The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), a wholly owned area-based development agency of the City of Johannesburg, has completed the Elias Motsoaledi gravel road upgrade project.

The project, implemented on behalf of the Department of Human Settlements, involved upgrading 4.5 km of gravel roads to surfaced standards, including comprehensive stormwater drainage systems.

The JDA says this initiative aligns with the commitment to driving sustainable human settlements and providing services and infrastructure. 

“Safe and reliable surfaced roads, with stormwater infrastructure to improve mobility for vehicles and pedestrians, are now a reality for the residents of Region D, Soweto,” the agency says.

Guided by the City of Johannesburg’s Complete Streets concept, the upgrades created roads that accommodate diverse modes of transport, including walking, cycling and public transport.

The JDA says this approach fosters the development of multi-modal transport systems and more livable communities.

The scope of work for the Elias Motsoaledi upgrades included barricading of the works and installation of protective measures; excavation and installation of stormwater drains, pipes and associated structures; construction of concrete inlets, outlets, junctions and manholes; and erosion protection structures using gabions and retaining walls.

Upgrades also included the installation of concrete block township walkways and precast kerbing; implementation of road signs, markings, and speed humps; earthworks, pavement layer works and asphalt surfacing; as well as driving local economic empowerment.

In line with the JDA’s economic development programmes that aim to develop skills and capacity within the construction industry, 30% of the project’s contract value, exceeding R4.6-million, was awarded to local small, medium-sized and microenterprises in the ward.

The initiative also prioritised local labour through an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) approach, creating meaningful job opportunities and contributing to income generation for the community.

The JDA says the completion of the Elias Motsoaledi gravel road upgrade is a testament to the JDA’s mission to implement area-based developments that are efficient, equitable, sustainable and innovative.

This project significantly enhances connectivity and mobility while building urban resilience in the region, the agency adds.

“The successful completion of the Elias Motsoaledi road upgrade demonstrates our commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that improve the lives of Johannesburg residents,” says JDA CEO Themba Mathibe.

“This initiative will enhance mobility and connectivity and contribute to job creation and economic empowerment within the local community. It also complements other transformative initiatives undertaken by the JDA in Region D, including the ongoing gravel-to-asphalt road upgrades in Finetown Proper,” he notes.

The JDA explains that these upgrades align with the City’s Human Settlements Department’s mission to improve the quality of life for its residents.

“By providing essential infrastructure, the project has helped create a neighbourhood where people can thrive, whether at home, work, or play. This is part of a broader vision to ensure Johannesburg remains a city of opportunity and growth.

“The JDA is proud to have contributed to this transformative project and remains committed to delivering developments that make a lasting impact on the lives of Johannesburg residents,” the JDA expresses.