The Diepsloot Development

The City of Johannesburg’s Development Programme for Diepsloot intends to establish the area as a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable human settlement that is spatially integrated into the City of Johannesburg. The city’s housing department plans to build 4 800 housing units, and 6 000 to 10 000 units for low-income families. Eskom is currently upgrading Klevebank sub-station to provide sufficient bulk supply for future development in the area. While Johannesburg Water is currently planning to install 300 toilets and a 25 MegaIitre water reservoir.

Roodepoort CBD Upgrade

The aim was to beautify and enhance overall maintenance, and to aesthetically improve the urban fabric of the area. Johannesburg City Parks spent R180 000 for hard and soft landscaping which included new street furniture, paving and some 33 Yellowwood trees. Municipal entities and Central Departments also focused on daily maintenance and attended to complaints in this area that fell within their scope of ser vice delivery. A new public convenience facility was built at a cost of R40 000.

Progress by The Department of Health

Clinics Extend Service Hours
A total of 18 health facilities extended ser vice hours, all with the extension of service to Saturdays

Awareness Programmers
Substance abuse and teenage pregnancy awareness programmes have been conducted at 30 High School and 37 Primary Schools in all regions. A total of 15 733 learners were reached at 67 schools.

TB Control Programme (TBCP)
The TB cure rate is continuing to improve, now standing at 76, 8% from 74% in 2007, and 54% in 2003.

HIV & AIDS Prevention
All city regions now have access to comprehensive HIV and AIDS Management and Treatment Plans. A total of five new anti-retroviral delivery sites have been established across the city.

A Hugely Successful Greening Project

A total of 203 403 trees have been planted to date by City Parks. At least 90% of these trees were planted in Soweto and to a lesser extent Orange Farm and Lenasia towards addressing imbalances in greening aspects between South and North.

A Bright Future Post World Cup

According to a survey, 96% of World Cup visitors to South Africa said that they would possibly return to the country, while 92% would recommend the country to friends and family as a holiday destination. The success of the World Cup in Johannesburg also means the city now boasts an integrated public transport network, world class infrastructure upgrades, world class stadia, increased hospitality and tourism products, better connectivity - and of course, positive media attention.

Implementation of Solar Energy

The Department of Energy received funding from Global Environmental Facility (GEF) as part of greening projects. This funding was directed towards the installation of solar powered traffic lights and public lighting in identified areas.

The New Ridge Walk

The City of Joburg was allocated R6.7 million to construct the Ridge Walk, a pedestrian way that links a densely populated neighbourhood in Orange Farm to Stretford Station. The Ridge Walk is now flanked by lights, seating and ar t work. A children’s’ play park and small amphitheatre for community events can be found at the crest of the hill. The Ridge Walk has had a significant impact on the quality of life in Stretford, and has improved the commuter experience for countless people who used to make their way along a dark, rocky and dangerous path up the hillside in the past.