The mayor of Johannesburg has promised to reverse the damage made by decades of apartheid rule by spending a projected 10 billion dollars to create a financial hub that would rival New York, in his words.
Johannesburg has 4 million denizens, and is already an important world financial center.
The plan is to built new road and railroad, better housing, and generally beautify the city. The idea is to render it modern, but also beautiful with parks and elegant architecture.
One of the ways to do this, the mayor says, is to correct the somewhat haphazard urban planning and the scars of the ghettos, which marred its previous life. A ring of outdated housing that speaks still of the marginalization of the black population is still visible on the outskirts of the city. Out in the poor areas where black people lived, there is no transportation available and infrastructure has been non existant.
The intent then, is to erase the inequalities caused by the apartheid regime.
But parts of Johannesburg are still dirt poor. The richer homes, which are nearer to the center are behind high walls and electric fences. Not too far, are slums with no sewers or running water.
Almost a fifth of the 10 billion dollar face lift will be devoted to the construction of state-subsidised housing.
One of the reasons for the refurbishment is the persistent high crime in the center, which has led many to flee the inner city to nearby enclaves like Sandton.
The goal then, is truly to attract business back to the center again. "It is our goal to create a safe, business-friendly environment", says the mayor.
Source : France 24/ 6.9.13
No comments:
Post a Comment