Media Release
GO!Durban creates "Believe Tree" at Sustainable Living Expo
GO!Durban, the City’s new integrated rapid public transport network has created a fantastical "Believe Tree” for the Sustainable Living Expo at the Durban Exhibition Centre which starts today.
The Sustainable Living Expo aligns with one of the most important aspects of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport (IRPTN) roll out - future sustainability of the city through efficient, safe and affordable public transport. The “tree” has been created as a symbol of hope and dreams for the future of an environmentally friendly and sustainable Durban. Visitors to the Expo are encouraged to write their hopes and dreams on a leaf and place it on the “tree”. For every leaf “planted” on the tree, GO!Durban will plant a corresponding real living indigenous tree in areas most in need of greening along the different IRPTN corridors.
“It is indeed exciting times, as we watch as all the years of planning of GO!Durban start to come together. With construction well underway on the first corridor, our MUVO card system installed with 88 000 cards issued, and the ongoing developing of the brand GO!Durban, the dream is becoming the reality. We first imagined it, now we can believe it and in 2016 we will be experiencing it.” says His Worship the Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo.
GO!Durban looks at the future of a city that has integrated, seamless transport. With a well run public transport system there are many aspects to the rejuvenation of community, living and working spaces. GO!Durban’s programme includes utilising a system of planning for transport to enable future spatial development to not be affected by the unnecessary road expansion in response to increasing traffic needs. Around each station there will be a mixed-use transit-oriented development, which will aim to reduce the need to use cars and encourage people to walk and cycle. This will also include developing green zones. GO!Durban will have the sustainability theme as a golden thread through the programme, as the network will incorporate solar energy, harvesting rain water, recycling, and for the new transport fleet the use of biodiesels and a new more environmentally friendly type of engine with less emissions.
GO!Durban will also soon launch the NMT (Non-Motorised Transport) programme which enables and encourages people to walk and cycle through the city on dedicated walkways and cycle lanes.
At the Expo, the “Believe Tree” has been made from recycled materials. The base and main structure is mild steel and the branches are made from frames and forms of non-motorised transport, ie; used bicycle frames, wheels, cranks. cogs, chains, used skateboards and scooters and more. The branches and tree boughs and frons were made from weathered and aged mild steel cables and wire.
The designer Jonathan Katz from Fuelcon South Africa used this as an opportunity to up skill three men Simon Gwabeni, Deon Stephens and Jabulani Khumalo, who were taught basic welding skills as well as general safety with power tools of the welding trade. This has enabled them to take new skills with them that will empower them to make simple items like burglar guards, fences etc.
Members of the public of all ages are encouraged to attend the Sustainable Living Expo at Durban Exhibition Centre where they can not only see and make wishes at the “Believe Tree” but can also see other exhibits that speak to sustainability in the City.
The EXPO is open from 9am – 5pm today, Saturday and Sunday at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Entry is free.