Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck has an extensive capital expenditure wish list which he hopes will be funded within the next few years.
According to Truluck, last year, ward councillors in each region were asked to compile a list of their five priorities from the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which is essentially a framework for development for municipalities. Truluck added that this is the first time they’ve been asked to list their priority projects for the budget.
While some projects from the IDP have been allocated a budget to be used in the next three years, including a new clinic in Rosebank to be funded next year, various improvements for the Johannesburg Zoo and an upgrade of the bridge on Conrad Drive.
There are, however, additional projects which Truluck would like to see happen in the next few years but haven’t yet been assigned funding. Truluck highlighted that some of the items on his wish list required a relatively small amount of money which might make it possible for them to be fast tracked.
“Further upgrade to the facilities at the well-used Parkhurst Recreation Centre such as the tennis clubhouse and toilets, meeting room refurbishment and kitchen area,” said Truluck. Last year the centre received R500 000 to repair the roof and flooring.
Truluck added that a fence near a storm water drain at Zoo Lake is also necessary. “The existing fence has been severely damaged over time and now the drain is used by the homeless to sleep in and it also poses a danger to people visiting the park. JRA have agreed that it is needed.”
Some of the more significant projects on the wish list include an overhaul of the two combined sewer systems, which serve Rosebank, Parktown North and Parkhurst as well as an overhaul of the storm water drain system.
“The two sewer systems enter the main sewer via the Parkview Golf Course and near 19th Street in Parkhurst. They are old and too small for the massive increase in density and development in the area, which results in severe pollution incidents when blockages occur, both into the spruit and into private properties located near the sewer lines.”
Other projects which Truluck hopes will be funded, include rehabilitation of Braamfontein Spruit’s riverbanks, a comprehensive plan to deal with displaced people who often stay in public parks and an upgrade to the Parkhurst sub-station, which regularly has problems.
Truluck emphasised that even if projects are allocated a budget in the IDP, those projects might not necessarily happen if the City under-collects revenue and has to cut the budget in certain areas.
Some of the smaller projects might not be itemised on the budget, rather each entity, such as the Johannesburg Roads Agency, will receive a budget to cover a variety of projects. Truluck added that there has been a fight from ward councillors to ensure that these budgets are transparent.
Which projects do you think should be a priority? Share your thoughts with the editor at ashtynm@caxton.co.za
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