The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Development Planning in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Eunice Mgcina, along with Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) CEO Themba Mathibe conducted an oversight visit to the Vlakfontein Public Transport Facility in Region G.
The JDA has been overseeing the construction of this facility on behalf of the City’s Transport Department. This oversight visit was held recently to assess the progress of the R32 million capital development, which is now nearing practical completion.
Designed for efficient pick-ups and drop-offs, the Vlakfontein Public Transport Facility enhances road safety for transport users and commuters. It addresses the critical needs of commuters, ensuring universal access and meeting all safety requirements in the public transport hub.
The facility will serve local communities that rely on public transport for commuting to work, educational institutions, and various public amenities in and around Vlakfontein. Located on Freedom Drive, an area with high pedestrian and taxi traffic, the facility includes a guard house, office buildings, ablution facilities, ranking areas, walkways, and taxi holding areas.
External works feature landscaping, stormwater drainage, sewer and water reticulation, and boundary fencing. Additionally, the JDA has upgraded the public environment on main streets leading to the facility. This upgrade aims to better accommodate taxis, traders, pedestrians, and commuters, creating a safe, clean and attractive environment that enhances the overall functionality of the area.
The scope of work for the implementation of the facility included:
· Site levelling and clearing.
·Foundations, brickwork, roofing and electrical / plumbing reticulation
· Structural steel supports and roofing structure for the shading canopies
·Landscaping and paving of driveway and walkway areas of the site
· Water and electricity connection provision to the site.
·Paving and upgrading road resurfacing of adjacent roads to the facility
·Fencing off to secure the facility and providing dedicated access / exit gates
·Provision of lighting for the site security The JDA’s objective is to deliver this public infrastructure project through labour-intensive methods, promoting job creation and income generation via an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) approach.
A total of 14 local SMMEs and eight local labourers were appointed, with the total SMME expenditure exceeding R5 million.
“The facility is at practical completion. We are working towards receiving the occupational certificate, pending a final site inspection. The issuance of this certificate will allow for the facility’s handover to the City’s Transport Department for operational use,” said MMC Mgcina.
