Fleurhof development steadily gathering pace

26 June 2017

 

Social and health facilities such as libraries and clinics, a community centre and a taxi facility are on the cards for residents of Fleurhof, one of the largest integrated housing developments in Gauteng.

 

This was revealed by Monica Albonico, Head of the Elbonical Sack Meta City, developers of the Fleurhof and Surroundings Urban Framework.

Situated in the City of Johannesburg’s Region C, Fleurhof is a mixed housing development covering more than 440 hectares. The development currently consists of 10 411 dwellings, including 3 236 RDP houses, 4 429 social or rental housing units and 2 122 bonded homes.

In its plans outlined in the 2015-2016 Spatial Development Framework and the Strategic Area Framework, the City has identified Fleurhof as one of the three key functional sub-areas where public investment should be prioritised.

The City has commissioned the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), its infrastructure development entity, to develop a more detailed Urban Development Framework that assesses area-specific conditions and assists in compiling a set of interventions that would directly address area-specific opportunities and challenges and guide future public investment.

On Saturday June 24, the JDA hosted a gathering at the Fleurhof Recreation Centre to hear first-hand what the needs of local residents were and whether JDA was on the right track in meeting their expectations.

Albonico told the gathering that the developers were also planning to turn the nearby dam into an environmental or recreational area to serve not only Fleurhof but also surrounding places such as Soweto. “That’s why we have engaged the community – to hear what they say and take it from there. So far so good because the community is responding positively,” she said.

Ward 70 Councillor Caleb Finn welcomed the “exciting and innovative” session, saying it would, after taking the residents’ concerns and suggestions into consideration, help chart the way forward.

“The JDA team is here to listen to what the people say and want. This will enable the Urban Development Framework to move forward. After thorough consultations with the community, the City will then find ways of implementing the plan and make Fleurhof one of the most developed areas in Gauteng,” Cllr Finn said.

Local resident Lynneth Phiri said there was a need for a facility where children would play and take part in various sporting activities without the fear of being abducted or raped. “We would like to see our children playing and enjoying themselves without any fear. There is a lack of development in Fleurhof. We hope the JDA will listen to us and make this area one to be proud of,” she said.

Another resident, Vusi Sibisi, called for the building of a police station, clinic, schools and a shopping mall. “We want to see more development in the area. We feel we have been neglected for far too long and hope the JDA will do the right thing,” he said.