Cape Town Executive Mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo has launched an urban renewal project budgeted at over 80 million rand, with its focal point the Mitchells Plain Town Centre, one of the informal settlements located on the Cape Flats in the city's southeast suburbs.

Unveiling the details of the Mitchells Plain Northern Terminal Project, Mfeketo said it consists of covered taxi terminals to serve 400 taxis, a new covered bus terminal for 20 buses, a market area for over 800 informal traders and four administration and public facility buildings.

The completion date is set for March next year.

"This dynamic City Council initiative forms an integrated part of the City's urban renewal strategy and will regenerate Mitchells Plain by boosting the socio-economic, environmental and infrastructural prospects of the area," she said.

"This project represents the second phase of the Mitchells Plain Interchange and Central Business District (CBD) Improvements Project, which will also benefit the communities of Philippi, Nyanga, Guguletu and Khayelitsha."

Also known as the MPTI, the project integrates the various public spaces within the Mitchells Plain CBD. It offers new facilities to the 75,000 commuters who are daily transported to and from the Cape Town city centre, new roads, a pedestrian bridge, public buildings, the installation of a closed circuit television (CCTV) system as well as private sector development in terms of new retail, office and industrial space.

"(This) launch is the largest of five contracts for this project. The Portland Interchange was the first and was handed over in August last year, the roads upgrade is under construction and the construction of the pedestrian bridge (phase four) and southern terminal (phase five) will follow soon," she elaborated.

The second phase will cost an additional 46 million rand, and was recently approved by the City Council with a commitment of a further 36 million rand in the next financial year. The 160 million rand retail centre expansion was mainly funded by the private sector and opened its doors in October 2003.

"All the developments are done in collaboration with the Mitchells Plain CBD Steering Committee to ensure functional facilities which responds to the needs of the community," added Mfeketo.

The committee consists of representatives of the City, traders, retailers, property owners, taxi industry, sub-council, SA Rail Commuters Corporation, Metrorail and the Mitchells Plain Development Forum. In addition to the committee's monthly meetings, an informal traders task team has also been set up to guard the needs of traders.

"This project is a shining beacon of urban renewal," the Mayor noted. "It conforms to the major criteria by promoting partnerships and community involvement. It is also multi-sectoral, sustainable and representative.

Nearly 50% of the labour for the entire project comes from the area. This will bring economic growth to Mitchells Plain and its surrounding areas," she concluded.

I-Net Bridge 06 April 2004