Fleurhof earmarked for development
Residents attended public meeting to discuss developments
“We want to see more development in the area. We feel we have been neglected far too long,” said Vusi Sibisi, a Fleurhof resident.
This he said during a recent gathering hosted by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) at the Fleurhof Recreation Centre, where resident were informed about the exciting developments in the pipeline for their area.
Vusi added that they need a police station, clinic, schools and a shopping mall, and that he hoped the JDA would do the right thing.
Some of the social and health facilities on the cards include libraries, clinics, a community centre and a taxi facility. These plans were revealed by Monica Albonico, Head of Albonico Sack Metacity, the developers of the Fleurhof and Surroundings Urban Framework.
In the 2015/ 16 Spatial Development Framework and Strategic Area Framework, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has identified Fleurhof as one of the three key functional sub areas where public investment should be prioritised.
Fleurhof is a mixed housing development that covers more than 440 hectares. The development currently consists of 10 411 dwellings – including 3 236 Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses, 4 429 social or rental housing units and 2 122 bonded homes.
The CoJ has commissioned the JDA, its infrastructure development entity, to develop a more detailed Urban Development Framework that assessed area-specific conditions and assisted in compiling a set of interventions that would directly address these opportunities and challenges. The plan also had to guide future public investment.
The residents were informed that there were plans to turn the nearby dam into an environmental or recreational area, not only to serve Fleurhof residents, but also the surrounding areas such as Soweto. “That’s why we have engaged the community – to hear what they say and take it from there. So far so good, because the community is responding positively,” said Monica.
The councillor for Ward 70, Caleb Finn welcomed the exciting and innovative session, saying it would help chart the way forward. “The JDA team is here to listen what the people say and want. This will enable the Urban Development Framework to move forward. After thorough consultations with the community, the City will then find ways of implementing the plan and make Fleurhof one of the most developed areas in Gauteng,” he said.
Another resident, Lynneth Phiri said there is a need for a facility where children could play and take part in various sporting activities, without the fear of being abducted or raped. “We would like to see our children playing and enjoying themselves without any fear. There is a lack of development in Fleurhof and we hope the JDA will listen to us and make this area one to be proud of,” she concluded.
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