A resolution was passed by the City of Johannesburg to acquire properties along Louis Botha Avenue’s BRT route which will enable infrastructure upgrades.
The development of new parks, clinics, schools and social housing are part of the plan. The resolution states that estate agents will be appointed and mandated to approach owners of these properties to buy them on behalf of the City of Johannesburg.
It will be on a willing seller, willing buyer basis at market-related value.
However, the city council became aware that some estate agents were allegedly misusing the willing seller, willing buyer mandate, and telling property owners that their properties were to be expropriated. Following this, discussions took place between Ward 73 councillor Marcelle Ravid and Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) to find a resolution to the problem.
JPC assured Ravid that any agent found to deviate from the willing seller, willing buyer directive would be stripped of their mandate, and must be reported.
The acquisition of this land is a long-term one, with some 20 properties having been purchased so far. The project will transform Louis Botha Avenue into a major economic hub and is part of the Corridors of Freedom initiative aimed at improving existing infrastructure of the city.
