A new business hub and pedestrian bridge has been opened in Bredasdorp this morning. The projects are part of the Western Cape Government’s Regional Socio-Economic Programme, a programme aimed at improving the quality of life of residents in poorer and often more rural communities. The latest project cost approximately R3.6 million rand.
Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says the RSEP programme provides an enabling environment for citizens to improve their communities their lives.
“These are safe spaces where citizens can find jobs and access to better infrastructure, even access to the internet. The Ou Meule Square and Ou Meule pedestrian bridge projects are part of the Ou Meule street corridor plan in Bredasdorp, a rural town in the Cape Agulhas municipality.”
Bredell says the Ou Meule pedestrian bridge ensures a safer path for the community to travel across a canal, and this pedestrian walkway also leads to the Ou Meule Square which is a business area that has been upgraded to include twelve trader units, a paved courtyard with wheelchair friendly timber decks and landscaping.
“Over and above the jobs provided during the construction phases, the Ou Meule Square now ensures that 12 local businesses have attractive, safe and affordable spaces to do business.”
Bredell says the Western Cape government continues to perform its duties and improve citizen’s lives despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and budgetary constraints.
“If we don’t keep building for the future, what are we even doing?”