The City of Johannesburg announced that it would adjust its budget downward by R5 billion with Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba saying the goals the City puts in place need to be reached.
This attracted criticism from opposition parties, including the African National Congress (ANC) who believes the adjustment is rather an indication that the City has no money to spend.
But the mayor remains adamant that if the City is to be steered in financial water, spending needs to be limited while the most pressing challenges need to be addressed.
We take a look at the major allocations that were passed at the 22 February council sitting.
Transport, road and storm water infrastructure
Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) will receive R62,8 million to tar gravel roads in certain areas. JRA is also reprioritising R54 million for the resurfacing of roads across the City.
In addition to this, it also receives R20 million for monitoring and inspection of the bridges network.
A further R34,7 million will go towards new storm water management infrastructure and monitoring in the City and allocations to the City’s Department of Transport will increase by R76,4 million for the security and cleaning of public facilities and Rea Vaya bus stations.
Water and sewerage infrastructure
R23,8 million is allocated to Joburg Water as part of the Water Pipe Replacement Programme, which generally received an additional R85,7 million, for areas like Diepsloot, Orange Farm and Alexandra and Roodepoort.
A further R4,9 million will go towards upgrading water infrastructure in areas such as Orange Farm and the Protea Glen districts.
Safety
R3,5 million is allocated to City Power for new public lighting at Orlando Ekhaya.
R11 million is made available to EMS for the enhancement of the Lehae and Protea Glen fire stations and the Department of Public Safety receives an additional R21,5 million for the repair of the Veritas School in order to meet the JMPD training facility standards for the training of the 1 500 Metro police officers.
Economic Development
R5 million has been allocated to Economic Development for the development of the City’s work-seekers database, R11 million will go towards the rollout of Wi-fi hotspots throughout the City, a project that has been long in the making. R10 million will go to establishing opportunity centres and a further R12 million is set aside to provide for on-the-job artisan training for 340 youths.
Access to electricity
City Power is allocated R214,7 million for the electrification of housing developments at Fleurhof, South Hills and Riverside with R43,9 million more for other informal settlements. R27,5 is further allocated to upgrade the infamous Eldorado Park substation.
Healthcare
R20,6 million will go towards upgrading the City’s clinics and R42,5 million will see the finalisation of three new clinics. R16,7 million will go to the advancement of the City’s Substance Abuse Programme which will see the rolling out of five free local drug action clinics. R1,2 million is also needed to acquire equipment to run these clinics.
Housing
The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) is allocated an additional R87 million to continue acquiring buildings in the inner city.
R111 million is reprioritised for the provision of bulk infrastructure in Drieziek Ext 3, Elias Motsoaledi, Lehae Ext 1, Cosmo City, Diepsloot and Braamfischerville Ext 12 and 13.
This is coupled with a R21,4 million cash injection for the Lufhereng Mixed Development.
R10,8 million is to be allocated towards providing temporary emergency accommodation in the inner city. Millions more have been moved to upgrade hostel, informal settlements and relocation management at some of these settlements.
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