On Monday 20th August 2018; the MMC of Economic Development, Cllr Leah Knott, joined by City of Joburg officials from all departments and various Councillors conducted a successful oversight visit in Region C - led by Regional Director Mlamleli Belot.
In support of continuous efforts made towards driving visible service delivery, which underpins the city’s mandate to deliver basic services to the people. The City of Johannesburg is determined to enhance service delivery with diligence, consistency and pride to its residents.
The oversight visit covered Wards 127 and 128 consisting of places such as Solplaatjie Informal Settlement, Tswelopele and Thulamtwana in Tshepisong West, Vivo Informal Settlement and Matholesville – Roodepoort.
“An inter-departmental as well as an inter-governmental approach to resolving these issues remain key as these are challenges that don’t only affect one specific department” Said MMC Knott.
She mentioned that cross-border issues also cannot be ignored and that if all departments worked together in addressing solutions it would be easy to track and monitor progress. During the visit MMC Knott noted concerns raised by Councillors on behalf of the community where she provided guidance as well as a way forward.
Key issues highlighted included the:
• Illegal mining activity taking place in Matholesville which is located directly above gas and fuel lines which feed various parts of the City. A joint discussion with Sasol, Gautrans, Transnet and the City will be initiated to address this issue on an urgent basis.
• The unsafe state of Solplaatjies which is experiencing large sink holes due to the settlement being located on un-rehabilitated mining land. We met with DMR on site, who have been working with the Ward Councillor, and who require City support in addressing issues with organisations who object to people being moved. This will be addressed going forward.
• Pending proclamation from 2012/13 of upgraded settlements which will be escalated to Development Planning via Housing for fast tracking.
• Excessive refuse dumping in various areas which will be addressed via awareness and clean up campaigns. Pikitup were praised in terms of the collections that have been
initiated in areas making them fully serviced communities in terms of refuse collection. There remain issues on the border of Mogale Municipality which require cross municipal collaboration as well as private land issues which will be addressed with the owners.
“Most queries are recorded but it is imperative for us to get on the ground to physically see the state of peoples’ concerns which will give us all a sense of the realities they face.” said MMC Knott.
The City is keen to continue working together to ensure that what we deliver on the principles of Diphetogo entrenched via the Mayor’s 10 point plan.
