IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY AND MOBILITY IN THE MASIA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL AREA IN VHEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, LIMPOPO: APPLICATION OF LOW-COST ACCESS AND MOBILITY TECHNOLOGIES

This study focused on the potential application of low-cost, integrated mobility and access technology interventions as key elements for improving socio-economic conditions and spatial livelihoods in rural areas. A feasibility was conducted to unpack the access and mobility issues in the Masia Traditional Council area as a Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) pilot site of Vhembe District in Limpopo. The study technique involved interrogating existing low-cost access and mobility technologies that can be used as interventions to improve and enhance intra and inter-community movement patterns and travel circulation. Ultimately such transport enhancements should provide robust platforms for strongly supporting socio-economic growth and development of rural communities at the CRDP pilot sites. The study considered integrated infrastructure interventions and generated strategies for implementing affordable access and mobility interventions. These included options such as all-weather roads, footpaths, pedestrian bridges and low-level crossing, all providing access to socio-economic facilities such as schools, clinics, shops and governmen