The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), on behalf of the City of Johannesburg, has been implementing the Diepsloot Public Environment Upgrade (PEU) intended to promote pedestrian mobility and connectivity in the northern Johannesburg township, situated in Region A. The City recognises Diepsloot as a priority development area in line with the Joburg 2040 Growth and Development Strategy (2040GDS), and the undertaking of the public environment upgrade and pedestrian infrastructure, to improve mobility within Diepsloot, is one of the priority interventions implemented by the City of Joburg through the JDA. Diepsloot is located on the northern edge of the Johannesburg metropolitan area, approximately 40kms from the inner city and 20kms north of Sandton; close to Fourways and Midrand. The scope of works of the project entails paving upgrades and new sidewalks creation; the installation of storm water pipes and kerb inlets; the construction of retaining structures along the riverbank; landscaping; lighting; urban furniture; artworks; trading stalls and outdoor public facilities.
Traffic volumes within Diepsloot have acted as strong barriers that obstruct pedestrian movement, placing pedestrians at risk and creating poor pedestrian connectivity. The car-dominant environment features no landscaped spaces or comfortable sidewalks. Phase one of the Diepsloot PEU, now complete, entailed the extension of a pedestrian network, along the Government Precinct Node, to the north and Peach Road, to the west, as well as the extension of the Wetland Promenade to the future pedestrian bridge. Phase two of the project entails the upgrading of a 1.1km route along JB Marks, the upgrading of a 2.15km route along Percy Qoboza, Gateside Ave and Peach Rd and the extension of school road to create grid network. Once completed, the Diepsloot public environment upgrade will provide an improved quality environment and enhanced pedestrian experience, featuring wider sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, landscape, street furniture and natural elements. “As a dense and unplanned settlement, Diepsloot is an area which faces several socio-economic challenges. The interventions implemented by the City of Joburg through the JDA will go a long way towards creating more sustainable and liveable environments with improved quality of life for residents,” Member of Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, Cllr Thapelo Amad, said. The Diepsloot PEU also showcases how the City’s projects are playing a role in job creation and skills development by creating employment opportunities to unskilled and semi-skilled workers, with 30% of the contract value will be awarded to SMME’s in the ward
