The intersection of Raglan Road and Albert Street is currently being upgraded to attract development by the private sector as well as creating a designated area for informal traders.
The intersection of Raglan Road and Albert Street is currently being upgraded to attract development by the private sector as well as creating a designated area for informal traders.
The development is part of the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant (NDPG) intended to stimulate economic development according to Makana Local Economic Development Director Riana Meiring.
Meiring says the municipality was given a brief in 2006 that had strict and clear conditions for funding by the NDPG to identify a project to stimulate economic development. Hubs, commonly known as nodes, in the various township areas were identified that have the potential for nodal development and township regeneration.
Meiring said that public participation sessions were held to identify the community needs and a business plan was prepared based on nodal development. According to the township regeneration business plan, the Raglan Road and Albert Street intersection, know as Node no.1., is an important node as it is a logical location to obtain goods and services within the neighbourhood due to its accessibility by foot from most of the western part of the township including Fingo Village.
It is also on the major public and private transport route into and out of the township. The business plan described the project as a nodal upgrade and attempts to create a “centre of gravity at the intersection of Raglan and Albert roads”. It also “seeks to become a catalyst for development by the private sector along the Raglan Road corridor”.
“The aim of this project is to beautify and make it attractive for business,” said Meiring. She added that the project has a funding of R3.4-million and 16 local labourers have been employed. The market square has been paved with 1 200 metres of paving on both sides and will include a meeting area with seats and trees.
The intention is for it to be maintained and operated by Makana through its Social Services directorate. According to Meiring, the complete township regeneration strategy was approved in principle and public participation will take place. “It is a plan to revive the township and is not a plan that will take place in just a year, but over a number of years,” she said.
