The Greater Alexandra Development Forum (GADF) has thanked the Alexandra Renewal Project for the years it spearheaded the development of Alexandra, and simultaneously welcomed the Johannesburg Development Agency which takes over the reigns in July.
The forum will continue its oversight functions on the development of this township. The forum monitors this work through committees on local economic development, social services – health and education, physical infrastructure – housing, roads, bridges and governance, and also evaluates the work.
GADF’s spokesperson Onke Mntonintshi said the forum relied on experienced liaison officers and expert advice from stakeholders for its monitoring functions.
Welcoming the agency, he said they would find the groundwork had been done by the renewal project and would add value by completing the remaining planned projects and programmes to complement the already-completed ones, especially housing.
“Alexandra’s population is constantly increasing and de-densification measures are required to cope with the demand for housing and to also ensure the provision of other essential services,” he said.
He added that the agency would have to work closely with other agencies to devise measures to contain the mushrooming of shacks which sometimes created an artificial demand for housing. This would include prioritising the completion of residential complexes and the speedy allocation of completed ones.
“This will help reduce the number of shacks which can’t be upgraded to make them safe and livable places,” he said.
Mntonintshi added that the service delivery challenges faced by the renewal project where normal for a programme of its nature, which should also be understood in the context of the ever increasing demand for its services.
“We should credit them for the positive results like the completion of many houses and flats in Tsutsumani, extensions 7 and 9, clinics, a shopping centre, improving environmental management of these areas, adding aesthetic value to Alexandra through parks and [assisting] the local community through local economic projects like taxi ranks and trading stalls,” he said.
He also urged local councillors to profile these successes and to work closely with the agency for the broader benefit of the residents.
A resident who opted not to be identified, said he was on the housing waiting list and that the agency would have to move quickly to restore public’s confidence which was lacking in the renewal project due to its failure to allocate houses quickly, leading to some being invaded.
Details: GADF 011 440 2563.
