The City of Cape Town is making good progress with the construction of the new public transport interchange (PTI) in Somerset West. The City is spending approximately R65 million on this project, the biggest investment in the central business district of Somerset West in recent years.
The construction commenced about three months ago and once complete, the new facility will transform the CBD area with multiple benefits for commuters, pedestrians, public transport operators and traders.
‘Those who have been walking or driving around the vicinity of the new PTI would have noticed a beehive of activity. I am extremely satisfied with the progress on this construction site. The smoother the works go, the greater the chances of completing this project within the targets we have set ourselves. To date, the contractor has installed the underground services needed for the facility, such as a water main, and stormwater infrastructure. The foundations and concrete columns for the canopies or roofs are complete, and so is the foundation for the ablution facilities. Old buildings have been demolished as well to make way for the new PTI which will be located on two different sites in the Somerset West CBD, one behind the Town Hall and another on the Shoprite side. It is designed for minibus-taxi operators, bus services, informal traders, and thousands of commuters,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.
Currently, layerworks are under way at Church Street, and next will be the installation of kerbs and channels.
‘I have been informed that about 15% of this project is complete. Given the magnitude of this project, it is important to continuously track our progress. The new PTI will comprise two sites abutting Church, Andries Pretorius and Victoria Streets. Together, it will be approximately 4 000m² in size to accommodate both minibus-taxi operators and the Golden Arrow Bus Service.
‘If all goes as planned, it will take about two years to complete. The construction is done in phases to limit the inconvenience, but unfortunately, during this time, there will be an impact on all of those frequenting the area, from commuters to public transport operators, the general public, pedestrians and the informal traders. I want to thank you all for your ongoing support, which is much needed to ensure there are no delays and that work can continue at pace,’ said Councillor Quintas.
An estimated 1 000 commuters and about 300 minibus-taxis will use the new PTI, serving 12 destinations: Lwandle, Macassar, Firgrove, Strand, Nomzamo, Sir Lowry’s Pass Town, Zola, Khayelitsha, Stellenbosch, Somerset West and surroundings, and Grabouw. The Golden Arrow Bus Service will also operate from the facility.
Captions: Work is well under way on the construction site where the City is investing about R65 million in a new public transport facility for commuters and minibus-taxi operators in the Somerset West central business district. About 15% of the work is complete, with the aim of finalising the project within two years.
Source: City Of Cape Town