September 15, 2004
By Lucky Sindane
AROUND R4,5-million has been set aside by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) for the development of two projects in Jabulani, Soweto.
The first of the projects will see council-owned train shops at the Jabulani Hostel given a facelift.
"The contractor who is working on the upgrading of the shops is already on site. An estimated R3-million has been set aside for the project and is expected to be completed in the next 18 months," said JPC property portfolio manager, Mashilo Pitjeng.
Pitjeng added that the JPC was not building a new shopping complex - "people should not confuse this. The shops exist; it's just that should get a new look."
The upgrade will ensure hostels become more accessible to the broader community by being turned into venues where members of the local community can develop business and trading opportunities, rather than just serving as accommodation for migrant workers.
"We are going to invite young entrepreneurs to tender to occupy the shops," said Pitjeng.
Running concurrently with the Jabulani Hostel development is the establishment of an upmarket day-care centre in Jabulani.
"We are going to spend about R1,5-million on this project and it should be completed by the end of the year," said Pitjeng.
JPC project manager, Muzi Nsibande, added: "Upmarket day-care centres are common in urban areas. The JPC hopes to set an example to the rest of Gauteng by providing these types of services to black communities where professional families are fast on the increase."
The project, which began in June 2004, is expected to be completed by January 2005 - in time for the new school year.
The development will include three single-storey blocks, two of which will house four classrooms each catering for about 80 children, while the third block will have ablution facilities and administration offices.
"We have appointed a community liaison officer who will ensure the involvement of the local community. The officer has also been given a task to ensure that local labour skills are used in the development," said Nsibande.
"This is more than just another example of the JPC and the City's commitment to invest in Soweto. It is breaking a mindset that township families have to travel to the suburbs to get quality care for their children," said JPC managing director Leila McKenna. "It is another step towards bridging the gap."
The teaching and the administration staff have not yet been appointed, but anyone who wants to apply can give their details to the JPC on 011 339 2700 which will be added to a database for future consideration.
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