The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the infrastructure arm of the City of Johannesburg, has commenced the construction of the Drieziek Recreation Park as part of the Orange Farm Turnkey programme.
This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing the quality of life for residents of Drieziek Extension 3, underscoring the City’s commitment to fostering community wellness and social cohesion.
Parks are integral to improving the well-being of urban dwellers, especially in densely populated areas like cities and townships. They serve as sanctuaries from the stresses of daily life, fostering a sense of connection with nature and promoting physical and mental health.
Recognising this, the JDA has started on the construction of the Drieziek Recreation Park to provide a dedicated space for families, social groups, and individuals to come together, engage in recreational activities, and lead healthier lifestyles.
The JDA is committed to managing and facilitating infrastructure projects with efficiency and innovation, with a vision to build an equitable, sustainable, and resilient city. In collaboration with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the entity responsible for greening initiatives in the city, the JDA is spearheading the implementation of the Drieziek Recreation Park.
Intentions of the Drieziek Recreation Park:
Promote Healthy Lifestyles: The park is designed to encourage physical activity and wellness among residents, providing amenities such as play and exercise equipment, multipurpose courts, and a futsal court.
Enhance Community Engagement: By offering a designated gathering space, the park aims to foster social interaction and strengthen community bonds, contributing to a sense of belonging and collective ownership.
Facilitate Sustainable Practices: With features like urban agriculture and sustainable landscaping, the park seeks to promote urban farming and resilience within the community.
The development objectives of the Drieziek Recreation Park are to create a safer and more functional recreational space that caters to the diverse needs of residents.
Through extensive stakeholder engagement, including input from the community, the park’s design has been refined to reflect the unique preferences and aspirations of its future users.
In addition to its social and environmental impact, the construction of the Drieziek Recreation Park holds economic significance for the local community.
The JDA is committed to supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and fostering entrepreneurship by increasing opportunities for local emerging contractors, as well as creating jobs and EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) opportunities, with a focus on empowering women and youth in the construction sector.
Thirty percent of the contract value will been allocated to SMMEs, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive growth and economic empowerment.
“The Drieziek Recreation Park stands as a testament to the JDA’s dedication to holistic urban development, where infrastructure projects not only meet the needs of residents but also contribute to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the community,” Mr. Siyabonga Genu, JDA’s Executive Manager for Project Implementation..
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