Densification on cards along BRT route
The building of mixed-use development, including low-cost housing, was part of the metro’s approved partial planning.
It has been made clear to businesses along the bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes in Paul Kruger Street running in a northerly direction that parking would be completely removed in certain areas.
Tshwane mayoral spokesman Blessing Manale said: “The parking was removed due to spatial constraints because there was not enough space for two lanes of traffic, a bus lane and parking in each direction in the road reserve.”
He stressed however, that the completion of construction on line 1A had given the area a much-needed facelift.
Manale was commenting on allegations by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that the metro was attempting to force businesses along Paul Kruger Street to close their doors by removing customer parking in the area.
The allegation was strongly denied by Manale.
“It was made clear to all concerned during several public participation processes that the aim of the city was densification and intensification along all the BRT routes in the city,” said Manale.
Manale said, in terms of approved council policy, densification and intensification must take place around the Tshwane Rapid Transit stations.
“This would be done by, among others, achieving mixed income housing, community, educational and job opportunities that support the BRT system. Also by providing for a transport corridor that enables densification and enables opportunities for the provision of social housing, economic development and job creation.”
According to Manale, developers and the public sector had already reacted to the completion of phase 1 and over 150 densification applications had been received.
“About 2 000 new units have been constructed in and along these corridors. This trend is expected to continue as the new phases of the BRT come on line.”
Reacting to claims that the pavements along the BRT lane in Paul Kruger Street had been badly constructed, Manale said this was a result of cars that illegally parked on pavements, thus causing damage and creating the impression that they were badly constructed.
Also read:
Caution at BRT site recommended
Questions raised over non completion of BRT lines
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