Residents of Drieziek, which lies on the outskirts of Orange Farm in Region G, will finally get a multipurpose centre, which will include a much-needed community hall and library.
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), on behalf of the City of Johannesburg, has begun implementing the construction of Drieziek Multipurpose Centre, aimed to benefit the community of Ward 4 and Ward 5 in Orange Farm.
With construction activities having recommenced under Covid-19 Alert Level 3 lockdown, bulldozers can be seen clearing the rubble and creating a more flattened surface for the foundation of the Drieziek Multipurpose Centre, which will be located about 40km from Johannesburg CBD.
The construction of the facility is intended to fulfill the broader regeneration objectives, including transforming communities, skills growth, employment creation, improvement of quality of life and affording communities access to recreational spaces. Drieziek comprises a high population density, which is mostly residential and underserviced.
“The City of Johannesburg's development programme for Drieziek intends to establish the area as a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable human settlement that is spatially integrated into the city, with access to basic services and opportunities for social mobility and economic development," said Cllr Lawrence Khoza, MMC for Development Planning.
Once completed, the Drieziek Multipurpose Centre will consist of a new a double-storey structure and sport facilities that include a gymnasium, pool, library, offices, hall and soccer fields.
The facility, which is being implemented on behalf of the City of Johannesburg's Department of Community Development, will go a long way in ensuring services are brought closer to people, so as to improve the quality of community life.
It will provide opportunities for social interaction and cater for different sporting codes, such as soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming, aerobics and more. These sporting codes will also contribute to empowering and motivating youth and sports enthusiasts to participate in sport which will improve their life style and promote healthy living amongst the whole community.
The construction of the centre will supplement various developments that have taken place so far in Drieziek. These include the construction of the R32-million Drieziek taxi rank, a public transport facility that will benefit the communities who primarily depend on public transport to travel to places of work, education and public amenities.