The City of Johannesburg hosted its last IDP, Budget and tariffs consultation meeting on a high note as residents came out in their numbers at Orlando Communal Hall, Region D2 Soweto, on Saturday, 07 May 2022.

Cllr Bongani Dlamini from ward 31 officially welcomed the City’s leadership and residents who filled up the hall and those who followed proceedings online. “We are honoured to welcome you in ward 31 as our township, Orlando East, is celebrating more than 90 years of existence. We should look back on what the City has achieved in the area over the years, including the building of the iconic Orlando Stadium,” said Dlamini.

He also urged the City’s leadership to prioritise the issues of housing, informal settlements, upgrading and maintenance of infrastructure in the area.

Programme director and the Chair of Chairs in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Colleen Makhubele, said they are aware of service delivery issues that include electricity, housing, revenue and billing. She encouraged residents to participate vigorously and constructively in the discussions towards enhancing the draft IDP and budget as well as proposed tariffs.

The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, outlined the City’s greatest challenges and strategic direction, including its outcome and priorities towards development.

Projects being implemented in the region included title deed rollout, construction of the Bheki Mlangeni Park, stormwater improvement, complete streets, construction of the multi-purpose centre in Phiri, construction, upgrading and engineering services at Zondi depot, Jabulani precinct upgrade, Lufhereng mixed development, and Lufhereng social housing project.

About 158 feedback forms with inputs were received from residents. All comments and issues will be captured for consideration. Some of the issues raised by the community include electricity, housing allocations, illegal immigrants, youth unemployment, resurfacing of roads, provision of sidewalks, grass-cutting, illegal dumping, unmaintained stormwater drainage, upgrades and maintenance of existing infrastructure, police visibility, and bylaw enforcement.

The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Michael Sun gave feedback on the City’s infrastructure repairs, electricity supply, and illegal dumping.

Transport MMC Funzi Ngobeni said the City is on track to address the road repairs backlog caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions.

Public Safety MMC David Tembe encouraged residents to contact public safety officials regarding bylaw enforcement, traffic policing and crime prevention. He shared the contact details of relevant officials who deal with crime prevention and law enforcement in the region.

Finance MMC Nkuli Mbundu urged residents to make use of the City’s Opportunity Centres, with one available at the Soweto Empowerment Zone. Mbundu announced that the City is in the process of reclaiming the Joburg Market’s satellite office at the Soweto Empowerment Zone. The announcement was greeted with huge applause from the community.

MMC Julie Suddaby encouraged residents who qualify to apply for Expanded Social Package (ESP) and debt rehabilitation programme. She also talked about termination notices, payment arrangements for residents who are in arrears, and regional open days. She said open days formed part of the City’s attempts to improve customer service.

Written by Thami Dhladhla