Constrution is underway to 'extend and refurbish the halls into a world class fresh produce market'

RELATED LINKS: Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market WHAT is the largest market in Africa? The biggest distribution channel for fresh produce in South Africa? The price-setting mechanism for fresh produce throughout the country? Read more A morning in the life of Joburg Fresh Produce Market IT'S early Wednesday morning and the activity at the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, known as Africa's biggest, can only be compared to the frantic commotion of an anthill just before the rain. Read more Market gone bananas for new ripening unit EXPECT better quality bananas on the supermarket shelves soon. That is the word from the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, which has opened a state-of-the-art banana-ripening complex that uses natural, cold water rather than chemicals to ripen the fruit. Read more A fresh approach for the Joburg food market AN annual turnover of R1,4-billion, with sales in a single day totalling R10,89-million, is no mean achievement for a City utility. Read more Mobile market is a hit in Diepsloot HAWKERS in Diepsloot no longer have to travel long distances to buy their stock. The Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market now delivers fresh fruit and vegetables to their doorsteps. Read more

The Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market's chief executive officer, Bernard Magabe, with Vic Prins, the CEO of Stewart Scott International

Fruit halls get a make-over AS PART of its commitment to providing a world class market, the JFPM is refurbishing and expanding its fruit halls. 9 September 2005 By Buhle Makabane and Rose Setshoge THE fruit halls at the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market (JFPM) will have a completely new look after their refurbishment and extension make-overs. Stefanus van der Linde, of Stewart Scott International (SSI), the industrial joint manager responsible for mechanical and electrical services during the renovations, said the changes to halls five and six were expected to be completed by November. Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Amos Masondo announced the plans for expanding the fruit halls in his annual State of the City presentation in January 2005. "The objective is to extend and refurbish the halls into a world class fresh produce market," said Bernard Magabe, the JFPM's chief executive. The plan was part of the market's commitment to building long-term sustainability, he said. It also aimed to promote socio-economic transformation through the provision of world class facilities. Work on the project, which is valued at R23-million, began in early June, when SSI and Stefanutti and Bressan Civil (S&B), in charge of construction, moved on site. With the busy market trading from 5am to 11am, builders are determined to finish the extensions as soon as possible, and are working from 7am to 10pm. "The tight programme involves agents trading in existing facilities while the roof monitors are being installed," said Van der Linde. Roof monitors assist in ventilating the hall. One of the changes involved in upgrading the fruit halls was the use of very light weight material, underneath the roof sheeting, which replaced the existing clay tiles, he explained. Outwardly, the halls will look the same, including the painted walls and plastered panels. "The existing 30-year-old roof sheeting that we are fixing will last another 30 years after refurbishment," Van der Linde said at an SSI presentation at the market. Bob Fordyce, an S&B director, added, "We still have to paint the halls, improve ventilation and replace the ceiling so that the structure on top comes out as a bright feature." Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za