THE Citizen Relationship and Urban Management Region F of the City of Johannesburg, in partnership with Jozi My Jozi and various stakeholders recently launched an inaugural cleanup and law enforcement campaign to rejuvenate the inner-city gateways.
Focused primarily on two vital gateways – the Mooi Street off-ramp under the Wemmer Pan road bridge and the Heidelburg road interchange (East and West abutments) – this initiative is part of the larger Jozi My Jozi gateway project. These gateways, crucial nodes along transit corridors, serve as entry and exit points for commuters and visitors to Johannesburg’s inner city.
This six-week programme kicked off with robust support from an array of partners, including the Forum of Integrated Risk Mitigation, Jozi My Jozi, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, South African Police Service, Pikitup, Joburg City Parks and Zoo, Johannesburg Roads Agency, Provincial Crime Prevention Wardens, and various private companies.
Despite the challenges posed by the task, collaborative efforts among stakeholders ensure its feasibility. Activities ranged from clearing illegal dumping sites, scuffling, unblocking stormwater channels, to reinstating road markings and conducting structural assessments of bridges by engineers.
This initiative underscores the commitment by all stakeholders to revitalise and maintain Johannesburg’s urban landscape. Recognising the critical role of collaboration, we aim to foster a safe and vibrant inner city. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that caters to the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Earl Stoles, the Deputy Director of Planning, Profiling, and Data Management in CRUM Region F, highlighted the urgent need for action to address issues such as illegal land occupation, recycling, and dumping, stressing the importance of clean and welcoming gateways to attract investment and boost confidence in the city’s commercial sector.
Bea Swanepoel, the acting CEO of Jozi My Jozi, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the significance of collaborative efforts in transforming Johannesburg for the benefit of all stakeholders, instilling hope and pride in the city’s future prosperity.
“The future prosperity of Joburg hinges on collaborative efforts between public and private entities, united in the transformation of our city for the betterment of all residents and workers, instilling hope and pride in our beloved Joburg,” said Swanepoel.
Image supplied ( Field workers on a cleaning campaign in Jozi).
