Construction of the much anticipated MyCiTi Phase 2A trunk routes and stations along New Ottery Road and surrounding streets is scheduled to start in the latter half of 2024 but some residents have objected to the proposed changes.
The City of Cape Town previously approved the concept design of trunk routes and station locations for the Integrated Rapid Transport (IRT) phase which will provide bus services linking Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain with Wynberg and Claremont.
The design phase proposed by the City includes the full closure of Humby and Greyland roads, the partial closure of Shawcamp Road and median closures for Eddy, Link, Littlewood, Servitude roads and Tulip Close. The closures will provide for new bus stations, intersection improvements, upgrades to walking and cycling facilities, dedicated public transport lanes and improved safety for all road users.
A petition, signed by 165 residents, was handed to the City of Cape Town at an open public day which was held at the Wittebome civic centre last week and many who live in Littlewood Way and Greenfield Circle, off New Ottery Road, objected to the partial median closure of the road. The closure would mean residents would only be able to exit New Ottery to go towards Strandfontein Road and another exit road would be opened on Bedford Close to give residents access to Woodlands Road.
Maraim Matthews who has been living in the quiet Greenfield circle for over 21 years was concerned about the reopening of Bedford Close which was initially closed.
She said the thoroughfare gave criminals access to the close knit community which led to robberies, break-ins and other issues.
“It’s very dangerous to open up Bedford Close again because we fought and applied to have it closed by the City 21 years ago because of bad elements from the kampie settlement and break-in and our stuff was stolen.”
The settlement Ms Matthews refers to is the Freedom Park settlement which is located on Woodlands Road. “The other issue is that Bedford Close is a very small road with only four houses and there would be too much traffic and it would be dangerous.”
The group proposes a detour from Old Ottery Road to access New Ottery Road. “We don’t mind coming from that side because it would be safer for us. We are completely onboard and happy with the MyCiTi bus plans because it would be a great improvement for the area but we do not want Bedford Close to be opened because it would be a risk for the 155 houses and families in our community. We hope the City listens to us,” said Ms Matthews.
Newfields Circle only has one entrance and residents employed their own watchman to help keep the area crime-free. Another resident, Karima Isaacs who also signed the petition, moved there in 2010 because of the safety aspects and it being a enclosed circle.
She agreed that the impending plans would have a devastating effect on them: “If they open Bedford Close it would mean more foot traffic through our small area and as a result I think there would be more crime.”
Ms Isaacs said the residents who relayed their concerns at the meeting on Thursday November 17 had had a positive response from officials and hoped their requests would be taken into consideration: “We welcome the transport improvements because it will be a benefit because we’d have easy access to public transport.”
Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayco member for urban mobility implored residents, particularly those who are impacted by the proposed full or partial road closures, to submit their comments to the City by Friday December 9.
He added that the closures were needed to ensure the optimal operation of the MyCiTi buses along Ottery Road, and are also in the interest of road safety.
Once the public participation process has been concluded City officials will collate all of the comments and assess the merits of the submissions.
“The comments will be considered in finalising the detailed design of the project,” said Mr Quintas. He added that only once this process had been concluded, would they proceed with the advertising of the construction tender, the awarding of the contract, and thereafter building work would commence.
“The City takes note of residents’ concerns, and we also understand that with change there will always be the fear that it will impact our neighbourhoods negatively,” he said
Comments, inputs or recommendations may be submitted online and written comments can be delivered by hand to the Sub-council 20 Office at the Alphen Centre.
