In an effort to encourage residents to reclaim their streets, the City of Joburg through its infrastructure development entity, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), is investing close to R40 million towards the Westdene Dam Precinct project.
Residents around Westdene, Sophiatown, Auckland Park and Melville will benefit from completion of the seven-month project. The project is part of the Empire Perth Corridor, non-motorised transport programme to get residents out in the streets walking and connecting to public transport easier.
Some of the benefits for the community will include:
• Improved sidewalks, crosswalks, paths, bicycle lanes and networks;
• Develop pedestrian-oriented land use and building design;
• Increase road and path connectivity, with special non-motorised shortcuts; and
• Traffic calming, streetscape improvements, traffic speed reductions, vehicle restrictions and road space reallocation.
The key elements of the R38 million project entail road upgrades, service upgrade, sidewalks upgrade, and upgrading of an existing public park. About 81 local labourers and 7 SMMEs have been appointed to the Westdene project.
The JDA’s Acting CEO, Christo Botes, expressed confidence that Westdene project will improve lifestyle and provide health benefit for the communities in Westdene, Sophiatown, Auckland Park and Melville and adjacent suburbs.
“Residents will also experience, good walking and cycling opportunities, which are a key part of any sustainable transport and planning strategy, and provide an overall improvement of the quality of life,” said Botes.
