City of Joburg Executive Mayor Geoffrey Makhubo attended an oversight tour in Wynberg on 6 October and gave an update on the Rea Vaya Phase 1C(a) project.
Makhubo was accompanied by Members of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, Nonhlanhla Makhuba and Development Planning, Lawrence Khoza. Makhubo warned business forums not to delay City-led projects any further.
“The stopping of service delivery projects by the Business Forums will not be tolerated as it delays the completion of projects and the provision of much-needed service to the people of our city. Business Forums should follow proper channels to raise their grievances regarding any City-led projects.” Makhubo warned.
The Rea Vaya Phase 1C (a) is a new route that will connect Phase 1A and 1B from the Joburg CBD to Alexandra and Sandton. It is currently under construction and it is due for completion in 2021. The oversight tour forms part of October Transport Month activities as well as part of the mayor’s monitoring and evaluation responsibilities.
“The introduction of Phase 1C (a) will bring safe, affordable and reliable transport to the residents of Berea, Yeoville, Orange Groove, Cheldondale, Norwood, Balfour Park, Bramley, Wynberg, Alexandra, Marlboro, Athol, Sandton, Sandown, Longmeadow and Greenstone,” he said.
The Watt Interchange is expected to form a key link connecting the BRT systems from other Gauteng metropolitan areas, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, enabling travellers to move seamlessly and cost-effectively between the three metros. According to Makhubo, this project will also see the construction of new BRT lanes and an underground station with associated structures, and bulk earthworks.
Construction work at the Watt Interchange completed so far includes the demolishing of the previous bridge and the interchange at Watt Street.
“Transport is one of the backbones of Johannesburg’s economy and plays a significant role in connecting residents safely and affordably, to education, business and work opportunities,” he said. “The Watt Interchange forms part of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transport System’s greater public transport connectivity in Wynberg and Alexandra for easy access and convenience to minibus taxis, Rea Vaya and Metrobus.
“This project is key for the integration of the different modes of transport in the city.”
Once completed, the Watt Interchange will stand as a high quality integrated public transport interchange which will consist of the following key elements:
- Underground basement loading and off-loading bays
- Commuter information area
- Designated trunk route
- Universally accessible facility.
Makhubo also highlighted that the construction of the Watt Interchange links to one of the Government of Local Unity’s strategic priorities to build integrated human settlements through the delivery of sustainable social and economic infrastructure projects.
“As part of the City’s October Transport Month Programme, which takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City applauds commuters for heeding the call to wear masks, sanitise and keep social distancing in compliance with public transport regulations to save lives,” concluded Makhubo.
