cities

Ongoing maintenance and cleanliness
Source: F. Kitchin
The PURP is based in the office of the Municipal Manager and coordinates a number of activities performed
by different departments within the municipality. During the planning stage, the project was divided into 14
zones and then further divided for construction. Urban design guidelines were prepared and a palette of
street typologies was developed (MM, 2013b). Two areas were identified for making “a grand statement or a
symbolic treatment”: at the entrance of Alan Paton Road, within the island carriageway, and directly in front
of the City Hall building. An important component is public art, specifically in the area around the city hall, and
included a proposed sculpture that would explore the elements of movement, strength, a caring society,
justice and freedom.
PURP project
Outdoor advertising management
Energy efficient street lighting
Informal trade management
City beautification
Street parking management
Environmental management
Road traffic signage and signals
Progress
Now properly regulated and has resulted in increased revenue for the municipality.
The first phase of solar street lights has been completed and replacement of faulty fittings has been
done through the street lighting implementation programme.
The launch of the Informal Trade Chamber.
The main precinct (Albert Luthuli, Church and Langalibalele Streets) has been paved with red paving
stones to match the red brick of the surrounding buildings and landscaped with trees and flowers, street
furniture and special public art features.
A regulated parking management system has been put in place, and 40 additional traffic wardens have
been employed.
150 Expanded Public Works Programme workers have been employed to improve waste management,
and pedestrian walkways have been upgraded.
A pothole replacement programme is underway, which includes regular road marking
364 State of South African Cities Report 2016