Phase two set to begin for Diepsloot Public Environment Upgrade
DIEPSLOOT – With progress yet to start in Ward 95 in Diepsloot, the Johannesburg Development Agency has set sights in starting phase two of the Public Development Upgrade.
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), on behalf of the City of Johannesburg, announced on 7 May that there are plans to continue upgrades to various parts of the township.
Two phases were planned to take place in Diepsloot called the Diepsloot Public Environment Upgrade after it was recognised as a priority development area in line with the Joburg 2040 Growth and Development Strategy.
Spokesperson for the JDA, Elias Nkabinde said the completion of phase one came with the improvement of pedestrian areas. There is a high traffic volume that obstructs pedestrian movement. “Phase two of the project entails the upgrading of a 1.1km route along JB Marks, the upgrading of a 2.15km route along Percy Qoboza, Gateside Avenue and Peach Road and the extension of School Road to create grid network.
“Once completed, the Diepsloot public environment upgrade will provide an improved quality environment and enhanced pedestrian experience, featuring wider sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, landscape, street furniture and natural elements,” he said.
Phase two is set to include paving upgrades and new sidewalks creation. It also entails the installation of stormwater pipes and kerb inlets, the construction of retaining structures along the riverbank, landscaping, lighting, urban furniture, artworks, trading stalls and outdoor public facilities.
Diepsloot resident, Terrance Tshirangwana said in other wards in Diepsloot, there has been some progress in the township, but not enough in Ward 95 where he stays.
Tshirangwana previously raised his concerns in the Fourways Review article, Diepsloot community wants answers from JDA [Week ending 14 May] about ongoing issues which needed to be addressed by the JDA.
“You cannot have a project left unfinished and then start a new one. Phase one is still not complete, but they [JDA] has started with phase two. We don’t know why things are not starting here.
“It goes back to 2019. We were told last year that it was because of Covid, and we understood. Now, still nothing is happening. To us as residents, it is not fair. We cannot comment on Ward 113, but this is what is happening in Ward 95.”
Councillor of Ward 95, Kate Mpahlele said progress set to take place in the ward has been placed on hold as there are still applications which need approval by the Environmental Impact Assessment for further developments to start.
“Some of the projects in the area can only take place when we have the go ahead from the EIA. I cannot say when things will start happening because I am waiting for them to come to me and do the implementation of the project,” she said.
