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As one of the most capital-intensive areas of municipal spending, the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, emphasised infrastructure development at the 2023 State of the City Address (SOCA).

Infrastructure development and refurbishment are one of the 11 mayoral priorities outlined to create a better Joburg.

The priority puts the spotlight on key infrastructure projects such as road repairs, water and sanitation upgrades, and public transportation improvements, and work to ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is the infrastructure development arm of the City of Johannesburg. It manages capital expenditure projects on behalf of the City and plays a role in this mayoral priority in the management of capital expenditure projects for the City.

Cllr Gwamanda also committed to finding sustainable, long-term solutions to the infrastructure problems plaguing the City. The SOCA also highlighted the regeneration of the inner city of Johannesburg as a mayoral priority as well as a key priority for all departments and municipal-owned entities.

The JDA is currently managing several projects aimed at rejuvenating and stimulating investment in specific areas in the inner city. These include the Gandhi Square Public Environment Upgrades (in and around the Absa Towers), the construction of the new Central Fire Station, Bertrams Multipurpose Centre, Selby Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) depot and the implementation of various inner city public transport facilities.

“The noticeable development brought about by the Absa Towers and surrounds is also a good example. All of this is happening in the City of Johannesburg working with our partners in the private sector,” said Cllr Gwamanda.

The JDA has already been instrumental in revitalising inner city through projects such as Constitution Hill, Newtown Precinct, Braamfontein Precinct, and Greater Ellis Park Precinct, renovating the Drill Hall, and developing the Fashion District.

“The JDA has implemented over 1 300 projects across all administrative regions in 22 years. The agency will implement a phased plan to strengthen inner city precincts, developing resilient, sustainable, and liveable urban areas in identified transit nodes and corridors,” said JDA CEO Mokgema Mongane.

To access Cllr Gwamanda’s recently delivered State of the City Address, go to: www.joburg.org.za/media_/Speeches/Documents/Mayoral%20Speeches/2023-Mayoral-Speech/SOCA-2023.pdf

Issued by the City of Johannesburg