The revamped facility includes units for traders working with a variety of goods and services, including haircare, hardware, clothing and textile, food, financial services and funeral services. 

‘My team and I have seen first-hand what traders’ needs are and are working constantly to see how best we can respond to them. These upgraded facilities are a show of our commitment as a City to provide traders with dignified, safe and clean trading conditions. The new site includes parking, ablutions, security and cleaning services,’ said Alderman Vos in his address to the community traders in attendance, many of whom were there with their families.

The new Atlantis facility forms part of a wide-ranging schedule of infrastructure initiatives for informal trading sites across the metro. The City has approved a budget of R184 million to upgrade trading spaces over the next three years. 

Other projects are under way and due to commence in the coming weeks include both the refurbishment of existing sites in areas such as Athlone, Blue Downs and Philippi, and the development of new opportunities in communities such as Somerset West, Masiphumelele, and Pelican Park. 

‘With the development of these new sites, I am excited to see the fresh opportunities that will open up for local traders and to see how we can bring fresh energy into forgotten spaces. In Wallacedene, for example, we will start construction of a container trading market on a site that is currently being used as an unlawful dumping site,’ said Alderman Vos.

In addition to the infrastructure projects, the City provides traders and emerging entrepreneurs with a wide range of skills development programmes. 

‘Traders’ needs aren’t just around infrastructure. We also want to help them further develop their business skills. Training being offered in the coming weeks will cover matters such as how to do business with the City, product development and digital marketing. This is in addition to training offered by the City’s Business Hub which reached 3 285 budding and existing entrepreneurs in the previous financial year through the 79 workshops it conducted on smart procurement and construction management, among other topics,’ said Alderman Vos

He closed by thanking the local traders and community members who attended the launch event. 

‘Thank you for being here today and for being business leaders in Atlantis and the greater city. You have all made a difference to Cape Town’s economic landscape and you will all help us to reach a better tomorrow,’ said Alderman Vos.