Councillor outlines projects in the pipeline

Spaza shop owners can look forward to the City’s plan which seeks to improve their businesses in line with the province’s revitalisation of the township economy.

A local councillor said this when revealing some of Alex’s development plans 13 months before the next municipal elections.

Councillor Monde Mbingeleli of Ward 116 said, “The plan should start next month and some shops for the pilot have already been identified. The plan will upgrade their operations and outlook to make them competitive enterprises and, to access stock from MassMart Wholesale Group so that they can start on a sound footing. They will also be expected to change from family only employees to engaging outsiders in order to contribute to employment generation.”

Mbingeleli said he expected the housing problem to also ease after the City’s recent employment of field workers from the area who are reconciling the names of those on 1996/98 housing list for housing elsewhere. “The exercise is scheduled to end in May after which those willing to relocate will be prioritised. This will enable them to start a new life.”

Another project he said, is the improvement of the water system through a standpipe programme to be piloted in Ward 81. “It is intended to curtail water wastage and abuse through taps left running and water washing down, causing potholes and damage to the streets. The programme will include well-constructed galleys to lead water away.”

Also, he said the Joburg Roads Agency was already cleaning storm water drains to improve the drainage system. “This is part of the City’s beautification programme and will start on 16th and Joe Nhlanhla avenues.”

Mbingeleli urged residents to contribute to the agency’s effort by desisting from throwing rubble and other household waste into the drains and also from letting soapy water wash down the streets as it destroys the tarred roads and causesd potholes.

The city he said, was also working on normalising the electrification of all houses still without power. “This is in order to curb illegal connections and bridging which creates danger from electrocution of those involved in this illegal act.”

He said the Bus Rapid Transit [BRT] improvement programme was already in an advanced stage with the paving of the streets. “The cyclist/pedestrian bridge on Grayston Drive over the freeway towards Alex is scheduled to start August/September with construction of the BRT Precinct next to Old Pretoria Road starting in October.”