road, Walter Sisulu Road, Lindela Road, Nyanda Avenue, Fukutha Road, Ntlazane Road, Msobomvu Drive, Ngcwalazi Drive, Pama Road, and Idada Avenue in Site C. Public comments can be submitted until June 18th, 2023.
Information Day
The City will host an information day on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Khayelitsha Training Centre, situated at the corner of Lwandle Road and Phendula Crescent. This event will offer further details about the project and allow residents to ask questions and share their insights.
Importance of NMT Infrastructure
Khayelitsha, the largest township in Cape Town, has a high reliance on public transport. Residents often walk or cycle to access these services, making the development of NMT infrastructure crucial for their safety.
Walking Safely to School Program
Another noteworthy initiative in Khayelitsha is the Walking Safely to School program, also known as the Watch program. The Urban Mobility Directorate and the City’s Traffic Services Department have been actively involved in its implementation. Launched by Child Safe SA, this multi-stakeholder effort aims to protect child pedestrians in Khayelitsha. The Directorate has made significant contributions, including engineering assessments, recommendations, and co-funding for some interventions.
Call for Public Input
Councillor Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, urges Khayelitsha residents to submit their comments and recommendations on the City’s plan to expand the NMT network. This expansion encompasses footways, cycleways, signage, and intersection improvements that are universally accessible. Public input is invaluable for ensuring the best possible outcome for the entire community.
Submitting Your Comments
Residents can submit their comments via email at Transport.News@capetown.gov.za, online at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay, or through written submissions at designated locations. These include the Public Participation Unit, Subcouncil 9 – Site B, and Subcouncil 10 at the Khayelitsha Training Centre. Furthermore, submissions can be made at the Harare Library, Khayelitsha Library, Kulani Library, Kuyasa Library, Masakhane Library, Moese Mabhida Library, and Nazeema Isaacs Library.
Contact Information
For additional information, residents can contact the City of Cape Town’s Call Centre at 0860 103 089.
