EcoMobility routes outlined at open meeting in Sandton
SANDTON – As the city of Sandton gears up for the exciting EcoMobility Festival next month, the City of Johannesburg hosted a public meeting to brief affected residents on the road closures during the month and address concerns around the festival.
The festival will run from 1 to 31 October and will see the Sandton CBD closed off to motorists, all with the aim of promoting the use of public transport.
Chairing the meeting was operations director of the Johannesburg Roads Agency, Sipho Nhlapo, who outlined some of the changes the CBD would face during October.
“There will definitely be a change in the way certain streets are used and some legacy projects will take place during the course of the month,” he said.
Nhlapo added that Maude and West streets would be converted to ‘complete’ streets during and after the festival. This means that these streets will be broadened to accommodate pedestrians, public transport and cyclists.
Furthermore, a public transport loop would be created along Rivonia, Fredman and Fifth streets which would continue beyond the festival.
Also present at the meeting was Lisa Sestel, executive director for transport for the City of Johannesburg, who addressed concerns from residents, especially regarding the logistics around using public transport during October.
“Alternative transport arrangements will be available for motorists, and park and ride facilities will be available at Randburg Square, Montecasino and at the George Lea Park in Sandton,” she explained.
Sestel added that 100 taxis, which will be approved by the City, environmentally-friendly tuk-tuk’s, Putco buses and bicycles would all be available for use during the month.
Street festivals, races and sports events were also planned for the month.
Nhlapo concluded by assuring residents that the aim would be to make the streets safer, and the festival an enjoyable one for residents.
“We want residents to enjoy the city and have fun during the festival while promoting the message that streets should not just be for motorists,” he said.
Details: For more information, visit www.ecomobilityfestival.org
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