Construction begins on Jo’burg mini city

Work has started on the new R84-billion “city” of Zendai in Modderfontein. The first set of 300 residential units and some roads are under construction. The 15- to 20-year project will see between 30 000 and 50 000 housing units of different types and sizes being built, ultimately housing about 100 000 residents. The area will become a mini city with a town centre, churches, a library, hospital and medical facilities, a sports and international conference centre, a light industrial park, educational facilities and community offices. There will be new regional retail centres, low-cost housing and a tourism component that will include an African art museum. Central to the development is the Gautrain’s Modderfontein station on the Sandton-airport route, which has been partially built. An educational precinct will offer private schools and student accommodation, and include a site for a government school. The 275 hectare Modderfontein Reserve, which is open to the public, will be preserved.