State of the City Address prioritises connectivity, mobility and urban resilience

In his second State of the City Address (SOCA) delivered on 2 May 2024, the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, outlined a development agenda focused on “enhancing connectivity, mobility, and urban resilience” for Johannesburg.​

The City’s dedication to transportation projects such as roads, bridges, and mass transit systems extends beyond mere infrastructure development. These initiatives not only create employment opportunities during construction but also foster new business ventures, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), entrusted with overseeing the City’s capital expenditure projects, plays a pivotal role in propelling this advancement. Under the theme “Building a stable and resilient City government in service of the people”, Cllr Gwamanda underscored the City’s comprehensive strategies to bolster safety and security for residents and visitors alike.Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone focus, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of essential services to all residents. Sustainability at the Core.

Cllr Gwamanda highlighted the City’s significant achievements in:

• Enhancing access to basic services in informal settlements. 

• Implementing efficient waste management practices.

 • Advancing infrastructure development.

He stressed that “enhancing connectivity, mobility, and urban resilience” lies at the heart of the City’s development agenda, achieved through strategic capital planning, prudent financial management, and the prioritisation of critical infrastructure projects.

With over 1,300 projects executed across Johannesburg’s administrative regions in the past 23 years, the JDA plays a pivotal role in championing resilient city strategies.

Its focus remains on:

• Strengthening inner-city precincts. 

• Cultivating resilient, sustainable and liveable urban areas in identified transit nodes and corridors.

Cllr Gwamanda highlighted the completion of several transport master plans, including the Roodepoort CBD Transport Master Plan (TMP). This plan aims to furnish residents with safe, reliable transport options and upgraded infrastructure.

Commissioned by the City’s Transport Department, the JDA developed the Roodepoort CBD TMP to:

• Enhance accessibility and mobility. 

• Revitalise the Roodepoort CBD.The plan serves as a 10-year blueprint for attracting both public and private sector investment in transport system enhancements, unlocking further opportunities within the Roodepoort CBD.

Shaping the Future of JohannesburgCllr Gwamanda accentuated the completion of additional master plans covering Region G (Protea South, Eldorado Park, Lenasia, etc.) and the western edge of the City (Roodepoort CBD). These plans address areas grappling with economic and infrastructure decline due to inadequate transport infrastructure, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and urban decay.

By prioritising infrastructure development and strategic planning, Johannesburg is actively moulding a more connected, mobile, and resilient future for its residents.