The City of Johannesburg, through its implementing development agency, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), is moving Drieziek Recreation Park in Drieziek Extension 3, Orange Farm, closer to completion as the final phase of works resumes. The resumption of works reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to delivering inclusive, safe and functional public spaces that respond to community needs, while reinforcing the JDA’s role in implementing infrastructure projects that support neighbourhood renewal and quality-of-life improvements.
The contractor has returned to site to undertake reinstated works that will improve access to the facility, support safer movement around the park and bring the development closer to completion. Completion is anticipated by 20 December 2026. With planning now concluded, the JDA is overseeing the delivery of the remaining works.
The final phase is particularly important for residents living around the park, where existing gravel roads and level differences between roads and residential access points have created access challenges, especially during rainy weather.
To address these challenges, the remaining works will strengthen access infrastructure around the park through:
- Relocation of existing Johannesburg Water services;
- Access road layer works; and
- Concrete block paving of the roads.
These improvements will provide a more durable and accessible road surface, making it easier for residents to reach their homes, access the recreation park and move safely around the facility.
Once completed, the park will provide residents with access to sports courts, an outdoor gym and play area, an amphitheatre, walkways, landscaped areas and an agricultural component. These amenities will create a safe and inclusive environment for children, young people, families and community groups to exercise, play, gather and participate in social, recreational and cultural activities close to home.
The facility is also expected to strengthen social cohesion by providing a shared public space for community events, performances and local gatherings. The amphitheatre will give residents a platform for cultural expression and engagement, while the walkways, play areas and open spaces will support everyday use by households and visitors.
The agricultural component will broaden the park’s community value by supporting awareness of urban agriculture, food production and the productive use of public open space.
“The reinstatement of these works represents an important step towards completing Drieziek Recreation Park and ensuring that the infrastructure delivered responds to the needs of the community,” said JDA CEO Themba Mathibe.
“Our focus remains on delivering a quality public facility that residents can use and enjoy. The access road improvements are particularly significant because they will make it easier for residents to move around the area, reach their homes and access the park. We look forward to seeing the completed facility become a vibrant space for recreation, connection and community life,” he added.
Written by Elias Nkabinde
