Key Priority Programmes
Urban Renewal Programme (URP)
Urban Renewal Programme involves revitalization of strategic urban localities through refurbishing of infrastructure, Local Economic Development projects and social integration. URP requires cooperation and partnerships of all three spheres of government as well as the private sector.
Typical projects undertaken through this programme include schools refurbishment, roads construction, backyard rental accommodation, skills and development centres for local communities. The department is currently implementing URP ptojects in Alexandra, Bekkersdal and Evaton.
http://www.alexandra.co.za : Alexander Renewal Project (ARP)
http://www.alexandra.co.za:The project is charged with upgrading the living conditions and human development potential with Alexandra. Alex is designated one of the 8 urban nodes in the South African government's 10 year integrated sustainable Rural Development and Urban Renewal Programme. There are 96 active projects of which work is happening with more focus on housing and infrastructure development and upgrade
The Project is tasked with the following responsibilities:-
- Upgrading existing housing environments
- Creating additional affordable housing opportunities
- Substantially reducing levels of unemployment
- Creating a healthy and clean environment
- Reducing levels of crime and violence
Recognition of the Project
The first three years of the Project drew some criticism from quarters which felt that visible delivery in key priority areas was not happening fast enough. These years were dominated by planning for and undertaking major investments in bulk infrastructure necessary to support future development. Most of this construction happened outside of Alexandra itself and was in effect intangible to the community. However, without these investments the current housing projects would not have been possible.
More recently the Project has attracted more positive attention. It provided a location for the 2007 Global Studio student initiative and has been selected by FIFA as the venue for the 2010 Football for Hope tournament that runs parallel to the 2010 Football World
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http://www.bekkersdal.co.za :The Bekkersdal Renewal Project was launched in 2004 as the Gauteng Premier's Project, with overall total project programme duration of seven years. The Bekkersdal Renewal Project is a model of the Gauteng Provincial Government's strategy to create sustainable communities on well-located land. These centre on the building of infrastructure closer to where people work, and where there are schools, clinics and access to transport. It involves the building of homes, recreational facilities, community centres and parks in a safe, healthy and clean living environment.
The core objectives of the Bekkersdal Renewal Project are to address the plight of Bekkersdal residents located on high-risk and dolomitic land through a relocation plan. Those affected include communities residing in informal settlements, backyard shacks and hostel residents.
The Project is tasked with the following responsibilities:-
- Upgrading of taxi ranks
- Partial Streetscaping
- Park Development
- Construction of clinic & multi-purpose community centre
- Training facilities to boost the local economic development
- Substantially reducing levels of unemployment
- Creating a healthy and clean environment
- Reducing levels of crime and violence
In addition , the project aims to provide formal housing for people who have been living in informal settlements, direct access to water, sanitation, electricity and adequate roads. It intends to create a climate conducive to social stability through better access to education, health, safety and security services and the protection of the environment, and also to eradicate entrenched social, economic and physical problems. The long-term goal is to establish a self-sustaining, independent and stable community.
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http://www.evatonrenewal.co.za : The Evaton Renewal Project is a project of government aimed at "renewing" or regenerating Evaton, to improve the quality of life of the Evaton community. The priority areas of this project include: the development of infrastructure, such as the resurfacing of roads and building of pavements; the development of the local economy through job creation and Small, Micro and Medium Enterprise (SMME) projects, like grass-cutting and the setting up of vegetable gardens and agriculture projects; and social upliftment through the upgrading of dilapidated houses, providing community halls and municipal offices with better facilities to service the community of Evaton.
The Evaton renewal Project is a partnership of various stakeholders: the Evaton community, the Evaton Development Forum, the Emfuleni Municipality , the Sedibeng District Municipality , the Gauteng Department of Housing and other provincial and national government departments, as well as private sector businesses. The Gauteng Department of Housing is leading the project, representing the provincial government. The department, however, manages this project jointly with the Sedibeng District Municipality and the Emfuleni Local Municipality .
Breaking New Ground (BNG) national housing strategy
Major housing development projects within the province are implemented and on completion, it will cater for the different needs of people based on their choice and what is affordable.
In terms of Formalisation and Eradication of Informal Settlements, the Premier has alluded to the fact that 103 053 serviced sites are ready for construction of top structure and in this regard 35 000 housing units will be delivered in various areas across the province. In order to meet targets, the usage of alternative building technology will be upscaled to fast track delivery.
The private sector partnerships on infrastructure development have had visible impact on these projects. The involvement of Standard Bank in Evaton will result in major investment and improvement of infrastructure and ensure that people have access to economic opportunities.
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