The Johannesburg Roads Agency today launched three of its projects which have been budgeted at a cost of R217.2 Million, namely, the City-wide Gravel Roads Upgrade to surface standards, the construction of the new Naledi Bridge and the Upgrading of storm water drains. All three projects were launched in different parts of Soweto by the Executive Mayor, Councillor Parks Tau.

“The wellbeing of our communities is a priority for the JRA and the main objective for these projects is to improve the safety of all road users whilst also alleviating poverty and unemployment through job creation and skills development”, said JRA Managing Director, Mr. Skhumbuzo Macozoma.

The Gravel Roads Upgrade programme has been implemented since the completion of Soweto roads tarring. The townships that were previously prioritised are Diepsloot, Bramfischerville, Doornkop and Orange Farm. Doornkop has already been completed. In 2013/14 three townships were added namely Thulani, Tshepisong and Lawley. The total budget for the 2013/14 financial year is R161Million and over the MTEF period more than R1.3billion will be spent on the programme. Protea South and Lawley have been added for 2014/15 and more townships will be added over the medium term. The estimated jobs to be created in 2013/14 are 280 and on completion of the projects the standard of living and mobility in these areas will be greatly improved.

The construction of the new Naledi Bridge is aimed at bridging the historical Apartheid separation of two very close and inter-linked communities in Soweto thus creating a safe crossing over the railway line for both pedestrians and vehicles in Ward 20 in Naledi and Ward 14 in Protea North Region D. The R50 million project will start on the 10th June and will be completed in September 2015 (15 months). Local communities will benefit from this project as approximately 100 job opportunities will be created.

The storm water drains in Dobsonville Ext 3 in Region D’ s Ward 48 will be upgraded at a cost of R6.2million as part of the JRA’ s 2013/14 Capex programme. The project’s objective is to improve stormwater drainage and therefore minimise flooding in the area. It includes the conversion of open drains system to a closed system to prevent community members from being swept away during flooding. This will be done by installing new pipes where none exist and increasing the capacity of the existing systems. This project started in February 2014 and completion is estimated to be on the 31st July 2014. About 40 job opportunities will be created by the end of the project.

“The JRA is committed to rendering visible service delivery to the communities of the City of Johannesburg. Almost all of these projects were requested by the communities through the City’s consultative processes. People in these areas requested service delivery and the JRA responded by delivering on its mandate to provide quality roads that are accessible, safe and liveable for our communities”, added Macozoma.