R7-million facelift gets under way in Helenvale

the success of a r7-million neighbourhood facelift would depend on the relationship between community members and officials, nelson mandela bay mayor zanoxolo wayile said yesterday.

he was speaking at a sod-turning ceremony to mark the beginning of the helenvale urban renewal programme.

the project in the crime-ridden and poverty-stricken area is being funded by the national treasury’s neighbourhood development partnership grant.

it will create 42 jobs in the community.

wayile said the success of the programme in helenvale and a similar one in motherwell was vital “so that we can roll projects out in other areas that are also in need of development.

“this project is just the beginning as we started a journey of a thousand miles with a single step and we will take it to its logical conclusion.”

the first phase of the project entails the construction of a community park, new kerbing, concrete pavements and walkways, the construction of bus-taxi terminals, the resealing of existing roads, the installation of new road signs, painting of new road markings, as well as the construction of raised pedestrian crossings and other traffic-calming measures.

the installation of new stormwater pipes, manhole and kerb inlets are also on the cards, together with water-system upgrades. parks and open areas are also set to be improved.

at the same time, installation of electrical reticulation and communications ducting will entail the installation of street lighting and data cable.

the helenvale programme is also undertaking an emerging contractor development programme through which 20 small contractors from the local community are being trained and mentored.

this will include experience in setting up and managing a business, the tender process, contract and site management, administration, and health and safety.