Dec 01, 2023 JRA, Zweli Nyathi, Sandton Central Management District,
JRA and Sandton Central Management District partnership powers over 90% of Sandton Central’s traffic light intersections during loadshedding
The partnership between Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) to address the effects of loadshedding within the Sandton Central precinct, has reached another significant milestone that sees over 85% of Sandton Central’s traffic lights functional during loadshedding bouts.
The collaborative effort between the two entities has since grown to signify and demonstrate progress and great outcomes that happen when the public and private sectors join forces. Since the inception of the partnerships, businesses in the Sandton Central precinct have adopted and power 90.5% traffic intersections with backup power during loadshedding, which equates to 29 out of 32 intersections in just six months.
This groundbreaking initiative which has attracted the interest and participation of corporate giants such as Investec, Nedbank, Growthpoint and Sasol, now boasts a broad spectrum of Sandton Central participants including Redefine Properties, Discovery Limited, Old Mutual, Liberty Two Degrees and Pareto, Zenprop Property Holdings, RMB, Momentum, Southern Sun, Blue Label, The Cavaleros Group, Bowmans, Santam, Davinci Hotel and Suites and Netcare.
Acting Chief Executive Officer for JRA, Mr. Zweli Nyathi emphasizes, “The formidable partnership between JRA and SCMD is a beacon of hope and is testament to the great achievements that the entities and the public at large stand to benefit when the public and private sectors work together”. City of Johannesburg Member of Mayoral Committee for Transport, Cllr. Kenny Kunene enthuses, “The effortless flow of traffic during load shedding resulting from the powered traffic lights, goes a long way towards reducing the loadshedding disturbances on everyday lives that road users would ordinarily have to contend with. In addition, working traffic lights help reduce criminal activities that could occur and endanger motorists and communities at dead traffic signal intersections”.
Elaine Jack, District Improvement Manager of SCMD, highlighted how landlords and the JRA have been highly supportive of improving Sandton Central for everyone’s benefit. “The overwhelming support of landlords in collaboration with the JRA in such a short period of time shows the commitment and foresight of our business community. This initiative has not only improved traffic flow but is a major enhancement for the entirety of Sandton Central, making it a more accessible and dynamic business hub”. Jack further went to “express sincere gratitude to all the companies that have stepped forward and how their participation has been crucial in making Sandton Central a safer and more pleasant environment for businesses and commuters alike”.
With most intersections now equipped with secondary power, Sandton Central has set a new benchmark for public-private partnership success by effectively addressing urban challenges and enhancing community living standards. It is anticipated that major lead-in routes to Sandton Central will also be connected to independent power systems over time. Both JRA and SCMD challenge other management districts and business centres to adopt a similar collaborative approach to ensure that their traffic flows are not hindered during power outages.
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