The City of Johannesburg has designated the Greater Orange Farm region as a priority intervention area, necessitating tailored short to medium, and long-term development programs and strategies guided by a clear vision for a brighter future.
The City’s strategy to transform Orange Farm into a hub of opportunity focuses on developing essential infrastructure, attracting investment, and enhancing the capacity of residents to seize new opportunities.
The Orange Farm Turnkey Programme relates to creating neighbourhoods through spatial interventions including;
· Infrastructure development, basic services and social facilities and improving mobility by investing in new linkages, internal road infrastructure and public transport.
- To attract investment and new opportunities into the area through partnerships and by growing local informal and micro enterprises.
· Building the human capacity within Orange Farm through improving the physical health, safety, and well-being of residents.
As the infrastructure arm of the City of Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has been spearheading the implementation of the multi-disciplinary turnkey projects in Orange Farm valued at R625 million.
LAKESIDE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS TO BE COMPLETED
In Lakeside, Orange Farm, the JDA’s catalytic interventions will see 2.5km of roads being upgraded from gravel to tar in Wards 1,2,3,4,5 & 131. The overall scope of works includes the re-gravelling of access roads, installation of stormwater infrastructure, public environment upgrades and streetlights.
The JDA has also commenced with other projects within Ward 3, projects namely on 16th and Moyane Drive public environment upgrades and the continuation of stormwater upgrades on Ingonyama Street. Both these projects have a completion date of the end of 2024.
ORANGE FARM PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITY ON TRACK
The Orange Farm Public Transport Facility, situated at the corner of Link and Saint Road, is currently 88% complete. Designed to be aesthetically pleasing, functional, sustainable, and durable, the facility will also feature greening and landscaping.
The R55-million Orange Farm public transport facility will meet the evolving needs of public transport in the area, offering a safe and inclusive commuter experience for people with disabilities, women, and children.
The facility will include covered trading areas, ablution facilities, bicycle racks, and a refuse yard. Additionally, the landscaping will feature street furniture, a security officer post with a mini kitchen, and a boardroom for meetings. Streetlighting and perimeter lights will ensure safety within a suitable radius of the facility.
CHRIS HANI SPORTS COMPLEX CHALLENGES TO BE RESOLVED
The JDA has been dedicated to implementing the Chris Hani Sports Complex project on behalf of the City’s Community Development Department. However, with serious concern, the Chris Hani Multi-purpose Centre has been temporarily halted due to cash flow issues faced by the main contractor. The JDA is actively working to resolve these challenges.
The development objectives of the Chris Hani Sports Complex include:
· Enhancing the complex with additional sports facilities
· Promoting sports excellence among youth
· Improving integration between the sports complex and the surrounding precinct
· Enhancing the visibility of the complex with defined links, clear gateways, and entrance points
Completion of this landmark facility will transform it into a hub of sporting excellence, inspiring the next generation of athletes. The project includes the construction of a multipurpose hall, an athletics and soccer stadium, a gatehouse, an aquatics centre, and a high-performance centre.
DRIEZIEK RECREATION PARK ON THE CARDS
In Drieziek Extension 3, the JDA has initiated the construction of the Drieziek Recreation Park. This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing residents’ quality of life, highlighting the City’s commitment to community wellness and social cohesion.
The Drieziek Recreation Park will offer a dedicated space for families, social groups, and individuals to gather, engage in recreational activities, and promote healthier lifestyles.
“The JDA is committed to transforming Orange Farm into a thriving community with enhanced infrastructure and opportunities for all residents. The Orange Farm Turnkey Programme projects are pivotal steps towards realizing this vision,” Mr. Siyabonga Genu, JDA’s Executive Manager for Project Implementation.
“We are dedicated to overcoming challenges, such as those faced by the Chris Hani Sports Complex. We deeply empathize with the community affected by this delay. The JDA is fully committed to resolving these challenges swiftly to ensure the project resumes and delivers the much-needed sports facilities and opportunities for our youth and community,” he noted.
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