By Nangamso Mabindla
5 April 2004

Launched in October last year, the R1-billion Mdantsane Urban Renewal Project is making good on its promise to change the face of the underprivileged township.

Project coordinator Councillor Sizwe Dikimolo, who recently visited Brazil to explore ways to improve the city's transport system, said he was convinced that the project was starting to achieve its objective. "We are starting to change the face of Mdantsane. Take a look at what we've done with the highway taxi rank," he said.

The taxi rank had been paved to ensure a smooth flow of heavy traffic. "We also erected shelters across the rank so that passengers were safe on rainy days. We will continue to monitor progress at this rank to make sure our people get the best out of the urban renewal," he explained.

A play park had also been built beside the highway to beautify the surroundings.

According to Dikimolo, the upgrading of the Sisa Dukashe Stadium for the successful South Africa Games held in the city recently was also a result to the urban renewal project.

For Dikimolo, the highlight of the project was the Chris Hani Housing project in NU 11. "This project is proving our commitment. We've built houses, brought electricity and also built roads. It warms my heart to see the success of this project," said the visibly proud councillor, adding that it was not easy getting the projects off the ground.

Another success he cited was the Reeston Housing Project, west of East London, where houses were being built.

A delighted Buffalo City councillor for Ward 45, Kolisile Mpupusi, said his ward had benefited a lot from the upgrading of Mount Ruth Station in NU3. "We had a problem with crime here at night; now we have little as there are street lights. The new pavement has also been an improvement."

Cautioning residents to be realistic, Mpupusi said it was imperative that people were patient with the project development as it would take time to fulfil all their needs. "We still need to build houses in this squatter camp across the station, but that will happen in due time."

Councillor Dikimolo echoed Councillor Mpupusi's, words, saying that they would do everything in their power to ensure that the president's dream of improving Mdantsane was realised.