Pedestrian improvements for Diepsloot

TRAFFIC conditions in Diepsloot have become so bad that there are very few places pedestrians can safely walk.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), on behalf of the City of Joburg, has been implementing the Diepsloot public environment upgrade (PEU) intended to promote pedestrian mobility and connectivity in the northern area.

Member of the mayoral committee for development planning,

Thapelo Amad, said the city recognises Diepsloot as a priority development area.

This is in line with the Joburg 2040 Growth and Development Strategy which involves the upgrading of the public environment and pedestrian infrastructure, to improve mobility within Diepsloot, which is close to Fourways.

The work entails paving upgrades and new side walks, the installation of stormwater pipes and kerb inlets; the construction of retaining structures along the riverbank; landscaping; lighting; urban furniture; artworks; trading stalls and outdoor public facilities.

“Traffic volumes within Diepsloot have acted as strong barriers that obstruct pedestrian movement, placing pedestrians at risk and creating poor pedestrian connectivity. The car-dominant environment features no landscaped spaces or comfortable side walks,” he said.