R5m set aside for N2 safety fence

A Multimillion-rand fence separating the N2 freeway from informal settlements will be up by the end of the year – but Gugulethu residents say it’s a waste and won’t deter people from crossing the road. The residents have dismissed the project and want the government to build more footbridges to cross the road safely. The provincial government is set to erect a mesh wire fence lining the N2 on the Nyanga side from Robert Sobukwe to Baden Powell drives. A resident, Isaac Mdlatwa, 35, said the new fence won’t make a difference because criminals will cut it open to get to the N2. “A wire fence will be easier for criminals to get through. We have a concrete fence and you literally have to break it to make a gap. Its pointless taking the concrete out and putting in wire,” Mdlatwa said.

He said the government should build additional bridges for residents located far from the existing bridge. “We need more bridges in Europe (informal settlement). There is only one bridge in Barcelona and people that live there (Europe) have to walk far to cross the road safely,” he said. Another resident, Simphiwe Ngwenduna, said the fence is a waste of money that could have been used to improve basic services. “The only people that cross the N2 are criminals. The rest of us use the bridge because it is safe. I don’t think there is much that can be done because the criminals will find a way to get to the N2,” he said. Spokesman for the provincial Department of Transport and Public Works Siphesihle Dube said R5 million has been set aside for the project and tenders will be invited in August. “The primary purpose of the fence along the N2 is to create a more attractive appearance and to keep pedestrians off the freeway. If we are able to keep pedestrians off the freeway we should also be able to keep protesters from blocking the N2,” Dube said.

He said the first phase of the fencing project will be 3.4km long and it will start from Borcherds Quarry. Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the project is part of the city and province’s strategy to “secure the N2”. “Our statistics indicate that 20 pedestrians have been killed on the N2 between Khayelitsha and Gugulethu during last year. This cannot continue,” Smith said. Smith said the new fencing is more durable than the existing “easy-to-destroy concrete”. “The fence has the highest security rating, it is much easier to repair when damaged and it is far more attractive,” he said. Asked about protest on the N2, Smith said they have plans to buy a new water cannon for crowd control, and a specially customised vehicle that can quickly remove debris or any other substances. “We’re anticipating that in the run-up to the elections protests in the city will escalate,” Smith said.