The official launch and sod-turning ceremony of the new Daggafontein Mega City project took place on site next to Edelweiss on Friday.
The ceremony was attended by more than 1 500 people including Ekurhuleni’s mayor Mzwandile Masina, Gauteng premier David Makhura, MEC of Human Settlements Paul Mashatile, Frik Nel from the developing company Rodash and MMC of Human Settlements Lesiba Mpya.
The event brings the development of this mega city a step closer to residents in Springs and Ekurhuleni.
During the construction period of five years, 7 500 temporary jobs will be created and 3 500 permanent jobs for post construction.
Nel assured those present, local community members would have the opportunity to apply for these positions.
“The developers have indicated a lot of building material will be manufactured on site including bricks, concrete and doors.
“This will involve the participation of a number of local businesses,” says Makhura.
The launch is the first phase of a project which will see six mega cities built within Ekurhuleni.
Makhura says they chose Ekurhuleni to build these six cities as this metro has the “largest backlog of building houses and the most informal settlements”.
“Ekurhuleni is too informal,” he says.
“We need to know how to build integrated developments not just for housing but also for economic development.
“The mega city will create revenue for Ekurhuleni as well,” says Makhura.
Ground leveling started a few months ago and the construction is due to start soon.
When the project is completed, it is expected to include three schools, a medical facility, a sport and recreation facility and a shopping centre.
The development will also incorporate urban agriculture for use by residents.
The project is divided into four portions – A, B, C and D.
Portion A includes Daggafontein Extension Four, Five and Six with Ext Four due to be built first.
“The mega city is the answer to getting rid of informal settlements,” says Makhura.
The development is positioned next to Edelweiss between the N17 highway and Clydesdale Road.
