A staggering R73 million has been set aside by the City of Cape Town for the ongoing construction of a bus depot opposite False Bay College, in Khayelitsha.
The installation of underground infrastructure is already under way and is excpeted to be completed in November 2019
The depot is in Ward 99 and willexpected to serve commuters mostly from Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain. The City’s mayoral committee member for transport and urban development, Brett Herron, said the depot would provide decent, affordable, and reliable public transport to commuters in the Metro South-east and that it would also provide job opportunities.
“Job-seekers are located from the local sub-council database, so I encourage all residents seeking employment to please ensure you are registered with their local sub council so that you can potentially benefit from these opportunities,” he said.
Mr Herron added that the depot would enable the surrounding land to be used for future development.
“Road improvements include new signalised intersections, road widening and improved traffic circles, which will benefit all road users in this area, making the roads safer and easier to use.
“We will also undertake to repair the street lighting along Spine Road between Swartklip Road and Mew Way,” he said.
Ward Development Forum chairperson, Nkosinathi Qwayi, said all the stakeholders in Khayelitsha were aware of the development and that it was crucial for people to understand that not all available land had to be used for housing.
He also urged residents to understand the importance of having proper public transport and to support efforts to improve these services.
“There is already a field that is earmarked for a housing development for Endlovini.
“We need all the services that we could get for our communities.
“We should always be grateful for any development that comes to our areas and not stand against it.
“We will protect this development and ensure that it is completed,” he said. Ward councillor, Bongile Ngcani, said the construction would create job opportunities for the people of Khayelistha and Mitchell’s Plain.