Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has announced a R15-million overhaul of sidewalks and installation of traffic-calming measures across five wards in Region B.
As part of the City’s community-based projects, an inspection of 117 sites has been carried out to assess the conditions of sidewalks and need for traffic-calming measures.
Parktown North is on the list among wards 69, 86, 99 and 102 and extensive engagement with respective ward councillors has been undertaken.
A list of streets requiring traffic-calming measures, maintenance, reinstatements and construction of new sidewalks have been identified. The Region B sidewalk and traffic calming project aligns with universal access requirements to ensure improved safety for non-motorised roads users and persons with disabilities. The project aims to make a significant social impact with added benefits to the greater community and road users.
JRA’s acting managing director, Goodwill Mbatha, said in a statement the project would start in April. The preliminary work has begun at the sidewalks in Parktown North.
He said a total of 30 per cent of the contract value will be used to empower and train small, medium and micro enterprises’ (SMME), purchase of materials and supplies, hiring of local construction plant, compliant service providers as support companies and sub-contractors. “The appointment of a community liaison officer is in the process of being finalised.”
Interventions to maintain, rehabilitate and construct sidewalks will ensure the accidents and risk posed to pedestrians and non-motorised roads users are reduced.
“In addition, the overall improvements will add to the aesthetic appeal of the community streets and will encourage a more active lifestyle by residents. The introduction of traffic-calming measures aim to reduce road-user accidents, drivers will become more conscious of installed speed humps and will drive at reduced speeds,” said Mbatha.
The Parktown North political and community officials would like to withhold their comment until the project is implemented. The preliminary work in the area has already begun.
Are you a resident of Parktown North? Let us know your thoughts on koketsor@caxton.co.za.
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