06/07/2017: New pedestrian bridge to create safer passage for Diepsloot residents
I am delighted to announce that today, the City will officially kick-off the construction of a pedestrian bridge in Diepsloot, to safe-guard residents crossing the Jukskei River during flooding.
The construction of the R16.4 million bridge forms part of the City’s commitment to improve stormwater management and the impact of urban and residential flooding.
The project has been accelerated for construction as part of the Transport Department’s 2017/2018 infrastructural projects, following the tragic drowning of six-year-old Diepsloot learner, Angel Sibanda in the Jukskei River during torrential downpours in March 2016.
The City is honouring its commitment to the residents of Diepsloot by fast tracking the bridge’s construction. We will remain diligent in providing services to our poorest and most vulnerable residents.
In our efforts to improve Johannesburg’s road network and stormwater infrastructure, public safety is paramount and will be prioritised. The drowning of Angel Sibanda is a tragedy and the erection of this pedestrian bridge will play a significant role in honouring her memory, and in the lives of local residents by linking Diepsloot’s Extension 1 to Extension 2 with safe passage during times of heavy rains and flash flooding. This bridge will also ensure that none of our residents are injured or lose their lives accidentally.
The construction of the Diepsloot pedestrian bridge is reflective of the City’s commitment to enhancing quality of life by improving services and fostering caring, safe and secure communities whilst simultaneously being responsive to environmental factors. The project is expected to be completed in July 2018.
The Diepsloot community will also benefit from the construction contract, which requires a percentage of local labour participation. Labour contracted for the duration of the project will be provided with skilled and semi-skilled work opportunities and training. A contractor has been appointed and a public briefing was held on 17 June 2017 to keep the community abreast of all developments.
Johannesburg’s Integrated Development Plan reinforces the City’s commitment towards building a city that advances freedom, fairness and equal opportunity. In support of this, JRA has pledged R1.2 billion towards the upgrade of gravel roads over the next three years. Disadvantaged communities that have been scheduled for development include Orange Farm, Ivory Park, Diepsloot, Doornkop, Braamfischerville, Tshepisong, Lawley, Protea South, Drieziek, Poortjie, Slovoville, Kaalfontein and Mayibuye.
We will make every effort to ensure that those of our residents who were previously forgotten by previous administrations enjoy being priority during service delivery interventions. All our residents deserve a committed government that works fairly and efficiently.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For further information, please contact:
Karabo Tledima
Media Specialist in the Private Office of the Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 7523
Cellular: 061 794 3819
Email: karabot@joburg.org.za
