The MMC for Economic Development, Leah Knott recently announced the new road rehabilitation project spearheaded by the Joburg Market (JM) in partnership with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) with the primary aim to enhance unrestricted access to the Joburg Market road network
“The internal road network has substantially deteriorated over time with no proper investment being made by the previous administration resulting in unnecessary damage to delivery vehicles
and produce, and has had a negative impact on the market as well as its stakeholders,” said Knott in a statement.
“One of our key focuses is to support all efforts at safeguarding delivery of services to JM customers, mainly because the Joburg Market is the largest and most unique fresh produce market on
the African continent with a major supply base in the SADC region.”
The project will form part of a three-year capital expenditure programme to enhance the market’s functionality.
The chief executive officer of the Joburg Market, Ayanda Kanana said, “We laud the fruitful partnership between the Joburg Market and JRA that will result in the realisation of ‘Visible
Diphetogo’ and the acceleration of service delivery to our citizens. ‘Diphetogo’ speaks to the cities’ broader commitment to change and transformation. Continuous and pre-emptive
maintenance is essential if the city is going to undo years of infrastructure neglect.
“The dedication and commitment of the JRA project team in executing this important project within time and cost constraints while delivering quality work is highly commendable. This has
laid a firm foundation for future collaboration between the two entities for similar projects.”
The JRA was not only appointed to rehabilitate the internal road network but to also attend to other road infrastructure improvements. The project scope mainly consists of milling, sealing cracks, patchwork/inlays, asphalt overlay, road marking and signage upgrade.
The project is expected to be completed by 12 December this year. As per City policy, EPWP workers are being employed, with preference being given to youth and women. Labour intensive methods are being utilised in order to execute the project in a manner that sustains livelihoods.
Most of the project activities take place during the week with weekends being utilised to fast-track any project delays that may be encountered.
“The City is delighted to be making progress by supporting infrastructure projects that can be beneficial to businesses that contribute significantly to economic growth in the fresh produce
space,” concluded Knott’s statement.
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