The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is making significant strides in constructing the Klipfontein Wellness Centre, a groundbreaking initiative to combat drug and alcohol abuse in Ward 32’s Klipfontein View community.
With construction progress reaching 30%, this transformative project undertaken on behalf of the City of Johannesburg’s Social Development Department, is rapidly becoming a beacon of hope for a community deeply affected by substance abuse.
The once vacant land has been transformed into a hive of construction activity. The vast construction site is now enclosed by a 120-meter boundary wall, and the walls for the clinic and drug treatment centre have been erected. The setting out of the attenuation pond is also visible, with roofing of the centre set to begin soon.
Once complete, the Klipfontein Wellness Centre will house a 2175m² clinic and a 2247m² Social Development Drug Treatment Centre. It is designed to offer a comprehensive range of services, from healthcare to rehabilitation and aftercare, to support individuals and families grappling with the effects of substance abuse.
A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND RENEWAL
As the wellness centre continues to take shape, the impact of this project extends far beyond the physical structures. It is set to become a central hub for the community, offering treatment services, awareness, and prevention campaigns.
The inclusion of outdoor sports facilities such as a soccer field, playground, and running track further emphasises the centre’s commitment to holistic wellness.
In line with its mandate to deliver sustainable development, the JDA has employed labour-intensive methods for this project, providing vital short-term employment opportunities to unskilled and semi-skilled workers.
Four subcontractors and 21 local SMMEs (Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises) have been appointed, ensuring that the community benefits directly from the project, fosters economic growth, and strengthens local involvement and the project’s success.
JDA CEO, Mr. Themba Mathiba, emphasised the broader significance of the project stating, “The Klipfontein Wellness Centre will serve as a space where young people and families can reclaim their future from the grip of substance abuse.”
“The JDA is committed to ensuring that the centre becomes a long-term asset for the community, reinforcing its role as a development agency that creates spaces of opportunity and growth,” he noted.
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