
CoJ allocates R3bn to revamp CBD
JOHANNESBURG - The City of Joburg has now put plans to revamp the CBD on paper, with R3 billion allocated to improve conditions in the area.
But this R3 billion is not exclusive to the city centre, as it will also go towards refurbishing other underdeveloped communities is Johannesburg.
Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds announced during her budget speech on Wednesday that Eldorado Park, Lenasia South, Diepsloot and Orange Farm would also benefit from the money.
Opposition parties in Johannesburg are concerned about the metro's efforts to revamp the CBD, arguing that the area needs a dedicated budget of its own.
They believe the R3 billion allocated to underdeveloped communities was not enough, given the extent of decay in some areas.
But Arnolds said city's departments also have their own individual budgets allocated specifically for the rejuvenation of the CBD.
"These allocations include bulk infrastructure upgrades, human settlements support, and roads and stormwater systems linked to economic nodes."
The Gauteng government is also running its own programme intended to rejuvenate Johannesburg's CBD.
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