Region E director Liziwe Ntshinga-Makoro highlighted that Joburg Water would be embarking on projects to reduce water loss and improve water supply; and a public lighting project will be implemented in Rivonia, where 110 lights will be installed.
Additionally, the Sandton Library has extended operating hours; and the Johannesburg Roads Agency will be working on projects to resurface roads. Pikitup will also remove illegally dumped waste on a scheduled basis.
At the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meeting for Region E in the Marlboro community hall, presented by Mashaba, he outlined the City’s budget for the year as well as the accomplishments and challenges of the past year. Ntshinga-Makoro highlighted that numerous projects will begin to combat various challenges experienced in the region.
According to Vasco Da Gama, speaker of the council for the City of Johannesburg, the meetings play an important role as they give both the mayor and residents the opportunity to provide feedback and address any of the challenges from the year.
Mashaba said local government would continue working to achieve the five outcomes he proposed during last year’s IDP. The outcomes include – growing the economy, creating an inclusive society with meaningful redress, ensuring government provides enhanced quality services, building caring, safe and secure communities, and ensuring the government is honest, transparent and committed to providing excellent service.
Mashaba reiterated that as he is a public servant and it is his responsibility to ensure he listens to the community so that the budget speaks to the needs of residents.
In Region E, which covers Sandton, Alexandra, Orange Grove and Houghton, there have been numerous challenges including a large influx of people to Alexandra, major traffic congestion in Sandton and illegal land occupation in Marlboro.
Ntshinga-Makoro said, “We need to enhance the participation and engagement with our communities, we recognise that we need to continuously give you feedback and recognise some of the issues that you bring to our attention.”
The Buya Mthetho Project (Bring back the law), which focuses on cracking down on by-law infringement, and the Diphetogo Project (Changes), which aims to use the City’s limited resources in the most important areas have been launched. This includes providing basic service delivery to all residents, infrastructure development, repairs and maintenance, public safety and housing provision.
Mashaba encouraged residents to judge the City on what they accomplish during their term. “If we fail, please do not vote us back, because we will have failed you. Come 2021, if we have done our job, then vote for us but you can’t have another five years of a government that is going to fail.”
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Also, read:
Economic development top priority for the City
