Court orders action on Joburg Fresh Produce Market conditions

THE City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and the Joburg Fresh Produce Market have failed to fulfil their constitutional duties to provide safe, hygienic, and functional municipal services at the market. It is in a state of disrepair, posing risks to traders, consumers, and the public.

- ZELDA VENTER

These were the findings of the Gaut-eng High Court, Pretoria, which has placed the City of Johannesburg and Fresh Produce Market on terms to turn things around.

This followed an application by the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (Imasa), which successfully turned to court for an order directing the City of Johannesburg and the Joburg Market (the respondents) to submit a precinct plan in respect of the market, which shall include a risk assessment and recovery plan/report.

This draft precinct plan is to be submitted within 60 days of the order and a final plan within 120 days. This includes a risk assessment and recovery report with a focus on maintenance, upgrades, health and safety, quality and financial management, and details about the rollout and responsible parties.