| Dualling of Sandown Road, Malibongwe Drive making headway | Garden Cities will undertake the bulk of the funding for the dualling of Sandown Road from Sunningdale Drive to Parklands Main Road. | <span><p>As such, the bulk of the costs for the construction will be funded and undertaken by the developers, namely Milnerton Estates for the dualling of Sandown Road and Malibongwe Drive as well as the upgrade of the Potsdam interchange. Garden Cities will undertake the bulk of the funding for the dualling of Sandown Road from Sunningdale Drive to Parklands Main Road.</p><p>The City will contribute approximately R66 million (excluding VAT) to these improvements and the Western Cape Government is involved in the implementation of the Loop Ramp onto the N7.</p><p>The project commenced in October 2018 and is scheduled to be completed by May 2020, if there are no unforeseen delays.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Malibongwe%20Drive1.jpg" alt="" style="width:871px;" /> </figure></span><span><p><strong>The project entails:</strong></p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Dualling of Sandown Road from Sunningdale Drive to Malibongwe Drive (M12) </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Construction of a bridge over the existing railway line </div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Dualling of Malibongwe Drive (M12) from Sandown Road to the N7/M12 interchange</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Upgrade of the N7/Malibongwe Drive (M12) Potsdam interchange with a loop on-ramp in the north-eastern quadrant</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Relocation of a sewer pipeline and water main</div></li></ul><p>These improvements, together with the completion of the link between Malibongwe Drive and Giel Basson Drive which is currently under construction further south, will greatly contribute to relieve congestion to and from the Blaauwberg area.</p><p>The construction cost of the project is funded from the development contributions related to developments taking place in Rivergate, Parklands, Sandown, and Sunningdale. <br></p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Malibongwe%20Drive2.jpg" alt="" style="width:1234px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Three MyCiTi bus stops are closed during the construction period. Intermittent road closures of side streets leading into Sandown Road are also needed, but will not have a major impact on the through-traffic on Sandown Road.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Malibongwe%20Drive3.jpg" alt="" style="width:1295px;" /> </figure></span><p>‘We are spending millions in addressing traffic congestion across the city. This project is but one example of our efforts and commitment to focus on road infrastructure projects that will assist to alleviate traffic congestion in the worst affected parts of Cape Town. Once completed, the flow of traffic along Sandown Road will be improved. That said, we also need our residents to be smarter about how they commute and when. Flexible working hours, and working remotely as opposed to going in to the office every day of the week where possible, will go a long way to ease the burden,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p><span></span> | 2019-05-21T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City celebrates Africa Day | Africa Day is an annual observance that honours the foundation of the African Union and also coincides with the day South Africa joined the organisation. | <p>Africa Day is an annual observance that honours the foundation of the African Union and also coincides with the day South Africa joined the organisation.</p><p>'On 25 May 1963, the Organisation of African Unity was formed in Ethiopia by 32 countries to highlight African solidarity, unity in diversity, creativity, challenges and successes, and also the continent's cultural and economic potential. The organisation has since changed its name and South Africa became the 53rd member on 23 May 1994. We celebrate our diversity as a continent and our country's unity with our fellow brothers and sisters,' said the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><p>'The Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium is highly acclaimed as one of the three major music centres in the Western Cape. The auditorium is used for student exposure to public performance and is a popular venue for visiting national and international artists. It seats 450 people and has a stage for 70 orchestra members as well a choir gallery for 140 members. The centre is a landmark of our diversity and progress and is the perfect venue for Africa Day celebrations,' added Councillor Badroodien.</p><p>'As a city, we realise the importance of building relationships with our African counterparts. To this end, we are continually investing in projects and programmes that enhance the connectivity between cities and countries on the African continent. As the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, my portfolio has the potential to ensure that we continue to be the go-to city on the African continent and globally for business, trade, and tourism,’ said Alderman Vos. </p><p>'I will continue to build on our successes to date by working with industries and communities to invest in projects and programmes that will drive demand and make business sense not just locally but on the continent,' said Alderman Vos.</p><p>Tomorrow’s programme will include performances by the Concert Wind Orchestra, the South African Youth Choir and African Storytelling by Philippa Kabali- Kwaga, Lodi Ingha and Nolubabalo Rani.</p><p>The art exhibition, Without Boundaries, will form part of the celebratory programme. It is part of the City of Cape Town’s Emerging Artists Programme that aims to assist under-resourced emerging artists to access opportunities and build capacity with a view to promoting their work and developing their careers.</p><p>For further enquiries, please send an email to <a href="mailto:cultural.spaces@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">cultural.spaces@capetown.gov.za</a></p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2019-05-21T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| City to give Fisherman’s Lane a facelift | The City has allocated approximately R25 million in its proposed budget over the next three years for the upgrade of the coastal infrastructure at Fisherman’s Lane on the False Bay coast. | <span><p>The City has allocated approximately R25 million in its proposed budget over the next three years for the upgrade of the coastal infrastructure at Fisherman’s Lane on the False Bay coast.<br> <br>‘The spring tides and wave action have left its mark on this popular fishing spot that has been a huge attraction to fisherman from all over the city. They’ve been visiting Fisherman’s Lane for decades, armed with rods and bait and loads of patience, hoping to catch line fish. It’s high time that we restore and protect this area for future generations and I’m happy to say that this project will be a priority for us,’ said the City’s Mayoral Commmittee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.