Joburg’s R400m intermodal transport facility takes shape
31 May 2017
The construction of the City of Johannesburg’s R400-million world-class Kazerne intermodal transport facility in the inner city is progressing exceptionally well and is on track to be completed by March next year.
The facility, being developed by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) – the City’s infrastructure development entity – will, on completion, transform the commuter environment in the Johannesburg Central Business District and create a clean, safe and welcoming place for residents, commuters, tourists and investors.
This comes at a time when the City is accelerating its efforts to revitalise the inner city to attract investments in line with one of its Nine Key Priorities – growing Johannesburg’s economy by at least 5% within the next four years – which are being spearheaded by Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba.
The construction of the four-storey Karzene facility started in 2015. It will, on completion, accommodate 1 000 long-distance and cross-border minibus taxis and buses.
It will also have room and storage facilities for formal and informal retailers and traders. Construction companies Basil Read and Umzo were jointly awarded the tender to undertake the project.
Several small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have also been involved in the construction, which has created scores of jobs.
“The facility will ease Park Station’s load in that long distance travellers and traders from the Southern African Development Community will also be able to store their wares before transporting them to their countries,” JDA’s Celestine Mouton said during a tour of the facility by seven ward councillors on Tuesday May 30.
JDA Chief Executive Thanduxolo Mendrew said the area around the facility had in recent years experienced a number of major investments that were turning the inner city around. They include the Nelson Mandela Bridge, the revitalised Braamfontein Precinct and Newtown Park.
The touring councillors – Bongani Nkwanyana of Ward 61, Zama Shozi (Ward 62), Linda Ntombela (Ward 63), Nokuthula Xaba (Ward 60), Faeeza Chane (Ward 57), Rosemary Thobejane-Ndoqo (Ward 64) and Michael Crichton (Ward 56 – also visited Orange Grove, where they were brought up to speed with the Louis Botha Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system development.
City Resident Engineer Isaac Morate said the scope of the three-phase R250-million project, being undertaken by three different companies, entailed designing and implementing the Rea Vaya BRT system along Louis Botha Avenue between the intersection of Empire and Victoria roads, and Louis Botha Avenue and Lees Street.
Two of the phases are almost complete, while the third has reached the 60% mark.
Morake said after completion Rea Vaya commuters would find it easier to travel from Soweto to Sandton, with stops in the inner city and Orange Grove.
Another project visited by the councillors was the R87-million Turffontein-Rotunda Park Precinct development. The two-phase project, aimed at changing the face of Rotunda Park and De Villiers Street, is expected to be completed by July 2018.
JDA’s Xolile Nxumalo said the first phase involved the upgrading of Park Crescent, the road encircling Rotunda Park, High Street to the north of the park, the intersection of High Street and Turf Club Street (to create a northern gateway to the precinct) and the intersection of Turf Club Street and Main Street (to create an eastern gateway).
“New paving will be laid, street lighting will be upgraded and cycle lanes will be added to some sections. In addition, street furniture and artwork will be installed for an improved public environment,” Nxumalo said.
JDA has undertaken capital-based projects throughout the city since 2001. These projects have involved the investment of significant public sector funds from the City, Department of Transport and National Treasury.
“JDA aims to stimulate and support area-based development initiatives throughout Johannesburg in support of the City’s Growth and Development Strategy 2040 (GDS 2040),” says Mendrew.