Mid Term Report - Gauteng Online

sustainable communities. This would in turn improvethe quality of life and alleviate poverty. Importantprogress has been made in implementing urbanrenewal projects in Alexandra, Bekkersdal, Evatonand Kliptown. These were later followed by a furthermajor urban regeneration initiative announced byPremier Mbhazima Shilowa in February 2006 toupgrade 20 priority townships across Gauteng.• Alexandra: Extensive progress has been madeon the Alexandra Renewal Project. By theend of October 2006, a total of 94 projectshad been completed in Alexandra, includingthe upgrading of schools, libraries, hostels,clinics, sport facilities, parks, cemeteries, roads,electricity, water and sanitation infrastructure,the building of 1 200 houses, and therehabilitation of the Jukskei river. New parkshave been built and a new police stationopened. Work is being completed on a further38 projects to provide further affordable andrental housing and a range of communityfacilities.• Evaton: By March 2006, 21 projects werecompleted in Evaton, including the constructionof roads, rescaling of streets, the developmentof a catchment plan, the installation of schoolsanitation facilities and fencing, infrastructureat a local community hall, the provision oftraining and the upgrading of sports and healthfacilities. Planning is underway to prioritisefurther infrastructure upgrades including housing,bulk infrastructure and roads and stimulatingeconomic development in identified precincts.• Bekkersdal: By March 2006, 20 projects werecompleted as part of the Bekkersdal renewalprogramme. Amongst others, completedprojects focused on the installation of high mastlighting, waste management, the upgradingof the CBD taxi rank, spatial developmentframeworks, an information hub and training onbrick making for 57 individuals.• Kliptown: As the site where the historicFreedom Charter was drawn up at thecongress of the people in 1955, the provincialgovernment earmarked Kliptown for majorurban renewal. The project, undertaken underthe auspices of Blue IQ, involved investmentin strategic economic infrastructure to createa local economic hub with tourism attractionsand the upgrading of surrounding communities.A major development around the WalterSisulu Square of Dedication was launched tocoincide with national celebrations of the 50thanniversary of the Freedom Charter in June2005. The precinct includes shops, a taxi rank,conference facilities and a museum with newroad infrastructure and housing.26 • Midterm Report - 2004/0620 TownshipsIn line with the Premier’s commitment in his stateof the province address in February 2006, significantprogress has been made in putting in placemechanisms to fast-track the rehabilitation of twentyof Gauteng’s old, established townships. The programmeis aimed at the renewal of impoverishedurban environments in these communities and theprovision of social and economic amenities. So farR3 billion has been allocated for projects such asthe tarring of roads and the upgrading of schools,clinics, water and sanitation facilities and backyarddwellings. Of vital importance will be the developmentand upgrading of local transport and businesshubs to contribute to local economic developmentand job creation.The 20 prioritised areas are as follows:• Tshwane: Atteridgeville/Saulsville, Mamelodi• City of Johannesburg: Orlando and Zola• Ekurhuleni: Daveyton, Wattville, Tembisa, Katlehongand Kwatsaduza (Kwa-thema, Duduza,Tsakane)• West Rand: Munsieville, Kagiso, Mohlakengand Khutsong• Sedibeng: Boipatong, Bophelong, Sebokengand Sharpeville and• Metsweding: Ratanda, Refilwe and RethabisengIn 2006, an extensive baseline study was conductedto determine priority areas and plans for each of the20 townships were then developed with inputs fromboth local and provincial government. The initiativewas launched in September 2006 in Tembisa,Ekurhuleni, and implementation has commenced.The environmentRapid urbanization, economic growth anddevelopment in Gauteng places significant pressureon the environment. Of particular importance hasbeen the need to balance developmental demandswhile minimizing negative environmental impacts inthe short, medium and long term.The provincial government has therefore paidattention to environmental regulation as a vital aspectof sustainable development and building healthy,safe and sustainable communities.Sustainable development is also about povertyeradication, influencing consumption and productionpatterns and protecting and managing naturalresources required for economic and socialdevelopment.In 2004, the provincial government released theGauteng State of the Environment report. Thisbecame the basis for interdepartmental collaboration