The Johannesburg Roads Agency has pledged R1.2 billion towards the upgrade of gravel roads across the City of Johannesburg over the next three years.
The communities of Orange Farm, Ivory Park, Doornkop, Bramfischerville, Tshepisong, Lawley, Protea South, Drieziek, Poortjie, Slovoville, Kaalfontein, Mayibuye and Diepsloot will benefit from these upgrades said Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba.
He recently launched the construction of a pedestrian bridge in Diepsloot to safeguard residents crossing the Jukskei River when flooding occurs.
The construction of the R16.4 million bridge forms part of the City’s commitment to improving stormwater management and the impact of urban and residential flooding.
The construction project was accelerated following the tragic death of the six-year-old Angel Sibanda who drowned in the Jukskei River during torrential downpours in March last year.
“The drowning of Angel Sibanda is a tragedy and the erection of this pedestrian bridge will play a significant role in honouring her memory. The bridge links Extension 1 to Extension 2 in Diepsloot and will provide safe passage for local residents during times of heavy rains and flash flooding.”
The City currently has a 10-year infrastructure backlog which amounts to R170 billion in monetary terms. It also has to deal with overloaded substations that are 60-year-old, 31 per cent water loss, essential road repairs that amount to R5 billion and a huge maintenance backlog.
In this year’s budget R5.2 billion was set aside to upgrade the City’s existing infrastructure. A further R3.3 billion will be used for the development of new infrastructure and R4.3 billion will be used for repairs and maintenance.
Mashaba said Diepsloot residents will also benefit from the construction contract since it requires a percentage of local labour participation.
The project is expected to be completed in July 2018.
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