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Klipriviersberg Economic and Ecosystem Development Zone (KEEDZ)

 

 

A new development Indicated and transformational approach and philosophy for the southern areas of Johannesburg are being nurtured and promoted where investment and development will be guided by biodiversity value. This has taken a few years but it is now receiving widespread interest and support from the authorities, business and local communities.

The foundation of this approach is to recognise the value of the biodiversity in the Klipriviersberg (including the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve), Klipriver Valley and associated wetland and grassland areas in leading future development in the area. The fundamental premise is to use these natural resources as a basis for sustainable social and economic development which will protect promote and enhance the value of biodiversity. 

This will largely be undertaken through the establishment of an urban agricultural hub over a large area. The idea of the Klipriviersberg Agritropolis is being mooted, which would be based on organic, high yielding, productive and sustainable urban agricultural practices to stimulate a primary economy and the associated value chain to stimulate sustainable growth and development in this area of the Gauteng City Region - including parts of Midvaal and Ekurhuleni. This will be overlaid with the integration of tourism and the associated opportunities for the development of agritourism and ecotourism with their associated economic value chains.

The primary aim of this approach is to address food security, unemployment and poverty by bringing economic growth and development with associated job opportunities to the south of Johannesburg in close proximity to the areas of poverty and unemployment which are found in The southern areas of Johannesburg particularly Soweto and Orange Farm to the west and Thokoza and Katlehong to the east. 

Secondary commercial and industrial development associated with these primary industries can then be concentrated in the development corridors of the centrally located mining land and the transportation corridors of the N1 and Golden Highway to the west and R59 and N3 to the east, also in close proximity to the above-mentioned areas of unemployment and poverty.

KlipSA has established partnerships to guide these initiatives to the point where we are now consolidating and finalising their incorporation into the Joburg Growth and Development Strategy (GDS 2040) and Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) for the future investment, growth and development.

The nature of the different initiatives includes preparing and developing projects and activities for implementation. These projects and activities include:

• Establishment of areas of urban agriculture projects primarily to address food security and to provide jobs close to communities where these problems prevail but also to supply local and international markets;

• Promote and support the planning and development of industries and services and invest in infrastructure to attract labour oriented industrial and commercial development servicing the agricultural, and tourism activities;

• Preparation of an integrated management plan for the Klipriver catchment and wetlands to improve the quality and quantity of water in the river and stimulate related economic and social development through catchment stewardship involving local communities;

• The design and development of a multipurpose environmental education centre to provide educational, social, tourism and recreational resources and facilities for local communities, school children and university students;

• Manage and provide regular presentations and workshops to introduce sustainable business practices to local business communities;

• Manage and provide regular presentations and workshops to introduce sustainable living styles to local residential communities;

• Active engagement in the preparation and formulation of strategies, policies and legislation relating to urban development and management;

• Provide professional guidance and support to investors and developers in the area to ensure the use of sustainable design, construction and management of appropriate developments using green building and development practices and techniques;

• Design and develop a “greenway” and multi-modal transportation corridor along 13 km of the Kliprivier Drive by designing, planting, managing and maintaining appropriate species of vegetation and providing facilities for alternative modes of transport;

• The design and provision of required land and infrastructure to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the City Deep Freight Logistics and Agricultural Hub And the growth and promotion of sustainable food security;

• Promote the design and implementation of energy, water and waste initiatives and projects to contribute to a Green circular economy and carbon management and reduction;

• The long term reclamation and development of the mine impacted areas to provide economic and social opportunities to address environmental and health issues and drive transformational urban spatial growth and development.

 

Become involved and support the new and exciting proactive approach to development which will protect, promote and enhance the value of the biodiversity assets of the area through sustainable economic and social development.

For more information contact the Chairman.

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