CAPITAL: The Voice of Business Issue 1, 2015 | Page 47

URBAN RENEWAL

• a programme for the replacement of
faulty street light fittings;
• and the beginning of an urban
beautification project for the city.
The last point refers to the upgrading
of the main access routes into the city
from the four points of the compass —
from Alan Paton Drive in the south, where
it enters Pietermaritzburg from the N3,
right through the city to Victoria Road
in the north; and from the west end of
Langalibalele Street, where it comes into
the CBD off Moses Mabhida Road, through
to Masukwana Street in the east (see map).
The Msunduzi Municipality and designers
IYER Urban Design Studio received a
commendation from the KZN branch of
the South African Planning Institute for
excellent work done in a professional
project in 2013.
The beautification plan centres predominantly on a complete refurbishment
of pedestrian pavements and crossings, as
well as the inclusion of landscaping elements and enhanced street lighting along
these routes. The designers appointed
to provide a feasibility proposal for the
streetscape enhancement of these routes,
have also suggested “grand statements of
design” for key points, such as a welcoming feature and heritage installation at the
entrance to the city in Alan Paton Road,
and a “public art sculpture that reflects the
municipality’s changing environment and
growth” near the city hall in the very cen-

tre of the city.
“The beautification project began with
the roadway in front the city hall, which
was completed in 2013; and the upgrading
of pedestrian walkways in Langalibalele
Street between Chief Albert Luthuli and
Boshoff streets [onto which the Office of
the Premier faces], is currently underway,”
said Jackson-Plaatjies.
“The next immediate phase to be
implemented will be Langalibalele Street
between Chief Albert Luthuli and Peter
Kerchoff streets [onto which the KZN
Legislature faces],” she said.
“Currently, the focus of the PURP is on the
city centre,” explained Jackson-Plaatjies.
“It is, however, the intention of council to
widen the programme to intervene in all
urban centres within the municipality.”
On the opening of the R18m first phase
of the Chief Albert Luthuli Road upgrade
in the centre of the city in December 2013,
MEC for COGTA Nomusa Dube-Ncube said
the provincial government is keen to see
Pietermaritzburg become an economic
giant in the province and the country.
“The investments that we have made
into this city as government are aimed at
ensuring that this municipality is better
positioned to utilise opportunities to grow
its economy. In the next five years, this city
should be a major attraction for investors.
We are already seeing businesses around
this city expanding, which bodes well for
its economy,” she said.

Capital | Issue 1 |

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