MMC for Economic Development, Cllr Leah Knott, is delighted to announce the new road rehabilitation project spearheaded by the Joburg Market (JM) in partnership with Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA). The primary aim of this project is to enhance unrestricted access to the Joburg Market road network.
The internal road network has substantially deteriorated over time with no proper investment being made by the previous administration resulting in unnecessary damage to delivery vehicles and produce and has had a negative impact on the market as well as its stakeholders.
One of our key focuses is to support all efforts at safeguarding delivery of services to JM customers, mainly because the Joburg Market (JM) is the largest and most unique fresh produce market on the African continent with a major supply base in the SADC region.
This project is being undertaken as part of a three year Capital Expenditure Programme to enhance the Market’s functionality. The rehabilitation of the internal road network is identified as a key focus area and appropriate budget has been allocated to the project.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Joburg Market, Mr Ayanda Kanana stated “We laud the fruitful partnership between the Joburg Market and JRA that will result in the realisation of “Visible Diphetogo” and the acceleration of service delivery to our citizens. “Diphetogo” speaks to the cities’ broader commitment to change and transformation. Continuous and pre-emtive maintenance is essential if the city is going to undo years of infrastructure neglect.
The dedication and commitment of the JRA project team in executing this important project within time and cost constraints whilst delivering quality work is highly commendable. This has laid a firm foundation for future collaboration between the two entities for similar projects”.
The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) was not only appointed to rehabilitate the internal road network but to also attend to other road infrastructure improvements. The project scope mainly consists of milling, sealing cracks, patchwork/inlays, asphalt overlay, road marking and signage upgrade.
The coordination between the JRA and JM project teams is highly important to the success of this project. The team anticipates the project to be completed by the 12th December 2018. As per city policy, EPWP workers are being employed, with preference being given to youth and women.
Labour intensive methods are being utilised in order to execute the project in a manner that sustains livelihoods. Most of the project activities take place during the week with weekends being utilised to fast-track any project delays that may be encountered thus ensuring that the project timeline is adhered to.
The City is delighted to be making progress by supporting infrastructure projects that can be beneficial to businesses that contribute significantly to economic growth in the fresh produce space.
Councillor Leah Knott
Member of the Mayoral Committee
Department of Economic Development
Media Enquiries:
Andrew Stewart
Director Executive Support: MMC Economic Development
081 367 8861
