The Pelican Park Residents’ and Ratepayers’ (PPRRA) met with Southern Mail last week and requested answers from the City of Cape Town about the need for proper communication to discuss housing and transport issues be-
fore the start of the Phase 2 pro-
ject.
The PPRRA said a Project Steering Committee (PSC) was initiated by the City that will be the vehicle of communication.
Malusi Booi, mayoral committee member for human settlements, confirmed this.
“It is in the process of being finalised with the signing of the terms of reference document by all parties concerned.”
Laylah Ryklief, chairperson of the New Horizon Civic Association, said she was elated with the project because each and “every South African with a green bar-coded ID has the right to decent adequate housing”.
She said she was also part of the PSC. “My aim and vision is to ensure that decent housing will be built for Phase 2 and also ensure that all beneficiaries be updated with projects and to be allowed to go on workshops (to be informed) regarding their houses. I would also like the developer to be more cautious when employing sub-contractors and that the amenities be built accordingly as the project develops.”
When asked if a sub-contractor was appointed yet, Mr Booi said: “No building construction company has been appointed yet as the City is currently in the planning stages of this project. All houses must conform to the minimum standards for housing, and is subject to inspection by a number of inspectorates, including the City, the Western Cape Government
and the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC). This should ensure that work is completed to the highest standards.”
Some of the other concerns raised by the PPRRA were the closure of Barbet Road and the need for a proper bus stop. They asked if there will be an entrance way from Strandfontein Road into Barbet Road. Felicity Purchase, mayoral member transport, responded: “The Barbet Road access onto Strandfontein Road will be a left-in, left-out intersection with Strandfontein Road; and the Strandfontein service road will be a T-intersection with Barbet Road. The bus stop will be reintroduced with a pedestrian crossing over Strandfontein Road.The pedestrian crossing as well as some bump-outs have been constructed to decrease the distance that pedestrians need to walk to cross Strandfontein Road. This will be a signalised pedestrian crossing. However, the signals still need to be installed.”
According to Ms Purchase a transport impact assessment will be prepared as part of the development process and commuter trips will be analysed to predict the impact on the existing road and transport network.
She said there are existing public transport services (bus and taxi) along Strandfontein Road, but these services can be enhanced in time as the new community takes occupation and demand for public transport increases.