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05-11-2012: JRA upgrades gravel roads using complete street concept
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) today officially marked the continuation of the medium term programme of upgrading gravel roads to sealed roads in communities. This year’s projects mark the start of the rollout of the complete street concept in roads development in the City of Johannesburg. The idea behind a complete street is as simple as it is revolutionary, as it seeks to balance road use by prioritising pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users alongside motorists. This means that all modes of transportation, from walking to driving, cycling to riding buses and taxis, are given equal access in a safe manner.
The residents of Ivory Park, Diepsloot, Braamfischerville and Orange Farm will be the first to benefit from this new approach to roads development, but the complete street approach will be extended to the road network city wide. The project is aimed at increasing pedestrian safety while maintaining traffic flow as well as enhancing the appearance of streets.
“The complete streets approach seeks to implement measures on the road network that will achieve the Joburg 2040 GDS outcome of livable communities that are walkable, safe while still providing mobility.” said Skhumbuzo Macozoma, JRA Managing Director, “This is a medium term programme that will expand to other communities in the City and it promises to finally transform streets into community assets for use by all, not just assets reserved for the exclusive use of cars”, he continued.
About R92 million is earmarked for the projects to be rolled out in the four townships on a design and build contract approach. The contractors have been encouraged to be innovative in terms of adding elements of greening streets and ensuring more sustainable urban drainage systems. The projects have a strong local economic development focus and will be using local SMMEs sub-contractors and local labour. The contractors have also been encouraged to exploit other local economic development opportunities.
"The City’s infrastructure investment programme ensures economic activity, creating new jobs and delivering basic infrastructure for the people of Johannesburg," said Mr Macozoma. "The investment targeted in these four deprived Townships within the City is an example of our commitment to improving the lives of people in our communities."
The JRA will work with the affected communities to ensure that the infrastructure delivered is used and protected by the community in order to achieve the other Joburg 2040 Strategy outcomes of sustainability and resilience. The City’s priority is not only to serve communities but to also protect communities and conserve natural resources for the benefit of future generations.
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