The construction industry is one of the biggest role players when it comes to driving economic development. The industry remains a male-dominated industry but there are signs that women are starting to become better represented in this sector.
The Johannesburg Development Agency’s (JDA) Economic Empowerment Programme focuses on the development of skills and capacity within the construction industry in Johannesburg; as well as optimising JDA’s contribution to inclusive economic growth and empowerment, and the transformation of the construction industry.
In terms of capital projects, the JDA aims to increase the number of local emerging contractors from previously disadvantaged communities as well as the number of local construction jobs created – in particular empowering women in development and construction.
The built environment is constantly changing and the development of SMMEs is critical in building and advancing innovation and transformation within the industry. The City of Johannesburg, through its infrastructure arm the JDA, is already showing a good footprint where women are concerned.
Some of the JDA’s ongoing flagship projects within the metro are run by women, this includes the Hikhensile Clinic and Brixton Social Cluster Phase two.
STATE-OF-THE-ART, 2173M² HIKHENSILE CLINIC
The construction of the state-of-the-art 2173m² Hikhensile Clinic demonstrates the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to providing primary healthcare facilities. The JDA is implementing the facility, which will monumental step forward in enhancing community healthcare services in the region, on behalf of the City’s Health Department.
The JDA appointed Big O Developments, a female owned, Level-1 BBBEE contributor founded in 2010 as the main contractor on the project. The old Hikhensile Clinic has been demolished to pave the way for a modern facility.
The construction for the new Hikhensile Clinic is located on Lokologa Street, Ivory Park, Region A, Johannesburg. With 16 consulting rooms and a 159-seat waiting area, the clinic will be able to accommodate larger volumes of patients and provide a wider range of services.
BRIXTON SOCIAL CLUSTER PHASE TWO
As part of the strategy of the City of Johannesburg to meet this demand for new social infrastructure, the JDA has been implementing phase two of the construction of the Social Cluster.
The JDA appointed Nkomaba Trading and Projects, a female owned, Level-1 BBBEE contributor founded in 2009. Nkomaba Trading and Projects’ scope of works on the project entails of the creation of a public square, new library, new coffee shop, the upgraded green open space and kids play area and upgraded swimming pool.
The old Brixton library has been demolished and is being upgraded to accommodate the number of people that use the facility. The new library will be a single storey building with a floor area of 1840m². It will accommodate the main library general and specialized information resource spaces and a study centre.
The Brixton Swimming Pool is older than 60 years and was constructed in 1938. To maintain the swimming pool’s historical value, the JDA will be undertaking renovations tothe facility in accordance with heritage consultants and architect specifications.
The public square of the Brixton Social Cluster is aimed at being a safe and well-lit outdoor gathering place for the community. The Art Gallery and Coffeehouse will serve as a single-story building of 320m².
“The JDA is committed to fostering an inclusive and transformative construction industry. Through our Economic Empowerment Programme, we aim to not only build skills and capacity but also to ensure that women have a significant role in shaping the future of Johannesburg’s infrastructure,” JDA CEO Mr Themba Mathibe said.
“The success of projects like the Hikhensile Clinic and the Brixton Social Cluster, led by women, is a testament to our ongoing efforts to drive change and innovation in the built environment, he noted.”
INFO SUPPLIED.
