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Plans to turn Johannesburg into Africa's 'New York'
[Pak Daily Times] City authorities in Johannesburg, South Africa's economic hub, have unveiled an ambitious plan to undo urban inequalities of the apartheid era and turn the continent's wealthiest city into the "New York of Africa".City mayor Parks Tau says the 10-year scheme, which is set to cost some $10 billion (7.5 billion euros), will lead to a "new era" for Johannesburg and its 4.4 million inhabitants. Plans are on the cards for an extensive new road and railroad network, better houses and revamped buildings to spruce up the city, originally built on a gold rush in the late 19th century. The inspiration for change is the cosmopolitan New York City in the United States, with its attractive bridges, roads and efficient subway network and parks. "We are re-inventing the city of Johannesburg," Tau said. "We are turning this city into a New York of Africa," he added. Officials say the project will correct urban planning dating back to white minority rule, which pushed designated black areas to the outskirts of the city, with poor access to transport and other infrastructure and services. "This is a major step in reversing the inequalities caused by the apartheid regime," Tau told AFP. Posted by: Fred 2013-06-10 |
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