Progress on Jeppe Park upgrade, Prasa and Metrorail project discussed with residents
“The project is a six-month project and we are in the planning phase. We want to make the community aware so that they can submit CVs as we want the community to benefit from the project."
A public meeting was held in Ward 61 by Clr Vusumuzi Zondo at Bertha Solomon in Jeppestown recently.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the upcoming project from Prasa and Metrorail and to report back on the progress of the Jeppe Park upgrade project.
Metrorail infrastructure engineer manager Khumbulani Khumalo addressed the community about the project.
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“The project is a six-month project and we are in the planning phase. We want to make the community aware so they can submit their CVs as we want the community to benefit from the project,” said Khumalo.
The project will take place between George Goch and Jeppestown.
The project entails the construction of a wall from George Goch to Jeppestown along the railway line to barricade the railway lines.
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Residents were invited to submit their CVs at the Berth Solomon Recreation Centre.
The closing date will be October 27.
A community liaison officer will be appointed from the community.
Residents expressed their concerns regarding the project and these included the number of people to be employed, the age of those under consideration for employment and the upskilling of youth in the ward.
Khumalo said the project was still in the early stages and some of the questions could only be answered after the main contractor has been appointed.
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“We cannot say how many people will be employed or how many sub-contractors will be hired. That will be the decision of the main contractor,” said Khumalo.
Residents also urged Prasa to attend to other problems at the train stations like lights because those who use the trains at night claim it’s not safe because it is dark.
“This project is the beginning – there are other projects coming. As we continue to renovate the station, more projects will be rolled out and that means employment for the community,” said Khumalo.
Zondo encouraged the community to submit their CVs.
The project will only begin next year.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) have collaborated to upgrade Jeppe Park.
The community has been involved in the planning and designing of the park.
JDA attended the meeting to report on the progress of the project.
The community questioned the appointment of the community liaison officer and staged a walk-out when JDA tried to introduce him.
Officials present at the meeting said they cannot comment on the issue.
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