Today, 19 March 2019, I was joined by the MMC for Development Planning Cllr Reuben Masango on a tour of five area-based development projects that have been completed, or are in the process of completion, by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) with a total investment value of over R480 million.
The development of these properties, and often entire areas like the Gandhi Square East/Village East precinct, is imperative for the rejuvenation of the inner city. And it is just as important that government leads investment through upgrading and maintaining our own infrastructure.
Investors and businesses cannot grow where there is poor infrastructure or disregard for the rule of law.
Despite the R170 billion infrastructure backlog we inherited, the City is ensuring that it maintains existing infrastructure adequately. As for safety, before the end of the year there will be an additional 1 500 Metro Police officers patrolling the streets of the City. Many of these officers will be assigned to the inner city, where they are much needed to fight the scourge of crime.
I believe the inner city has unlimited opportunities for growth. Unfortunately, it has been subject to a state of dilapidation for too long. This is why the current multiparty government is so focused on reviving investment and creating a business-friendly environment.
Indeed, the tour highlighted how these crucial projects are planned, how they are built and how partnerships are fostered with key stakeholders and members of the community in their execution.
The developments visited included the:
• Westbury Transformation Development Centre, an impressive multi-use community centre aimed at serving residents of the surrounding areas;
• Kazerne Johannesburg Intermodal Transport Interchange (JITI), intermodal facility for cross-border bussing and taxis as well as space specifically for local South African informal traders;
• Mian Street/Ghandi Square East precinct which will enhance the pedestrian experience along Main Street and better the quality of the public environment;
• Gillfilon Park, in Jeppestown, which was launched in 2018 and has become a hub of activity for young children and older community members alike; and,
• Our City, Our Block initiative, which, among two other projects, supports the Indlulamithi Routes project to keep schoolchildren safe when traveling to school.
Through the successful implementation of these projects, that support social development, intermodal transport, community development and encouraging formal and informal collaboration we can ensure that the inner city becomes a better place to live, work, and play for all residents.
This vision is shared by those that have already invested in the inner city. This is evident in the collaboration with the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership Forum – which collates all the inputs of the different stakeholders that play a part in the inner city.
Through the release of properties to the private sector we are turning the inner city into a construction site, reclaiming it from criminal elements allowed to operate with impunity in the past. Currently, 154 properties have already been released.
As we see more and more investment by the private sector alongside these crucial JDA projects, the future of the inner city seems bright indeed.
For media queries:
Poppy Louw
Stakeholder Manager: MMC for Development Planning
poppyl@joburg.org.za
081 235 4999
Or
Chantelle Fourie-Shawe
Media Specialist: Office of the Executive Mayor
chantellef@joburg.org.za
081 546 1014
