By Max Matavire Metro Editor
THE Nelson Mandela Bay municipality will receive R131,2-million from the national treasury in the coming financial year (2007/2008) for 2010 Soccer World Cup transport-related infrastructure.
During this municipal financial year, 2006/2007, which ends next month, the municipality received R68,8-million.
The total the municipality will receive up to 2008/2009 is R518,45-million from the national public transport infrastructure fund.
There are nine transport projects to be implemented by 2010.
These include road construction, pedestrian bridges, public transport modal interchanges, public transport lanes and stops, sidewalks and cycle tracks, transport demand management, purchase of new disabled-friendly low- floor buses, a bus rapid transit system and transport operational plan.
The roads targeted for upgrading are Diaz (Kensington), Peri (South End), Sheya Kulati (New Brighton), Matomela, Seyisi (both KwaZakhele), Heugh Road from First Avenue to Third Avenue (Walmer), Forest Hill Drive Extension and John Tallant (Deal Party).
Speaking during a media briefing yesterday, mayor Nondumiso Maphazi said the road construction programme involved the reconstruction of key roads that were public transport routes, or roads providing access to the 2010 soccer stadium or the airport.
Public transport lanes, stops and shelters will be in Govan Mbeki Avenue, Harrower Road, Kempston Road, Koyana Road and Tyinira Street.
This will involve the construction of dedicated bus lanes on major routes leading to the stadium and the central business district. This is the first phase of the construction of a rapid bus transit system. Public transport modal interchanges will be at Korsten, Njoli Square, Motherwell, the Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth central business districts, Cleary Park and Red Location Museum.
Pedestrian bridges are to be constructed at Addo Road, Sheya Kulati culvert crossing, Commercial Road, Uitenhage Road via Vista and Standford Road at Cleary Park.
Sidewalks and cycle tracks will link the stadium to the central business district and the beachfront. Transport demand management includes upgrading traffic signals on public transport routes and installing CCTV cameras at public transport modal interchanges.
The transport operational plan involves drawing up and implementing a plan for parking, public transport and traffic control, providing for special arrangements for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, including transport arrangements for the Fifa family.
Maphazi said these preparations showed the city‘s commitment to hosting a successful World Cup.
The use of buses and taxis as the preferred mode of transport would be promoted, she said.