Correct perspective to white elephant on the move
ALEXANDRA - Letter to the editor.
Zwelibanzi Ndlovu, of the stakeholder relations in the Ministry of Arts and Culture, writes:
This is in response to the recent article about the Alexandra Heritage Centre in 7th avenue titled “white elephant on the move”, Alex News weekending 21 March 2014.
It has become essential that developmental issues in Alex are put in proper perspective because we have seen how misrepresentations can result in people losing confidence as well as being cynical about any development in our community in general.
The Greater Alexandra Development Forum (GADF) initiated a process early last year to engage with the Department of Tourism (DoT). Subsequently a meeting between senior officials DoT and the GADF took place in Pretoria, where the concerns about the incompleteness of the centre were raised.
The DoT agreed that they will follow it up with the consultant, who was responsible for the construction, though they made us aware that there were problems regarding their relationship with the consultant.
At a follow up meeting the DoT said it will make funds available for the completion of the centre, with the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) administering the completion work. DoT would not specify the amount needed because of the unavailability of site plans which were with consultant.
A steering committee was established, comprising of DoT, JDA and GADF to monitor progress on the site as DoT managed to secure the site plan. Then it appointed an assessor to inspect the centre to determine the work to be done so that an accurate amount is budgeted for. Funds were made available and transferred to JDA.
In the meantime the GADF has been proposing to the Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP) and JDA that 7th avenue from Rev Sam Buti and Richard Baloyi streets should be reconstructed such that it brings glamour to the centre. This process will entail the relocation of a number of shacks and extension houses in 7th avenue. This proposal is currently under consideration by the ARP.
Work on the centre begins in May and completion is expected by February 2015. Once it is complete it will be handed over to the City of Johannesburg. GADF is in contact with the Alexandra Land and Property Owners Association so that they are kept abreast with progress, as well as councilors of our region.
Click here to read: Alex’s white elephant on the move.
