Inner City Partnership Forum hosted in Brixton

The City of Johannesburg recently convened the Inner City Partnership Forum at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre, chaired by the Executive Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda.

This forum follows a comprehensive oversight visit to key locations within the inner city aimed at addressing critical issues affecting the area. Its primary objective is described as one meant to provide stakeholders and strategic partners with updates on the efforts undertaken by the city entities and departments in revitalizing and rejuvenating the inner city.

Serving as a platform for collaboration, the forum simplifies engagements between inner city stakeholders, the city, and the private sector seeking sustainable solutions to widespread challenges.

Despite being the hub of historical significance and offering diverse opportunities for residents and visitors, the inner city faces numerous challenges such as substandard living in poor conditions in highjacked and dilapidated buildings, crime, urban decay, homelessness, unemployment, poverty, and inadequate enforcement of bylaws. Addressing these remains a priority for the city.

During the forum, various departments delivered presentations on key topics including the progress of Lilian Ngoyi (formerly Bree) street rehabilitation, the High Court precinct upgrade, the Joburg city safety strategy, implementation progress of the Informal Trading Policy, status on taxi parking management, management of public ablution facilities, inner-city waste management plan, green public open space adoption programme and others.

Addressing the meeting, Gwamanda emphasised the City’s commitment to using the Lilian Ngoyi Street rehabilitation project as an opportunity to implement aspects of the Inner-City Revitalisation Programme. This includes upgrading essential services such as road infrastructure, water, sewer, electricity, and tunnel rehabilitation and upgrading to compliance with best practices and regulations. This project underscores the City’s dedication to restoring normalcy and enhancing safety for residents.

Plans for the high court precinct upgrade have been outlined. They focus on enhancing safety and security, promoting diversified land use and economic activity, improving movement and access to public transport, rehabilitating buildings, and enhancing the public environment. Implementation of this project is envisaged for the 2024/25 financial year.

The City reaffirms its commitment to fostering ongoing collaboration with businesses and stakeholders in the inner city, reinforcing existing partnerships to drive meaningful change.

Related article: Joburg mayor, Herman Mashaba hosts Inner City Partnership Forum