The City of Cape Town, in keeping with its goal of being a Caring City, will be investing in improving services to communities throughout the city.
“Two of the major projects the Community Services Directorate are working on are the upgrades of several parks across the city as well as a brand new mobile library bus.
Our mobile library bus fleet consists of three buses. The new bus will replace the oldest bus currently in service. The new bus costs approximately R1.6 million and will be delivered to the City towards the end of 2012.
“These buses provide an essential service to communities where accessibility to the nearest library is difficult. This administration is committed to investing in our children. We believe that the best way to do this is through education, of which reading is a central part,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Tandeka Gqada.
The City will also be upgrading several parks, including Hanover Park, Nantes Park in Athlone, Jack Muller Park and Elizabeth Park in Bellville.
These upgrades are in line with the City’s aim to create and maintain green, open spaces and to provide residents with quality public spaces.
The upgrades in Hanover Park have been divided into two phases. Phase 1 will include the grassing of the land, installation of play equipment, landscaping to enhance the park’s aesthetic appeal and a new skate park. Work on this phase is expected to be completed by the end of August 2012.
Phase 2, which runs from November 2012 to May 2013, includes the construction of a BMX track- a first for the community and the installation of additional lighting. The entire project is anticipated to cost approximately R2,4 million.
At Nantes Park in Athlone, the entire project is expected to be completed by April 2013 and involves a major overhaul of the current facilities. Pathways will be constructed, which connect the main gates of the park, as well as the installation of fencing and lighting throughout the area.
An auditorium and a skate park are also earmarked for the park, as well as the construction of toilets, a formal parking area, a tea house, an extended play area and designated space for security services.
“In keeping with our aim of being a Safe and Caring City, we are committed to ensuring that communities have safe, beautiful open spaces where they can engage in recreational activities. We want parks that our communities can be proud of,” said Cllr Gqada.
The upgrade of Jack Muller Park in Boston, Bellville will cost between R15 and R20 million and aims to provide equitable services and facilities for the surrounding community.
The development of the park is extensive, with the goal of turning it into a world class facility that can host major events and eventually become financially self-sustainable.
Upgrades will include the provision of a biodiversity area, outdoor gyms, footpaths and a tea garden. The play area park will also be extended to cater for the disabled. The park is earmarked to be completed in three years.
Finally, Elizabeth Park in the Bellville CBD has been allocated R1,5 million to improve the safety and security of the park. This includes installing fencing and the assistance of manning (locking and unlocking) the park’s access gates once the fencing has been completed.
“Our communities will soon benefit from cleaner, safer and improved facilities. In keeping with our mandate of being an Inclusive City, we want to ensure that all our residents have access to quality recreational spaces,” said Cllr Gqada.
