The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has announced grand plans to upgrade road infrastructure in Regions E and A. The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, Cllr Funzela Ngobeni unveiled the two projects currently underway on Wednesday, 7 December. The first of the unveilings took place in the form of a sod turning event for the upgrading and construction of roads and stormwater drainage systems in Klipfontein View, and the second in Vorna Valley Vlei in Midrand.
The scope of work at Klipfontein View’s Nancy Ndamase Street entails the reconstruction of the entire 1.11 km (7.4 m width) road; installation of a stormwater drainage (pipe culverts); construction of a stormwater outlet structure and installation of pedestrian facilities and speedhumps, signage, and road markings.
The scope of work on Oliver Tambo Street entails the reconstruction of 0.771 km of road (5.5 m width); installation of stormwater drainage (pipe culverts); installation of pedestrian facilities and speed humps, signage, and road markings.
Louis Nel, the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the JRA, says the scope of work includes the reconstruction of about 1.8 kilometres of road in both Nancy Ndamase and Oliver Streets.
“The construction of stormwater drainage (pipe culverts) and outlet structures, pedestrian facilities, as well as the installation of speed bumps in Klipfontein View, has already begun,” says Nel, adding that construction will be conducted over eight months.
MMC Ngobeni says the biggest challenge in Klipfontein is underground water.
“We have properties in areas where people shouldn’t live. I understand that 70% of youth in Gauteng are unemployed, which is a contributing factor to the many car washes visible in this area. However, please note that water and tar do not go together.
Water from the car washes needs to be directed straight into stormwater drains,” says Cllr Ngobeni.
Work began in October in Region A’s Vorna Valley Vlei, and is expected to last until the first quarter of next year.
The scope of work at this site includes the installation of a hydraulic management system within a wetland.
It will also include the construction of gabion works and erosion protection measures.
Cllr Ngobeni says the project is intended to prevent future erosion, which could affect and damage properties adjacent to the stream/wetland.
The project began last year when the previous contractor was let go due to non-performance.
“It is not good to cancel contractors. We need to desist from this behaviour going forward. I’m happy to announce that there will be teams allocated to work over the festive season.”
It is expected that the project will be completed within the expected timeframe.
Cllr Ngobeni welcomes both projects in Klipfontein and Vorna Valley Vlei, stating that this is the beginning of improved quality of service delivery and that with more funding, much more could be accomplished.
“We have fourteen projects of this nature for this financial year with a R206-million budget across the City.”
Written by Thembile Gule
8/12/2022