Lentegeur residents are unhappy with the proposed site of a new MyCiti bus terminus which they say will not only inconvenience them but also put them in danger.
The proposed site for the terminus, which according to the City will only be constructed at the end of 2023, is at the corner of Tuberose Road and AZ Berman Drive which serves as the main entrance for Lentegeur.
Pat Debba, Lentegeur Community Forum chairperson, says: “If the terminus is built on that site then we as residents that stay in Tuberose will not be allowed to use that road to come in and out of the street where they live.”
She says the alternative route will place residents in danger due to ongoing gang shootings, such as the recent murder of a 36-year-old man who was robbed in Marguerite Street and died in nearby Rooikrans Street.
“The only way in and out of Lentegeur will now be Marguerite Street and to get to my house I must go down Firethorn Road, which would basically become a one way street,” says Pat.
“This is unacceptable because the ongoing gang violence and break-ins have made the area volatile so people will be boxed in and become easy targets.”
Residents have filled out a petition to oppose the construction of the terminus.
City of Cape Town spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo says the site was chosen after a seven-month process – from October 2014 till July 2015 – which included input from the residents.
“Owners of properties on or on the boundary of the affected streets have been asked to submit their comments before 2 July 2021... before a final recommendation is made to Council for approval,” he says.
The City confirmed if the terminus is built on the proposed site, residents will no longer be able to enter the area at that intersection.