Residents frustrated with slow processes and construction
The precinct will define the future shape of the Turffontein Corridor.
SINCE the start of the multi-million Rand development of a linear park along a 1.2km stretch of De Villiers Street, Turffontein, some residents are not happy with the inconvenience caused by the construction work.
Frustrated resident Dennis Jones said they have always been proud of the fact that their street is so wide, with trees full of birds, and pavements covered in lush lawn and flowerbeds planted with beautiful flowers – which they have maintained.
“All this ended suddenly with the downgrading of our street. We are subject to dust and dirt in our homes and the continual noise of earthmoving equipment. Despite the promise that we would not be inconvenienced as residents, our driveways have been destroyed and our water supply disrupted on many occasions. There are no working street lights and this makes our homes unsafe.
“There are no pavements for pedestrians to walk on and the street has become a complete nightmare. The estimated completion date is March 2018, but I doubt whether this will happen, as to date there seems to be no planning or system in place,” he said.
Ward 124 ANC Clr Sidney Radebe said, prior to the implementation of this project, all the procedures were followed, a number of public meetings were held with the residents in the ward including block meetings with the affected residents in De Villiers Street.
“These meetings included the business sector in the area. I must, however, stress that this project shall be concluded at the specified time between Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and the main contractor. I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to the affected parties particularly in De Villiers Street to be patient with the inconvenience that is caused by this development in that particular area. I also believe that after the completion of this project, De Villiers Street will be back to its former beauty, and will attract the necessary investment in the area that will create jobs for our people,” explained Clr Radebe.
The Linear Park Project was announced by the then Mayor of Johannesburg, Mr Parks Tau, during his State of the City Address in 2016. It formed part of a four-year, R4.1 million development of the Rotunda Park precinct. The precinct will define the future shape of the Turffontein Corridor, one of three priority corridors under the City’s Corridors of Freedom programme.
Joy Jacobs from JDA, which is heading the project, was not available for comment.
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