Municipal officials and residents of Khayamandi gathered in the township for the reopening of the newly revamped Khayamandi Corridor on Tuesday (15 November).
Stellenbosch mayor Advocate Gesie van Deventer was on hand to conduct the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and declare the facility open to the public following improvements of more than R4 million.
“The Kayamandi Corridor was first opened in 2008 and has experienced various challenges in the past,” Van Deventer said. “For years, the facilities were vandalised and criminal activity hampered any attempt to stimulate economic activity. Restoring the corridor and ensuring it is a safe, sustainable and modern facility, well-placed to unlock economic opportunities was a priority for the current administration.”
Van Deventer was joined by municipal manager Geraldine Mettler, Mayoral Committee members, Khayamandi ward councillors and residents.
Construction and upgrade work at the facility lasted six months and cost about R4,7 million, in investment the municipality deems important for the area, Van Deventer related.
Work done in the upgrade project included the complete replacement of exterior walls and fencing; repairs of all structural damage; masonry work on the amphitheatre;waterproofing and painting of the roofs;repainting of all gates and fences, and interior and exterior walls; demolotion and rebuilding of a new footpath;replacement of wooden columns and thatched roofs with steel structures and galvanised roof sheeting;installation of new canopies at the informal trader’s area;landscaping in and around the premises; paving; installation of fire equipment, new LED floodlights and CCTV security cameras; replacement of the electrical system and floor coverings inside the offices; upgrading of all restrooms;installation of new artwork in the amphitheatre; replacement and servicing of all downpipes;upgrading of the plumbing system and repair of all water leaks;replacement of broken doors; servicing of all steel doors and gates; and repairs to all entrance gates.
“The new and improved corridor will act as an easily accessible space for residents to engage with the municipality, have community gatherings, host concerts, lease office space and sell local produce and products at the informal traders’ area. The four ward offices of Khayamandi will also be housed there,” she said.
The corridor is situated adjacent to the new Khayamandi Taxi Rank, which was opened by the municipality last year. This is the first undercover and formalised taxi rank in the township.
“This was a lot of work, and the money spent on this project is aimed at creating opportunities for the community,” Van Deventer said, urging the community to take ownership of the magnificent facilities.
“Immediately report vandalism and criminality to the police or the municipality. We have appointed permanent security at this facility, and we will ensure our Law Enforcement [officers] conduct regular visits.”
The municipality’s Local Economic Development Department has now embarked on a project to advertise the available spaces and opportunities at the corridor to small business owners, vendors and entrepreneurs in the area.
