Introduction to the Alexandra Renewal Project
 Presidential
announcement
The Alexandra Renewal Project is one of 8 urban nodes that form part
of the South African government's Integrated Sustainable Rural Development
and Urban Renewal Programme announced by President Mbeki in his State
of the Nation Address to Parliament on the 9 February 2001. This programme
is a key component of the Government’s approach to addressing urbanisation
and housing challenges in South Africa and comprises the integrated development
of an area addressing economic, social and physical challenges simultaneously.
The estimated budget in 2001 for the Alexandra Renewal Project to redevelop
Alexandra was R1,3 billion over 7 years.
Greater Alexandra is situated on the banks of the Jukskei River in
the northeastern suburbs of Johannesburg in Gauteng province, South Africa.
The area is very well located, being adjacent to key arterial roads
and the main highway that links Johannesburg to Pretoria. It is also in
close proximity to the economic opportunities of Sandton, Wynberg and
other neighboring industrial and commercial areas.
For the urban poor Alexandra is prime location. The importance of location
to the urban poor goes some way in explaining the huge densities within
Alexandra despite difficult living conditions. While the physical infrastructural
capacity of Alexandra should carry only 70 000 people, in reality it houses
5 times that number! In other words, an estimated 350 000 people live
in Alexandra. They occupy 8500 formal houses, 34 000 shacks, 3 hostel
complexes, 2 500 flats and numerous old factories and buildings.
Scarred and isolated by apartheid, overcrowded and beset by problems,
Alexandra has developed its own unique identity over a period of almost
a century. This is a distinct community, proud of its history and
culture. It has influenced the formative years of many of South Africa's
writers, musicians, sportsmen, business people and politicians.
Why an urban regeneration project?
In brief, the purpose of the ARP
(Alexandra Renewal Project) is to upgrade the living conditions and
human development potential within Alexandra.
The dual intention is:
The Project is tasked with the following:
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Substantially reducing levels of unemployment.
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Creating a healthy and clean living environment.
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Providing urban services at an affordable
and sustainable level.
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Reducing levels of crime and violence.
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Upgrading existing housing environments.
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Creating additional affordable housing opportunities.
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De-densification of households to appropriate land.
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