Chapel Street upgrades lead to resident frustrations over access and safety
The upgrade of Chapel Street is identified as one of the key projects to facilitate movement between Trafalgar Park, New Hanover Street, and the CBD area.
Image: Supplied
What is meant to be a significant and historical moment for residents of Chapel Street in District Six amid upgrades to the sidewalks and pedestrian walkways, has become a nightmare for residents, with a petition of grievances sent to the City concerning restricted movement, health concerns, and economic impact.
The upgrades, to the tune of R27 million, include planting of trees and other vegetation, traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian safety, and space for seating along the pedestrian walkways.
Deputy mayor and mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, said the project was developed in consultation with the District Six Caretakers and the wider community through virtual meetings and Open House events in 2021 and 2022.
He said it guides the use of public spaces to restore District Six's vibrancy and cosmopolitan community.
But despite the good news, irate residents formulated a petition and wrote to Andrews and the ward councillor, Ian McMahon.
They listed grievances, which include that they've been prevented from parking their vehicles in front of their homes, and were vulnerable to illness due to the dust from the construction, while emergency vehicles had limited access.
“The construction has had a significant and ongoing impact on residents’ daily lives. For over eight months, people have dealt with dust, noise, service disruptions, and restricted access to their homes,” they told the Cape Argus.
“The situation has become increasingly difficult, especially with the recent fencing, which has further limited movement and access.
"The impact extends across multiple streets in the Chapel Street / District Six area.
"We have over 150 residents who formally signed a petition, but the number of people affected is much higher, including families, elderly residents, and school-going children.
"People can't access their homes by car, and vehicles must be parked unattended in side streets.
"Security guards provided are not able to patrol all streets effectively. The Trauma Centre has to drive vehicles to staff members' homes, which brings an additional cost for diesel and wear and tear.
"Clients can't get to The Trauma Centre easily as they can't cross Chapel Street, which means a long detour."
In response to the complaints, McMahon said he was aware of the challenges and grievances and detailed the progress of the project.
“Yes, we know all about it. The street is split into two halves, with those closer to the mountain in W77 (ward) from the circle and the other ‘half’ from the circle to Searle Street.
"W77 is about 95% complete, and the remaining work is the other half in W115.”
He also provided images for illustration.
“In the attached pic called Chapel Works, this pic shows the work that was being carried out in the centre of the road and access being allowed on the sides.
Chapel Street Road Works
Image: Supplied
"Now the work is the entire street to each curb (red line on pic) and includes water pipe works as well as lowering the height of the electrical cables running under the road, which are far too close to the surface.
"This is dangerous work, and the construction safety barrier prevents access to the road while this work continues."
Andrews said in response to the Cape Argus that they anticipated completion by mid-December 2026 and that several meetings were held with the community.
“The City has had several meetings with the community and representatives over the past few weeks,” he said.
“The fencing serves as a safety measure and interface between the adjacent properties and the construction site.
"Please note: Access in front of the school and adjacent side roads remains open for students who are dropped off and collected. Access is available via the 10+ side roads leading to Chapel Street.
"The Chapel Street Primary School has access with no temporary fence installed."
Andrews said they had to take the safety of residents into account:
“ Allowing pedestrians to access this area will be irresponsible, pose a real safety and security risk to all – from the pedestrians to the people working at the site, and expose the City to public liability claims. As such, we unfortunately cannot allow access until such time as the work has been completed.”