The City of Johannesburg’s infrastructure arm the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has started the procurement process for a new contractor for the Watt Street Public Environment (PEU) project.

This follows the termination of the main project contractor owing to poor performance.

Located in the Wynberg area, the Watt Street Precinct is a pivotal space transitioning from an industrial hub to a mixed-use node. Its strategic position between Alexandra and Sandton facilitates daily foot traffic of about 10 000 individuals.

The Watt PEU project is designed to elevate the street infrastructure to a level where it caters to diverse users, prioritising a pedestrian experience and enhancing public space.

The objectives of the project encompass easing mobility, upgrading infrastructural services, improving area legibility, addressing critical public safety concerns and fostering adaptable public spaces.

Originally slated for practical completion by the end of March, the Watt PEU project has faced delays owing to nonperformance of the previously contracted party, leading to the termination of the agreement.

As the JDA initiates a new procurement process to secure a replacement contractor, it has acknowledged the inevitable setback in project completion and said that a revised timeline for the facility's conclusion would be communicated.

"We understand the community's frustrations regarding the delay of the Watt Street PEU. We assure stakeholders that we are dedicated to ensuring the project's successful completion, mindful of the impact it has on the community and the broader cityscape," JDA project implementation executive manager Siyabonga Genu said on March 26.

The JDA has invested significantly in the Watt Street Precinct over the past six years as part of its Transit-Oriented Development Programme.

This investment encompasses various public environment upgrades within and around the precinct, such as pedestrian walkways, the Great Walk bridge over the M1 highway, the establishment of major new at-grade intersections facilitating access to the precinct, and the implementation of the Rea Vaya Phase 1C bus rapid transit system.