The Department of Transport and Public Works has completed the construction of a new R73m multi-storey office building at 3 Rusper Street, Maitland. Yesterday, the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers launched the opening of the new building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaque presentation.
The new building is Phase 2 of the project to centralise all Government Motor Transport (GMT) operations from the Roeland Street, Hope Street and Paarden Eiland facilities to the Rusper Street complex.
Now that Phase 2 is complete, the entire GMT Cape Town staff complement of 129 members will be accommodated at the Rusper Street precinct.
A Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) site adjacent to the new GMT building has been leased to park 413 government-owned vehicles since December 2019. Some security and condition upgrades were required at the site to meet operational requirements.
The upgrading works included:
- Installing an electric perimeter fence, lighting as well as closed circuit television, PTZ camera and security beams.
- Optimising and extending the existing palisade fencing.
- The removal of an old, unsafe carport structure and other minor works.
The external courtyard has been re-designed so that there is space for electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The installation of such charging points is an essential part of GMT’s EV strategy.
Speaking on the new facility Minister Simmers said: “the investment in the resources of our staff will ensure they are able to provide an adequate service to the public. This centralised service system will enable us to remain a citizen-centric government.”
A road widening application for the intersection of Rusper Street and Voortrekker Road has been approved by the City of Cape Town. The completed road works added a left-turning slip lane which will alleviate congestion on Rusper Street, when the staff members take occupancy of the new building.
