BY sundown on Wednesday, the worn-out paint on the doors and window frames of the Newclare Primary School had been renewed.
All credit to Johannesburg Development Agency staff members, who dedicated the whole of 20 July to repainting at the school.
Lead by the agency’s marketing manager of internal communications and special projects, Alice Moloto, and the development manager, Vuyiswa Voyi, the staff members were hands-on in painting the window and doors frames.
Newclare Primary is an old school. The classroom block they worked on was built 95 years ago, one of the first parts of the school to be built.
On the day, five wooden doors and five security doors were installed, and 10 window burglar bars were painted. A JDA plaque was also mounted at the classroom block were developments were done.
The initiative was part of the JDA’s corporate social investment (CSI) endeavours, in which it works in communities where it does business. It was the agency’s fourth CSI project since the beginning of June.
“Through our CSI programme were have made a commitment to plough back to the communities. It gives as great pleasure to make a difference in this community,” said Moloto.
The programme was also motivated by the call to give 67 minutes for Madiba on Nelson Mandela Day, held on 18 July. “We also believe that 67 minutes does not end on 18 July; it should be on going.”
For the principal of the school, Derik Eastwood, the help couldn’t have come at a better time. “We have been struggling with a security system; as a result a lot of our expensive equipment [has been] stolen.
“This project will help the school tremendously as far as security is concerned because we have a computer lab in the block were the JDA is [working],” said Eastwood.
The school serves four communities: Bosmont, Newclare, Coronationville and Westbury. It has more than 1 100 registered learners.
The JDA is running two infrastructural development projects in Newclare. The bigger of the two is the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit, Rea Vaya, road under-pass; it will be a 30m concrete tunnel running between Hoy and Price streets.
It will ease traffic congestion. “This will increase capacity and allow a smooth flow of the traffic. In the interest of safety, the tunnel will be fitted with lights,” said Voyi.
Construction began in February and it is expected to be completed by December.
The second project is the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the railway line at the intersection of Fuel and Price streets. “This is to channel pedestrian movement across the main road,” said Voyi.
Work began in May and is expected to be completed in early August.