THE JOHANNESBURG Development Agency has thus far implemented over 1 200 construction projects that targets students.
Recently, WITS Students School of Construction, Economics and Management visited four of those projects currently undertaken by the agency, as part of their educational tour.
They visited award-winning Westbury Transformation Development Centre (WTDC), Brixton Social Cluster, Central Fire Station and the Bertrams Multipurpose Centre, whose main objectives was for site experience and reinforcing their curriculum, thus providing students with exposure and practical learning in construction.
Since adopting measures to deal with delays in the Construction Permit Management System (CPMS), the City of Johannesburg’s Development Planning Department is also approving building plans faster for businesses and residents.
“My favourite project was the Bertrams Multipurpose Centre implementation,” says third-year student Nhlanhla Skhosana, who described the tour as an insightful experience and provided several learnings.
“This project has sustainability and green elements, something I am a fan of.
The Bertrams building will be at a new level when the greenhouse is complete. Bertrams community will also learn about hydro-phonics and farming, says” Skhosana.
Topics covered during the visits included insulation, roofing, scaffolding, brickwork, energy efficiency, health and safety, and the opportunity to ask questions and take photographs, which they will use as supporting material for course assignments.
Lecturer Stanley Okangba, said: “As a lecturer, I can say that I have personally enjoyed the tour and to see ongoing and completed projects so that the students get a sense of the whole construction journey.”
For JDA it seeks to be employer of choice for students keen in construction and project implementation.
