Municipal entities were out in full force in and around the Roodepoort Central Business District (CBD) on 13 March addressing some long-overdue service delivery issues.
This formed part of an Integrated Citizen Outreach Programme (ICOP) that aimed to make an impact towards the run-down look and feel of the CBD. Entities that joined the operation included Pikitup, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), Department of Health, the Environmental Department and the Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM).
Region C’s Regional Director, Mlamleli Belot explained the purpose of the day to everyone involved. Listen to it here:
Reg C Regional Director, Mlamleli Belot explains the purpose of the day. #Joburgatwork ^PS pic.twitter.com/uxuonXFLAP
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 13, 2017
Areas around the Roodepoort City Hall and court as well as the swimming pool and sport grounds were identified as priority areas in desperate need of attention. “JRA repaired potholes and road markings, grass were cut, litter was picked up, illegal connections and other electricity issues were addressed by City Power and some much-needed tree pruning were also done. I also used this opportunity to engage with some of the residents and property owners,” Niemand said. Health Department field workers gave community members some valuable information about the free services the clinic offers.
Although Niemand said that the ICOP operation was much needed, he stressed that a long-term intervention is required to restore the CBD to its former glory. To achieve this, he said, all property and business owners as well as other stakeholders will need to be engaged. “Although there are quite a few issues in the CBD, such as the large number of buildings in need of attention, major parking and illegal street trading problems, illegal signage and the huge concern about the overall high level of crime, all is not lost. I am quite confident that, in time and with the commitment of all, the majority of these issues can be resolved,” he said.
He also mentioned that he wanted to establish a Roodepoort Forum to encourage all stakeholders to participate. “I hope to have this forum established and ready during early May. This will be the start of my plan to have everyone involved in the efforts to uplift the CBD area,” he concluded.
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