The City of Johannesburg (COJ) has been busy over the past week.
Let us take a look at what news you might have missed.
Scores of ratepayers turned up in Emmarentia on 12 August for the City’s first billing open day. The much-anticipated day was the final step for many residents who have struggled to sort out lingering billing issues. Although many residents left satisfied, many still need to follow up with their existing queries.
Read more about it here: Scores of ratepayers turn up for City’s first billing open day
MMC for Finance, Dr Rabelani Dagada believes that by the end of this fiscal year, the City’s billing crisis will be over. His reasons are that 88 per cent of queries, whether logged on the day or outstanding, were resolved on the day.
Read more about it here: Billing crisis soon to be history
Joburgers from all walks of life joined hands on 14 August to help clean up the streets of Yeoville. Volunteers were joined by the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane and many other officials. At the clean-up, the A Re Sebetseng (meaning let’s work) monthly clean-up campaign was launched. This monthly campaign will be a ward-based cleaning initiative held on the last Saturday of every month.
Read more about it here: A re sebetseng Joburg!
On infrastructure updates, MMC for Transport, Nonhlanhla Makhuba said over the past year the City has fixed 117 483 potholes – a significant increase of 26 945 or 22 per cent more pothole repaired than last year. Makhuba said resurfacing and reconstruction of roads remain the long-term solution to improving the overall condition of the road network within the city.
Read more about it here: 117 483 potholes fixed in Johannesburg
The Johannesburg Roads Agency board will soon be advertising its managing director position after Dr Sean Phillips confirmed his resignation last week.
Read more about it here: Johannesburg Roads Agency seeks new managing director
According to a recent Ipsos toll, Joburgers are happier with their municipality. Residents’ overall perceptions of how well the City of Johannesburg is performing has increased from 39 per cent in July last year to 53 per cent this year. The poll, conducted by a global market and opinion research specialist, revealed that South Africans have seen much improvement in local government performance in metros one year after the municipal elections.
Read more about it here: ‘Residents confirm change has taken root in Joburg’
After returning to work for a second time on 14 August, the City of Johannesburg’s ombudsman, Advocate S’du Gumede has been asked to leave by the City once again. According to the COJ, Gumede said he could not work while the disciplinary hearing against him was underway.
Read: Joburg ombudsman given the boot, again
The ombudsman has been locked in a legal battle with the City since May when he was first removed by the council.
Read more about it here: What we know about the ombudsman’s suspension
What are your thoughts on the recent developments in the City of Gold? Send an email to chantellef@caxton.co.za and tell us more.
