Njoli project gets on track

More than 15 years in the pipeline, what is meant to be one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s biggest flagship projects in the townships – the Njoli Square development project – is finally gaining traction.

The municipality has started calling for tenders to get the ball rolling.

The project, which includes a massive roads upgrade to accommodate the Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS), will see the construction of a Njoli precinct to include space for informal traders, medical suites, a library, a civic centre and a shopping centre.

The revamp was initiated by the municipality in 2003 as one of its Vision 2020 projects.

The Treasury had committed R121-million towards the R285-million development.

The plan is to create a civic facilities centre and public transport interchange which will positively affect Kwazakhele and the Khulani corridor.

The corridor is a road network linking Motherwell to Njoli Square through Danisa Road, then along Njoli Road to Ntshekisa Road in New Brigh“There ton, and from the Mendi Road intersection to the Korsten taxi rank.

Municipal director of strategic projects in the economic development department Amelia Buchner said they would apply to the Treasury for financial assistance through the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant.

are various development components, the first being the reconfiguration of the junction of Njoli and Daku roads to accommodate traffic flow through a compact fourlegged intersection,” Buchner said.

The construction of roads was budgeted for under the IPTS project.

Buchner said procurement processes were under way to appoint a consultant who would be responsible for the precinct development phase.

The development will also house informal traders in an attempt to formalise them.

In a report to the human settlements committee, executive director Nolwandle Gqiba said the layout plan and town planning for the Njoli Square development would be completed by June 30.

She said the first phase of town planning was in full swing.

Procurement processes are under way to appoint a consultant