What was meant to be a momentous occasion for the community of Kaalfontein, this morning, was spoiled by disruptions by some community members clad in SANCO and ANC regalia.
This mob sought to turn the event into a political tit-for-tat.
Their mission to disrupt this event was borne out of the frustration of seeing the multi-party government swiftly deliver on projects that should have been delivered long before the political changes which arose of out the August 2016 local government elections.
The community of Kaalfontein has waited 25 years for service delivery, particularly this pedestrian bridge, and indeed, would have likely waited even longer had this multi-party government not intervened to pass the budget, which made this pedestrian bridge possible.
It is important to note that the ANC voted against this budget.
Our multi-party government recognises the legitimate concerns of residents, and thankfully the majority of the residents I have met during service delivery events recognise this and are proud of the work we are doing.
No amount of politically-motivated disruption and heckling from those who wasted public monies will stop us.
The Kaalfontein pedestrian bridge serves as a link between Extensions 2 and 5 within Ward 92 in Kaalfontein. There was a need to construct this bridge over a river to provide a safe passageway, especially for young children and the elderly walking between the two extensions.
Construction of this pedestrian bridge, which is 102 metres long with a width of 3.5metres, commenced on the 9th of May 2018, and was completed on 30 September 2019 – at a cost of R21 million.
“Before construction of the pedestrian bridge school kids were struggling to get to school and residence struggled to get to neighbouring communities, clinics and other amenities due to the existing water stream not being safe for crossing especially during rainy season. All this will be a thing of the past,” said the JRA’s Acting Managing Director, Mr. Siya Nodu.
The key highlights of this project are the number of jobs created, and skills transferred. A total of 34 local EPWP participants and a minimum of 4 Sub-Contractors were engaged. Other additional local Sub-Contractors from the community were also engaged for Security Services Accredited training.
I am very proud of the work that the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has put in to ensure that its various current projects are completed timeously and within budget despite the many constraints.
I would also like to thank Councillor Violet Chauke of Ward 92 for helping oversee that the project was carried out without any disruptions. I hope that the community will now look after their new pedestrian bridge.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Nonhlanhla Makhuba and her department for their great work in ensuring that we bring about Diphetogo to the residents of Johannesburg.
This project – and many others that we have delivered in our three years so far – would not have been possible without the continued support of the DA caucus as well as members of our coalition government; the IFP, ACDP, COPE, UDM and Freedom Front Plus.
A huge thanks also goes to the EFF caucus, which votes with us on an issue by issue basis.