| Court gives greenlight for road to allow Masiphumelele direct access to opportunities | <p>The City planned and applied for environmental approvals in 2017 already to extend Houmoed Avenue to provide residents from Masiphumelele with better access to Noordhoek village and surrounds; and to also give the South African Police Service, the Fire Service and ambulances quick access in times of need or emergencies. </p><p>However, the project has been delayed for nearly eight years after the Noordhoek Environmental Action Group appealed the environmental approvals that were granted by the Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.</p><p>'Finally, we have an outcome that will allow us to go ahead and execute a project that we believe will bring huge relief to the community of Masiphumelele in the form of improved access, and savings in terms of transport fares and commuting time. I am relieved, and excited to get going on this,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>The approvals allow the City to extend Houmoed Avenue from the intersection with Buller Louw Boulevard to Lekkerwater Road in Sunnydale and from Lekkerwater Road to Fish Eagle Park in Masiphumelele. </li></ul><p>'By extending Houmoed Avenue the risk of flooding in parts of Masiphumelele will be mitigated because we will implement draining infrastructure to divert runoff from rain events to stormwater channels. The biggest benefit, however, is that an extended Houmoed Avenue will make it substantially easier for residents from Masiphumelele to get to work, school, shops, and other destinations in Sunnydale and Noordhoek. Also, once complete, the police, fire services and ambulances will be able to respond quicker with an additional access route,' said Councillor Quintas.</p><p>The City undertook an environmental impact assessment (EIA) in terms of the National Environmental Management Act and the regulations promulgated in terms of the Act due to the presence of wetlands inside the road reserve.</p><p>This process included a freshwater specialist assessment of the wetlands area and ecosystem; an assessment of the impact of the proposed road extension on the local fauna and flora and environment; and a proposed environmental management programme to address the environmental impacts and environmental rehabilitation to restore the remainder of the wetland to its former condition.</p><p>'I want to give those concerned about the natural environment our full undertaking that we will do all we can to mitigate any impact on the wetlands inside the road reserve and the leopard toads. I trust the Noordhoek Environmental Action Group will accept the outcome of the court's ruling and allow us to go ahead,' said Councillor Quintas. </p><p>Currently, the majority of local road users in this area are travelling along Kommetjie Road (M65) as this is the only access route between Kommetjie, Ocean View, Masiphumelele, Capri, Noordhoek, Fish Hoek and beyond. By extending Houmoed Avenue the City can provide a much-needed alternative route to residents from Masiphumelele, Sunnydale and Capri. As such, the Houmoed Avenue link could relieve the traffic volumes along Kommetjie Road in the longer term as well.</p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><br></p> | 2024-04-23T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#9e4b042c-a768-46bd-8a78-cc3d5f5b4c0f;L0|#09e4b042c-a768-46bd-8a78-cc3d5f5b4c0f|Masiphumelele;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#40a3fc81-398b-4b43-9ae5-09062453094e;L0|#040a3fc81-398b-4b43-9ae5-09062453094e|planning | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
