The new mall opened on March 27.
Even though construction is continuing in some sections of the mall, shoppers have started complaining about the traffic as well as other problems.
A lot of people appreciated the opening of the new centre, because a lot of other benefits were created. The new mall already created more than 650 jobs, all occupied by people within the community of Vosman.
People living near the new mall said they now do not have to travel to the city for their needs as business has been brought to their doorstep.
Traffic in the mornings and evenings have increased after the opening of the new centre.
Children crossing to the other side of the road struggle to get to schools in other parts of KwaGuqa, as Vosman only has one primary school.
Scholars have to cross the busy traffic circle. Some cars drive at high speed making it dangerous for children, some as young as six years old, to cross.
“While we appreciate the new mall, something needs to be done about the traffic. Children and even old people are at danger when crossing near the mall. Some drivers just stop near the entrance of the centre blocking the view of the coming traffic. It is also a problem for cars coming from the city to Vosman during the mornings and evenings. We now spend a lot of time on the road,” said commuters.
There were also reports that one of the stores was robbed at the new centre.
It is hoped that the section under construction of the mall will be completed within a month as reported during the official opening.
The developers responded: “There are council approved plans for the current access road to the centre. We have also submitted a traffic impact study to council to upgrade the surrounding roads network. The council is of the opinion that the traffic impact study submitted does not address all the traffic and safety concerns and in particular the pedestrian flow and safety. Together with the council we are attempting to understand the problems more clearly and to reach a workable solution for all concerned.”
