Highlights included a budget of R94 million for the next two years for firefighting, rescue operators, ambulances and primary response units – to improve disaster management.
The Mayor also placed emphasis on land development and development of transport infrastructure.
“We as a City are working to upgrade the spatial profile of the informal settlements that house about 164 000 households. We will give to the people all municipal land that was classified as ‘illegally occupied’ by people in informal settlements,” he said.
“A total of 80 Ekurhuleni farms will be used to stimulate and grow agricultural output.”
In recognition of the important role that churches play in communities, 89 pieces of land are going to be given to churches around Ekurhuleni.
Masina highlighted that they have established a Land Invasion Unit for the prevention and enforcement of all illegal land invasions, to address the invasion of RDP houses and the scourge of illegal connections.
With regard to developing the economy and addressing poverty, the mayor said the metro has resolved to ring-fence over R12 billion of procurement opportunities for local entrepreneurs, service providers and enterprises during the current term of office, through the Mintirho programme.
“Out of this R12 billion, we have resolved to specifically make commitments of not less than R1 billion per annum on 500 youth-owned enterprises and R500 million per annum on 100 emerging construction companies and more than R500 million on black industrialists.
“We will use the rest of the remaining R10 billion for general strategic procurement from emerging black businesses and community enterprises, as part of our policy of transforming economic participation.
Speaking about roads, Masina said, although the freeway system falls outside of their mandate, they will continue to lobby for and incentivise accelerated investment in freeway access.
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“This will include doubling up of the Barry Marais off-ramp with an investment of more than R 200 million, as well as the construction of the much needed PWV 13.
“The PWV 13 road is a new road which links up Germiston and Boksburg. This is part of integrating our towns and ensuring easy accessibility, harnessing logistics and transportation of goods and services.
“Road infrastructure is at the hub of economic development and facilitates the movement of people and economic goods. In this light the City has completed the rehabilitation of 163 kilometres of road. As part of creating that dynamic transportation system, we are pressing on with the launch of our Harambee BRT.
“The first phase will be from Tembisa to OR Tambo via Boksburg to Vosloorus. The next phase will be from Kempton Park West to Katlehong,” Masina said.
“The City will also be renaming key interchanges on the N3, the N12, the N17, R21 and R24 freeways after those heroes and heroines of our struggle that are closely associated with the surrounding areas.”
Regarding education, he said a campaign to have a university in the metro is in process and will serve as a fountain from which the city will draw the skills resources to serve as the human capital that will drive this development to the city.
“Through the Education Trust, we have extended bursary funding in 2016 to R100 million from R10 million in the previous year for academically qualifying students to go to universities and TVET Colleges in different areas as part of this human resource development strategy,” he said.
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In an effort to curb alcohol abuse, the City has increased its sponsorship and strategic partnership in local communities to formalise and increase participation in soccer tournaments to be held in December.
Meanwhile, community NGOs and Grant in Aid will also receive an increase, which will take their budget allocation from R20 million to R100 million per annum.
Regarding levies/tariffs paid in cemeteries, the mayor said there will not be an increase.
According to Masina, the City is now also a leading municipality in South Africa when it comes to customer service through the ORIT call centre and 20 Customer Care Centres.
Speaking about ineffective city management, which includes unsafe and dirty city areas, Masina said an urban management drive will be launched to establish improved inter-service coordination in these areas and to facilitate Community Improvement Districts and local collectives that can top up the basic services package.
