Funds donated to unlock Metro Boulevard development
During the July Council sitting Council approved the motion to accept a R5 million donation for this purpose.
The multi-million rand Metro Boulevard development project could be implemented soon following a huge donation by private companies.
A pleased Ward 89 councillor Amelia Bester, who has been channelling discussions about the project?s implementation, recently announced the good news after the City decided to approve the motion to accept the donation.
“In 2018 I was approached by an agent of the developer who requested my assistance in realising the Metro Boulevard development. This project has been on the table since the 80s. The Johannesburg Roads Agency has a right of first refusal over Erf 4833 in Weltevreden Park Extension 90, and the owner had sought to sell the property. This was the last portion of land required to put the development into action.
“I arranged a meeting with the relevant stakeholders and suggested a donation to allow the City to acquire this land and prevent further delays. During the July Council sitting Council approved the motion to accept a R5 million donation for this purpose. I am pleased to have played a small part in unlocking the R160 million developments, and I thank the private companies for their contribution,” Amelia detailed.
This donation was made by MTN and Century Properties Developers. The gist of the development opts to connect JG Strydom Road and 14th Avenue to the east of Hendrik Potgieter Road, whilst intersecting the N1 Western Bypass in Weltevreden Park.
According to the City of Joburg Property Company (SOC) Ltd approval document, the biggest benefit of the link and interchange is that it will alleviate the existing traffic congestion at the N1/ 14th Avenue as well as the Hendrik Potgieter Road/ 14 Avenue interchange. The solution is, therefore, not only required to cater for the new trips but will benefit all those making use of the two interchanges.
The two donors supplied the funds after the JRA had indicated over a decade ago that it had no funds to acquire the property from its owner.
The JPC report also read that the approved R5 million will cover the purchase price of Erf 4833 Weltevreden Park Extension 90 valued at R3,9 million, and all costs incidental to this acquisition as JRA does not have the budget to purchase the property. This is a developing story.
