Finance MMC details how the City will prioritise tariffs relief and rebates for pensioners, job creation and youth development.
With an overall budget that comprises an operating expense of R60.6 billion and a capital expenditure of R7.5 billion, the City of Johannesburg has pledged its support to tariffs relief and rebates for pensioners, job creation and youth development. Over R1 billion has been set aside for job creation, while youth development receives seed funding of R50 million. The budget report was adopted by the majority of political parties in Council, who also adopted the IDP and Business Plan processes.
MMC for Finance Jolidee Matongo said the budget exceeds expectations despite the global economic downturn. “The tariff-setting process, which was presented through a public participation engagement, took into consideration the likely impact the initially proposed tariff increases had on the local economy, businesses and residents.” Matongo noted that the ripple effect of a worldwide economic melt-down brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the subsequent national lockdown in South Africa, are evident in the decline of the City’s revenue since April. He added that the tariffs contained in the budget demonstrate the City’s commitment to inclusivity and accountability to residents.
2020/2021 City of Johannesburg budgetary allocations also include:
- R1 billion for job creation and SMMEs engagement through the roll-out of high-impact projects that include sewer upgrades, stormwater upgrades, tarring of roads and housing developments in Orange Farm, Lakeside, Drieziek, Kapok, Ivory Park, Ebony Park, Mayibuye, Riverlea and Kliptown
- R1.2 billion to formalise informal settlements over the medium term
- R200 million for the procurement of fire engines
- R800 million to procure new buses for the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system to ease the current demand pressure on the existing fleet, and continue to offer a cheap and reliable public transport system to the people of Johannesburg
- R156 million for hostel upgrades and R105 million for the upgrade of flats and old age homes
- R45 million for the roll-out of Free Joburg Wi-Fi, an additional R40 million to expand access to free Wi-Fi across the City, including in hostels, flats, student villages and old age homes
- R780 million for the tarring of gravel roads across Johannesburg
- R820 million for stormwater upgrades
- R440 million for the construction and upgrading of bridges
- City Power has been allocated a three-year capital budget of R2.6-billion to fund the provision of public lighting at R205 million, the electrification of informal settlements at R498 million and the electrification of Mega Projects at R100 million
- R22.7 million for the maintenance and refurbishment of existing electricity infrastructure, supporting infrastructure such as ICT and integrated security and fire protection systems.
