Residents from Ward 97 welcomed the remarking of the roads in the ward citing that it is helpful for the pedestrians. They accused the motorists of speeding and not obeying the rules of the road.
Resident Phakama Falo from Level Two informal settlement in Town Two said she is pleased with the new initiative. She said they are struggling to cross the road when there is no pedestrian crossing.
“I think the remarking of the road will help us because our children are struggling to cross because the motorist do not stop or yield for them to pass. Every morning, I must accompany my eight-year child to school to ensure she is safe,” said Falo.
Ncumisa Luvalo whose child is studying at Chuma Primary School described Govan Mbeki Street as a busy road. She said there are many accidents caused by speeding motorists.
“Early this year, there was a group of children who were hit by a car on this road (Govan Mbeki Street). Every morning as parents, we accompany our children and come and fetch them after school. I applaud what the City is doing by remarking the roads,” she said.
When City Vision asked the Ward 97 councillor Mthwalo Mkutswana about the project he said he knows nothing about it. “I know nothing about it. I just see people who are remarking the roads. I think the City is doing it because the mayor will be in Khayelitsha (Thusong Centre) on Thursday 11 September, the City’s mobile offices will be here,” said Mkutswana.
The City’s Mayco member for urban mobility Rob Quintas said the road remarking started last week.
“Khayelitsha Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) depot did some road marking work last week within the specified area. Faded line markings and traffic calming measures were repainted as per requests from Traffic Services and from residents who logged notifications,” said Quintas.
He said RIM’s roadworks schedule was shared with the local subcouncil offices as well as the councillor. He said the work forms part of the planned work for the area.
The following areas will be covered in due course Kuyasa, Mandela Park (Sections A, B), Harare (Sections A–E), Ilitha Park (Sections A–C), Griffiths Mxenge, Silvertown, Nonqubela (Sections K–Q), Victoria Mxenge (Sections S–Z), Sabata Dalindyebo Square, Mxolisi Phetani (Sections A–D) and Thembokwezi (Sections A–C).
Quintas stated that the City does not publish road project costs for safety and operational reasons associated with ongoing extortion challenges and threats.
