The Ekurhuleni metro has implemented a number of programmes to improve refuse collection, recycling and disposal.
This is according to the mayor Mzwandile Masina during the recent council meeting.
“The metro has undertaken the coordination of provision of interim basic service in the metro’s 119 informal settlements, including reblocking where applicable,” said Masina.
“The various services delivery departments in the metro, such as waste management, roads and storm water, disaster management services, health, water and sanitation.
“The City’s main priority with respect to electricity distribution is to bring stability to the entire network by either replacing, upgrading or refurbishing the high-, medium- and low-voltage electrical distribution equipment.”
Meanwhile, the interventions also include the refurbishment of substations to support the overhauled network over the same period.
“The existing network should be stabilised by 2020/2021 subject to availability of funds. The City is currently aspiring to improve the access to electricity to its citizens.
“To achieve this target, informal settlements and serviced stands are being electrified. The metro has some challenges related to ageing infrastructure, vandalism of existing infrastructure (theft of cables) and overloading of the current network, mostly due to illegal connections.
“The metro seeks to continue to upgrade, refurbish or replace the ageing network, depending on its condition,” Masina said.
He said the metro will also proceed to develop private cemeteries at two of the city’s existing cemeteries which already accommodate the general population of the metro, namely Lala Ngoxolo and Thomas Nkobi.
“A budget of R659-m for roads construction and maintenance has been adjusted.
“To date we have spent nearly 90 per cent of this budget in the paving of 62.8km of road at the cost of R341-m and the rehabilitation of 100.7km of road at a cost of R318-m.
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