City of Johannesburg

Johannesburg Development Agency

No 3 Helen Joseph Street PO Box 61877 Tel +27(0) 11 688 7851 (O)
The Bus Factory Marshalltown Fax +27(0) 11 688 7899/63
Newtown 2107 E-mail: info@jda.org.za
Johannesburg, 2000

www.jda.org.za
www.joburg.org.za
To: All news editors
For immediate release
20 July 2023

MMC MGCINA TACKLES JDA PROJECTS IN REGION F AND G

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

The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina,
embarked on a dynamic oversight visit to five major infrastructure projects across our vibrant
city.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is the infrastructure development arm of the
City of Johannesburg, having implemented over 1300 capital expenditure projects.

In a determined effort to connect with the community and assess the JDA’s ongoing
development initiatives, the MMC’s itinerary spanned from Region F to Region G allowing
ample time for fruitful interactions and comprehensive assessments.

Directors
D Oliphant (Chairperson) M Mongane (CEO) M Mokoena M Ntanga M Ramonyai N Zonela B Sarela P Numa V Hlongwa J Makgonye S Masiza
R Shirinda (Company Secretary)
Registration Number: 2001/005101/07
The oversight tour took place on Wednesday, 19 July. The objective was to gain first-hand
insights into the progress and impact of projects enhancing the quality of life for all residents
and the wider community.

Most projects showcased stellar work undertaken by the City’s Regeneration Programme,
while others experienced various challenges.

The scheduled itinerary for the infrastructure project visited were as follows:

Johannesburg Central Library – The MMC’s oversight tour kick-started at Johannesburg

City Library, which was first opened in 1935. The JDA is implementing renovations at the
iconic building on Albertina Sisulu Road and Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street.

The renovations and refurbishments include roof repairs and fire protection systems upgrades
to the library. “During the visit were told about various challenges impeding the library from
opening. The JDA will continue renovations and works to ensure that the library is fit for an
occupation will be assessed,” MMC Mgcina said.

Central Fire Station - The second stop of oversight saw the MMC travel to the new Central
Fire Station which is a modern space intended to cater for the current and envisaged demands
for the community in the inner city of Johannesburg.

The fire station is in its final stretch of construction. We expect the fire station to be of a speedy
response to fire or rescue incidents in the inner city’s high-rise buildings. “I am excited about
the completion of the new Central Fire Station. I am happy with the progress of the
development,” MMC Mgcina noted.

Bertrams Multipurpose Centre – The oversight tour then saw the MMC head to the eastern
edge of the Inner-City Central Business District, where the JDA is implementing the Bertrams
Multipurpose Centre.
The Bertrams Multipurpose Centre will house a community hall, senior citizens support,
women’s empowerment centre, childcare, social development offices, youth and skills
development facilities and a basketball court.

Orange Farm Bulk Stormwater – The MMC oversight then saw her visit Region G in Orange
Farm. As part of the Orange Farm Turnkey Programme the JDA has been implementing bulk
stormwater infrastructure in Ward 3 and 4.

The stormwater project forms part of plans for the continued sustainable development of the
Orange Farm community as an integrated human settlement development with
accompanying supportive infrastructure.

Chris Hani Sports Complex – The final stop of the oversight tour was the Chris Hani Sports
Complex project which is currently in its first phase and forms part of the Orange Farm
Turnkey Programme.

This state-of-the-art facility will have a multipurpose hall, athletics and soccer stadium,
gatehouse, aquatics centre, and a high-performance centre.

“While there are some challenges I do feel there a some infrastructure projects that are doing
really well. I am happy that we are making progress and that our residents will be receiving
what they have requested in their IDPs,” MMC concluded.

ENDS

Issued by: Kenneth Nxumalo

Johannesburg Development Agency
For more information:
Elias Nkabinde
Email: enkabinde@jda.org.za
076 961 8022
www.jda.org.za