A City proposal to build cycling lanes and footpaths in Gugulethu is out for public comment, but some in the community say there are more pressing needs.
The non-motorised transport (NMT) routes are planned for NY78, NY50 and Terminus Road and will improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, says mayoral committee member for urban mobility Rob Quintas.
Wednesday July 5 is the deadline for public comments on the plan.
“We urge Gugulethu residents to please send us their comments and recommendations on the City’s plans to expand the NMT network to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, people with prams and schoolchildren,” he said.
This expansion includes footpaths, cycle lanes, signage and intersection improvements that are universally accessible.
“With the community’s input, we can ensure that the improvements and infrastructure we implement best suits their needs for enhanced safety and access,” he said.
However, Gugulethu Development Forum secretary Vincent Domingo said it was shocking that the City wanted to prioritise bicycle lanes for Gugulethu while so many of the neighbourhood’s roads were riddled with potholes.
The City had yet to explain how it planned to fix the drainage system under the roads, and in the past two weeks, roads in NY6, NY3 , NY2 and Section 2 had been flooded.
Municipal law enforcement was also not doing enough to enforce traffic laws in the area and rein in reckless taxi drivers, who would take over any NMT lanes, he said.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that these walking and cycling lanes should not be built, but in our list of important things, these lanes probably fall at number 10. It is not really what we need right now.”
Resident Nolubabolo Mtyhilo said the City should focus on building homes and fixing the pools in Gugulethu before building the lanes.
People were living in the Luyolo community hall after their shacks had been demolished by the City, she said.
“We need houses,“ she said. “Why can’t they divert those funds to more meaningful projects? We do not hear anything about those people living at Nkanana informal settlement, and yet the City talks about cycling lanes. For me, I honestly see that as waste of money.”