Residents of Region F have fervently appealed to municipal authorities to address a myriad of critical service delivery shortfalls plaguing their community. Among the pressing concerns raised during an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation meeting last night at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre, were the distressing backlog of social housing, rampant proliferation of illicit backyard dwellings, unlawful electricity connections, unrestrained dumping, neglected and hijacked buildings, as well as dilapidated old age homes.
Residents also lamented the increased rate of infrastructural vandalism, an alarming surge in criminal activities, escalating vagrancy, and the unregulated mushrooming of illegal structures throughout the region.
The IDP process is a pivotal instrument that empowers residents to influence the direction of their municipality. It offers them an opportunity to engage with municipal authorities and sway the prioritisation of service delivery projects and developments within their communities.
Last night’s public engagement was presided over by Cllr Colleen Makhubele, the Speaker of Council, who was flanked by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Group Corporate and Shared Services, Cllr Loyiso Masuku; the City Manager Floyd Brink; Ward 58 Councillor Ricky Nair; and Acting Regional Director, Earl Stoles.
Cllr Makhubele expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of exhibition kiosks from various entities and departments at the IDP meeting, which allowed residents to register their service delivery grievances and obtain valuable municipal information.
She acknowledged the City's current financial constraints due to substantial budget cuts but extended gratitude to residents and Region F stakeholders for their attendance, underscoring their interest in the administration of the City.
MMC Masuku presented the preliminary draft IDP. In this comprehensive overview, she outlined the City's most pressing challenges, strategic direction, desired outcomes, and developmental priorities.
Highlighting the City's 11 core priorities, Cllr Masuku provided a breakdown of budget allocations for upcoming projects, emphasising the heightened capital expenditure budget allocated to Region F.
"Region F is one of the regions with the highest capex budget allocation," she said.
Cllr Masuku encouraged residents to participate actively in discussions aimed at refining the draft IDP, budgetary considerations, and proposed tariffs.
A resident from Ward 58 expressed concern about the recurrent nature of IDP meetings, suggesting they may merely serve as tick-box exercises.
"We have been attending these meetings every year for the past five years, and we are provided with the same information without tangible outcomes. Our ward grapples with persistent service delivery issues, including power failures, sewage overflows, and uncontrolled proliferation of illegal structures. When will we witness concrete progress? We want less promises and more delivery of services," he said.
Another resident, Dumisani Mahlobo from Ward 63, lamented the lack of specific timelines for project implementation and prompt resolution of urgent matters. He decried the neglect of the Johannesburg inner-city, highlighting concerns such as inaccessible public toilets now occupied by vagrants and the proliferation of businesses, particularly shops and salons, allegedly operated by illegal foreign nationals.
"When will the City restore law and order in the inner-city," Mahlobo asked.
Among the ongoing service delivery projects underway in Region F are the rejuvenation of informal trading stalls in the inner-city, the establishment of new service connections in Berea, the resurfacing of the M2 motorway, the refurbishment of the Casamia building, the construction of a new Turffontein clinic, the restoration and construction of ablution facilities, and the construction of the Bertrams multipurpose centre.
Residents are encouraged to submit their feedback in writing to idpcomments@joburg.org.za or ratescomments@joburg.org.za. The deadline for all submissions is Monday, 29 May 2023, at 5pm.
Written by Dudu Lushaba
25/05/2023
