Lanseria Smart City: Johannesburg Mayor Promises Progress Amidst Years of Delays
Johannesburg, South Africa – The much-touted Lanseria Smart City project, initially promised to transform the landscape north of Johannesburg, remains largely undeveloped years after its ambitious launch, despite continued promotion by city officials.
The Broken Promise of Lanseria Smart City
First conceived in 2007 as Cradle City, the Lanseria Smart City project was envisioned as South Africa’s first urban center built around an airport. Government officials promised a revolutionary living space for 350,000 to 500,000 residents, featuring cutting-edge sustainability and security features.
The project gained national attention when President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted it in his 2020 State of the Nation Address, declaring: “A new smart city is taking shape in Lanseria, which 350,000 to 500,000 people will call home within the next decade.”
A joint initiative involving multiple government entities released the Greater Lanseria Growth Node master plan in November 2020, promoting it as South Africa’s first post-apartheid city based on sustainable urban principles. However, five years later, the site remains predominantly empty land with growing informal settlements.
Current State of the Project
Recent visits to the Lanseria Smart City site reveal minimal progress:
- No significant infrastructure development visible
- Large stretches of undeveloped land
- Expanding informal settlements
- Only the existing Lanseria International Airport operational
Mayor Morero’s Continued Promotion
Despite the lack of visible progress, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero continues to champion the Lanseria Smart City as a key economic driver. The city has committed R628 million to the Northern-Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant, which Morero calls “a game-changer” for the project.
“This initiative is a cornerstone in the city’s infrastructure development, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth,” Morero stated.
Criticism Mounts
OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage expressed skepticism: “People have been hearing about the Lanseria Smart City for eight or nine years. Nothing has happened other than a private intervention seen in the Northern-Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
Critics point out that basic infrastructure like functioning traffic lights remains problematic in the area, raising questions about the city’s ability to deliver on its smart city promises.
Source: BusinessTech