Upgrading the inner city remains a mayoral priority, with the mayor allocating R100-million to the area in his budget.
THE inner city continues to be a key focus for Executive Mayor Amos Masondo, who announced in his annual budget speech that the area would receive R100-million from the City's R26-billion 2009/2010 budget.
The mayor delivered his budget at the Metro Centre in Braamfontein on 20 May. Inner city rejuvenation is a mayoral priority.
Life in the inner city
The R100-million will be utilised in the streetscape and public environment upgrade for the core central business district and the commercial area of Forsdburg as well as a shelter for the homeless, said Santhurie Naidoo, the project manager of the inner city.
This included new paving, lighting and street furniture, as well as greening the areas with indigenous trees. The exact location for the urban upgrades still needed to be finalised by the various stakeholders, she said.
A feasibility study for recreational open space will also be conducted.
Some of the budget will also go towards off-street parking.
Last year, the City spent R171-million on improving the high streets of Yeoville, Berea and Hillbrow as part of its continued efforts to rejuvenate the inner city.
Listed in the Inner City Regeneration Charter, inner city upgrades started to gather momentum in 2008. Through its charter commitments, the City aims to create "high-quality public spaces" in the inner city.
Other inner city areas that are undergoing major urban environmental upgrades at the moment are the Ellis Park precinct and New Doornfontein through the City's Johannesburg Development Agency.
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