<br> <br>Officials within the Coastal Management Department have already started with the planning of the Fisherman’s Lane project and professional service providers will be appointed in due course. </p><p>‘After obtaining a detailed environmental decision we now know what we can do at Fisherman’s Lane. The City prides itself in open access to our coasts and breaches, but recognises that we must take climate change and its impact into account,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/20190412%20Fishermans%20lane_.jpg" alt="" style="width:767px;" /> </figure></span><p>Much of the upgrade will be focused on replacing the worn coastal infrastructure, among which a new walkway where the road has collapsed and replacing a section of the broken sea wall with a rock revetment, which is a solid structure that is put in place to absorb the force of the incoming water. <br> <br>‘What excites me most though are the plans we have for the existing braai area and for a new picnic and braai area where we will have a designated play zone for children and walkways to the tidal pool and parking lot. These improvements, once completed, will have a huge impact on visitors’ overall experience of Fisherman’s Lane. This must be a welcoming and safe space for families where they can spend time in nature and fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.<br> <br>The details of the imminent upgrade are as follows:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Demolish and remove a section of the disintegrated road and sea wall</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Replace a section of the disintegrated road with a new boardwalk</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Replace a section of the disintegrated sea wall with a rock revetment at the main parking area</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Build a new elevated coastal walkway with lighting at night to improve the general safety of those walking to the parking areas, beach, and braai area</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Upgrade of the existing parking area with additional parking bays</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Upgrade of the existing braai area with surfaced roads and a new boardwalk to link this area with the new coastal walkway</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Upgrade the western car park and close off illegal routes to the car park</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Build a new braai and picnic area with play equipment and a walkway to the tidal pool</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Replace the dirt tracks in the old braai area and western parking area with asphalt roads</div></li></ul><p>‘The detailed specifications of the tender are being finalised and this will be advertised in due course. We’re aiming to have the contractor on site by October 2020 and for the project to be completed by November 2021, if all goes as planned,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.<br> <br> <br><strong>End</strong><br></p><span></span> | 2019-05-20T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
| Protect your immune system and get vaccinated | National legislation requires that local and provincial health facilities make available and administer influenza vaccinations. | <span>National legislation requires that local and provincial health facilities make available and administer influenza vaccinations.<br><p>Each year City Health ensures that communities, especially those in high risk and vulnerable groupings, have access to these vaccinations at primary health care facilities. </p><p>This year 14 500 vaccinations are available at City facilities with an additional 26 500 available via facilities operated by the Western Cape Government’s Health Department.</p><p>Preference will be given to vulnerable groups like expectant women, HIV infected people, adults and children with diseases such as chronic lung disease, asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney and liver disorders and cancer. People who are older than 65 years, especially residents who are residing in old age homes, are also recognised as vulnerable groups.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Clinic%20services%201.jpg" alt="" style="width:919px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>‘We are all susceptible to flu, which is why it is so important to get vaccinated. The vaccine which protects against the most flu viruses is safe and the best time to get vaccinated is before the start of winter. The sooner those in vulnerable groups approach their local clinic to get vaccinated the better,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</p><p>Flu vaccines are available free of charge at most of the City’s health facilities and once administered it will provide protection that lasts between six to eight months. Although most of those vaccinated won’t contract the influenza virus, they are still susceptible to the common cold virus which can present similar symptoms to that of flu. Vaccination also reduces the risk of a patient being hospitalised as in some cases flu symptoms can lead to more serious bacterial infections, if not treated timeously. </p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Clinic%20services.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Prevention is vital <br>Apart from vaccination, City Health also implements various preventative awareness programmes, which assist in minimising the risk of contracting influenza, such as advocating good hand hygiene. Good hygiene includes small daily actions such as washing one’s hands regularly and not touching or rubbing one’s eyes. It is also hygienic to cover one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing as this can stop the spread of germs. </p><p>Clinics are also geared towards treating flu and related infections where they occur. </p><p>‘It is often asked if one should be vaccinated when one experiences flu symptoms, but this will unfortunately not clear the infection as the vaccine could take up to two weeks to develop antibodies. Prevention is thus better than cure. Vaccination is most effective when it is administered preventatively.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/Vaccination.jpg" alt="" style="width:1898px;" /> </figure></span><span></span><span></span><p>‘We would like to encourage residents to visit City clinics as soon as possible and to get vaccinated so that they have an extra protection barrier against the flu virus. In this regard, parents play an important role to ensure that their children are vaccinated. We also call on community organisations to help us to ensure that the vulnerable groups have the opportunity to be vaccinated,’ said Councillor Badroodien.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p> | 2019-05-20T22:00:00Z | | | | | | | 1 | | | |
