CoE allocates R590m for infrastructure projects
On the eve of September as Public Service Month, the president called on public servants to deliver the upliftment of the people of Ekurhuleni.
The City of Ekurhuleni has been allocated R590m for critical infrastructure projects in the 2024/25 fiscal year, including R30m for the construction of a new 30-megalitre reservoir in Germiston.
This announcement was made during the first District Development Model Presidential Imbizo, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on August 23 at Tsakane Stadium in Brakpan.
The engagement, themed ‘Enhancing Cooperative Governance and Integrated Delivery’, provided a platform for residents and stakeholders to voice their concerns directly to government leaders.
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Among the pressing issues raised were water interruptions in Germiston, exacerbated by maintenance and infrastructure failures, and widespread service delivery challenges across the district.
In addition to the reservoir project, the city will allocate R15m for a new sewer pipeline in Pomona and R10m for a new water pipeline in Nigel.
These projects are part of the government’s broader initiative to improve living conditions and expand economic opportunities in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan District, following direct appeals from residents to Ramaphosa and other national and local leaders.
The imbizo also highlighted a range of ongoing and planned interventions aimed at social and economic upliftment.
These include expanded support for small businesses, securing tenure for farm dwellers, major roadway repairs, and intensified efforts to combat crime.
Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza assured residents that the city’s water and sanitation department is working diligently to ensure reliable municipal services.
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To address power outages and load reduction, the city has committed to installing backup generators at 21 water supply sites, including reservoirs and pump stations in Sunward Park, Tsakane, and Germiston.
The City of Ekurhuleni, in partnership with the Gauteng and national governments, is also advancing mega human settlement projects at various stages of planning and construction.
These projects include the provision of serviced sites with permanent infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sanitation, ready for the development of integrated human settlements.
Housing projects and related infrastructure, totalling nearly half a billion rand, are underway in areas like Brakpan Old Location, Esselen Park, John Dube, Helderwyk, and Palm Ridge.
Additional district initiatives include the Vala Zonke pothole repair project, the upcoming opening of a shared facility for small businesses, the revival of dormant industrial parks, and a solar panel installation program with the potential to create 30 000 jobs.
Ministers also announced the fast-tracking of land claims valued at R53m and the construction of a new water pump station to alleviate shortages in the district.
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Ramaphosa, who welcomed the candid feedback from residents, emphasized the government’s commitment to job creation in partnership with the private sector.
He also pledged to address housing shortages and intensify the fight against crime.
As Public Service Month approaches in September, the president called on public servants to prioritise the upliftment of Ekurhuleni residents.
