the gauteng spatial development framework - Gauteng Online

TRANSPORTATIONThe principles of urban structure on which the GSDF is based require that road planning,which strongly patterns the future shape of the urban system, and the anticipation of themarket in this regard, take into account the shape and form of the city system desired. Asformulated, the view is that the GSRN has the potential to take the urban system in adirection that is incompatible with the spatial structure on which the GSDF is predicated.THE CASE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENTTHE CASE Principles are fundamental guidelines and set the basis for a sustainable futurefor the GCR and how the GCR reacts spatially to the context in which it operates. Theprinciples are as follows:• Provide a long-term vision for cities founded on sustainability;It is recommended that the scope of the GSRN review be extended to have a more integratedtransport planning and urban structuring approach that is now embedded in the GSDF. Itis within this perspective that the following view on transport is set out.• Intergenerational, social, economic and political equity;• Achieve long-term economic and social security;SECTION 5: FRAMEWORK FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GSDFTransportation is not only the fundamental moving of people and goods, but it is a primaryshaper of compact, complex and sustainable urban form. On that basis, and given itsemerging mega-city status, the GCR already has a projected accelerated growth in the orderof 30 million people and this demands that Gauteng move towards a mass transit movementsystem. In this respect, Gauteng is particularly fortunate to have an extremely comprehensiverailway system, albeit dysfunctional by virtue of under-investment over many years. Provincialgovernment must assist wherever possible in reinstating and building on this capacity.Selective extensions to this rail system also need to be prioritised. Dedicated bus systems,in the form of BRTs and regular bus networks, must also be the focus of on-going investment,as they form key components of any integrated mass transit movement system.To the extent that further investment into new or upgraded roads for ease of private carbasedmobility detracts from the very extensive investment now needed in public transport,the GSDF recommends de-emphasising investment in road infra- structure on the scalepreviously suggested in the Gauteng Strategic Road Network. Certain routes have beenidentified for upgrading and a select number of new links have been proposed. These havenot been considered as additional freeways but rather higher order roads that satisfy bothregional mobility and local access objectives. This is an issue for further and ongoing reviewin order to establish the extent to which the GSRN continues to form the basis of spatialplanning for the GCR. The view adopted for purposes of the GSDF at this stage is thatmuch of the un-built portions of that network should be abandoned. The focus shouldbe on the mass transit systems, comprising the upgraded rail network and certain componentsof the Gauteng Strategic Public Transport Network (GSPTN).• Recognise the intrinsic value of biodiversity and natural ecosystems, protecting andrestoring them;• Enable communities to minimize their ecological footprints;• Build on the characteristics of ecosystems in the development and nurturing ofhealthy and sustainable cities;• Recognise and build on the distinctive characteristics of cities, including their humanand cultural values, historical and natural systems;• Empower people and promote participation;• Expand and enable cooperative networks to work towards a common, sustainablefuture;• Promote sustainable production and consumption through appropriate use ofenvironmentally sound technologies and effective demand management; and• Enable continual improvement based on accountability, transparency and goodgovernance.67 GAUTENG SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 2011 GAUTENG GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY