Perth-Empire Corridor’s spend tops R300-million
09 May 2016
The development of the Perth-Empire Corridor in the City of Johannesburg’s Region B is going full steam ahead, with infrastructure spending expected to increase to R300-million in the 2016-2017 financial year.
Perth-Empire is one of three Corridors of Freedom currently under development in Johannesburg in line with the City’s new spatial vision, which aims to re-stitch Johannesburg into one united city characterised by high-density residential developments along transport corridors, where people will live closer to their workplaces, schools and recreational facilities.
The other two corridors being currently developed are Louis Botha Avenue in Region E and Turffontein in Region F. More than R77-million has already been spent in the first phase of the Perth-Empire Corridor development, particularly in and around Westbury.
The projects included the construction of the R20-million Westbury pedestrian bridge and park, which are nearing completion; the R10-million upgrade of the Union Stadium; the construction of the R20-million Westbury Clinic; and the improvement of the Westbury Library.
The feedback on the developments was given by Members of the Mayoral Committee Cllrs Christine Walters (Transport) and Roslynn Greeff (Development Planning), Section 79 Committee member Cllr Cathy Seefort and Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) Chief Executive Officer Thanduxolo Mendrew at the Westbury Recreation Centre at the weekend.
By the time the projects are complete, communities will have a state-of-the-art stadium, clinic and library, redeveloped parks and open spaces and a safe crossing point for school children and the elderly at the busy Fuel Road, near Coronation Hospital.
The investments include the development of non-motorised transport infrastructure.
Mendrew said the projects formed part of the Empire-Perth Corridor Strategic Area Framework aimed at creating more liveable neighbourhoods with affordable housing.
High-quality non-motorised transport links will be created and infrastructure and security improved. “The City has prioritised development investment within wards 69 and 82 [in Westbury] as part of the critical interventions in the city,” he said.
The Westbury pedestrian bridge project, which includes an amphitheatre, outdoor gym and play area for children, will be completed by July. Mendrew said the next phase would include upgrades of electricity and sports facilities and the provision of social housing.
Martha Clara Leghlo, 60, said she was impressed with the developments. “That bridge is the best idea. My hope is that as residents we will help protect this infrastructure. I’m very grateful for all the developments going on in Westbury. For example, the elderly are benefiting a lot from the Rea Vaya system because the buses are more accessible, affordable and comfortable.”
Shereen Marince and her son, Siraajudeen, 24, were also excited about the developments but appealed for more jobs to be created, especially for the youth. Although the clinic and bridge projects created more than 200 jobs during construction, they were not enough to deal with the rampant unemployment inflicting the area, they said.