​Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Provincial Government is determined to Revitalize all its Central Business Districts (CBDs) into vibrant economic hubs, especially the once-beautiful Johannesburg.
Johannesburg has since turned into an embarrassing state, a crime riddle, and filthy, with many businesses having vacated the area.
Speaking at the State of the Province Address (SoPA) at Change Bible Church in Katlehong on Thursday, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the reason for improving Johannesburg was not nostalgia but strategic significance.
"Let's all accept that the current state of the Johannesburg CBD is an embarrassment for the people of Gauteng, but we can't be sorry forever. We must act.
"This task is not easy and risky, but it must be undertaken. A new Carlton Centre must rise and bring back the entertainment needed today. A Johannesburg where we will live, a Jozi where we will shop and a Jozi where we will play will rise!" said Premier Lesufi.
This initiative is in collaboration with the City of Joburg and aims to unlock significant economic opportunities, including attracting investments and businesses, creating jobs, boosting tourism, supporting SMMEs, enhancing real estate values, and improving infrastructure.
Lesufi expressed gratitude to Transnet for deciding to relocate back to the CBD After vacating Carlton Centre in 2018.
"This move by Transnet complements our work and injects the required vitality into the regeneration process through the following interventions: a commitment of R460 million for rehabilitating one of its office buildings in Rissik Street.
"This includes upgrading it to A grade status, repurposing the Carlton Hotel in collaboration with the Housing Development Agency and Provincial Department of Human Settlement to redesign the development of Carlton Centre into new housing opportunities, pursuing other retailers to re-establish their presence in the Carton Centre and develop a strong relationship with other players in the CBD, including Jozi My Jozi team to revive inner-city development," he said.
The province will host a summit in the Johannesburg CBD in September.
In addition, the installation of the CCTV network will be broadened, the deployment of security law enforcement agencies strengthened, and efforts to reclaim highjacked and abandoned buildings reinforced to restore Johannesburg to its former glory.