The City of Johannesburg has concluded a series of successful hybrid Integrated Development Plan (IDP) engagements. Thousands of residents from diverse districts spanning the city’s seven regions participated in these sessions. Themed “The People’s Plan: Our City, Joburg – A Place We Call Home”, this year’s IDP engagements encouraged residents to embrace ownership of the People’s Plan and contribute to its triumph. On Saturday, 20 April 2024, Region D2 took the spotlight, engaging directly with the city’s leadership on a spectrum of service delivery issues. It started with visits to information stalls hosted by the city’s entities, designed to inform residents about service delivery matters and foster face-to-face engagement. Experts from various departments and entities addressed service delivery queries from customers.
Council Speaker Cllr Margaret Arnolds presided over a bustling Orlando East communal hall. In her opening remarks, she urged residents to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing the draft IDP, budget, and proposed tariffs.
She underscored the importance of the meeting as a platform for the community to meaningfully engage with their government and influence developmental decisions.
Presenting the draft IDP, Executive Mayor Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda highlighted key focus areas for Region D, encompassing infrastructure upgrades (water, sewer, and stormwater), public environment enhancements, Early Childhood Development and gender-based violence centres.
“Our objectives for this year’s IDP revolve around realising our vision of becoming a world-class African city. To achieve this, we aim to enhance quality of life, foster a resilient, sustainable urban environment, and promote an inclusive, job-intensive, competitive, and smart economy,” stated Cllr Gwamanda.
Following the mayor’s presentation, residents raised concerns encompassing inadequate stormwater drainage systems, potholes, park and open space safety, youth unemployment, illegal dumping, electrification, and industrial parks, among other issues.
Eric Ndlovu from ward 22 expressed the need for a police station in their area, citing Kliptown’s distance as a hindrance for residents of Pimville, Zone 4. He also urged City leadership to address illegal dumping in open spaces.
Another resident, Thulani Kubheka from ward 37, voiced concerns about poor road maintenance, hostel renovations, grass-cutting, faulty streetlights, and upkeep at the Jabavu stadium.
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department Cllr Jack Sekwaila committed to dispatching teams of technicians to address issues ranging from sewer and stormwater drainage to electricity supply and illegal dumping.
He also pledged additional solar high masts to illuminate crime hotspots.
MMC for Finance Cllr Dada Morero urged Soweto residents to consistently pay for municipal services to bolster service delivery.
“Please ensure you play your part and pay your rates and taxes, enabling the City to garner adequate revenue for community capital projects,” urged Cllr Morero.
Cllr Arnolds wrapped up the session by extending gratitude to residents, the mayor, executives, ward councillors, regional directors, and City officials for their active participation, marking this year’s IDP engagements as a resounding success.
Written by Thami Dhladhla
22/04/2024
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