POLOKWANE – Non-motorised transport projects amounting to R60 million geared towards facilities such as footpaths designed for pedestrians and cyclists, will take shape soon in the city.
The municipality already put out invitations for bids by contractors and suppliers.
This follows the approval of the municipality’s integrated rapid public transport system plan a few years ago. The funding for these projects will be provided by national government grants.
Polokwane mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng, said that a new bus system including bus shelters, was also planned as part of the new public transport system in her 100 days in office address last week. She said the city council approved the designs for the bus shelters some weeks ago.
She said a survey that gave the municipality an overall idea of the travel needs of residents had been finalised. “An independent facilitator has been appointed to assist with the transition,” she said.
The recent upgrade of the Nelson Mandela Road route was part of phase one of the road upgrade project and phase two would be the upgrade of the route between Seshego and Moletjie.
She said contractors had already been appointed and would begin soon.
The city council also approved a master roads plan. The amount of R8 million had been budgeted for five contractors to complete the upgrades of roads in rural areas based on priority. One ring road per ward would be upgraded, Nkadimeng said.
“The municipality ‘s internal team is also busy with road upgrades at Ga Thaba, Thokgwaneng, Blood River, Chibeng, Sengatane, Ga Chokoe and Westenburg,” she said.
