By Nangamso Mabindla
15 September 2004

PLANS to develop the Mount Ruth nodal precinct in Mdantsane into a key centre aimed at improving the township's economy are under way, says Buffalo City communications manager Darby Gounden.

These developments are part of the R1-billion Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme, a project initiated by President Thabo Mbeki to change the face of the impoverished township and make it a major economic contributor to Buffalo City.

The Mount Ruth nodal precinct covers the area within the vicinity of the Mount Ruth Railway Station in NU3 Mdantsane and includes the nearby informal settlement.

Buffalo City started tackling challenges in the area through a R17-million project which consists of two phases.

"We started with the first phase in March, putting new paving and street lights at the Mount Ruth Train Station," said Gounden, adding that the project will be completed in December next year.

The city wants to take the project through to its final phase, but needs to come to an agreeable arrangement with partners Metrorail and Tshani Consulting.

The proposed project, developing an area with a radius of 1km from the Mount Ruth Railway Station, includes designing and constructing high-density houses and public transportation interchanges facilities for SMMEs and local economic development.

"The improvement of infrastructure also forms an integral part of the development," says Gounden.

Housing is one of the main concerns for the people living in the area. "That is why we've made it one of our main priorities. We believe that with this planning session we'll look at those issues," Gounden says.