New-look Bruma Lake scoops two top awards

25 November 2016

 

Bruma Lake, the City of Johannesburg’s popular landmark known as the “Crown Jewel of the East”, has won national acclaim in recognition of the massive rehabilitation it underwent over the past couple of years.

 

A few years ago, the popular public open space fell into disfavour with the local community after it was contaminated by an assortment of pollutants and sediment, resulting in an unbearable stench that drove residents and other stakeholders into a state of frustration and despair.

 

This prompted the City, through the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), to initiate a R75-million redevelopment programme to restore it to its former glory. The massive rejuvenation has since transformed the area into a booming business hub. Its beautiful new park and river have given business confidence in the area a major boost.

 

It scooped two prestigious accolades at the 15th Construction World Best Projects Awards at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club recently. 

 

The Bruma Lake Rehabilitation Project was named the overall winner in the Sustainable Projects category. The lake also received the highest commendation for Civil Engineering Contracts. The Construction World Best Projects Awards are the only accolades for the South African construction industry that recognise excellence across the entire construction sector. 

 

The awards are independently judged by specialists representing various professional bodies. The remedial work undertaken by JDA at Bruma Lake was aimed at addressing community problems, in particular the bad odour and aesthetics that had now characterised it.

 

The project also sought to reduce public health risks and restore the lake’s aesthetics. The architectural design incorporated existing elements of the lake and surrounds. It also included new elements and natural rock components to soften the harsh look and feel of the existing concrete basin and dam wall.

 

Mounds and soft-rounded slopes ensured attractive flowing greens, inviting people into the public space from outside.

 

The JDA’s Susan Monyai said the awards were testament to the fact that the “Crown Jewel of the East” had regained its glory. “We have a reason to celebrate these awards and would like to thank everyone who was involved in this project for making it a success,” said Monyai.