“With Council passing this budget, we will deliver on our promise to provide quality services to the residents of Johannesburg,” said the Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, Herman Mashaba when announcing that the 2017/ 18 Adjustment Budget has been passed.
Also read: City’s finances in a sound position, declares MMC
“As such, in order to ensure the continued viability of the City, our multiparty administration has taken the decision to adjust our capital (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) budgets downwards by R1,3 billion and R459,1 million respectively, while still ensuring that essential service delivery remains intact,” Mashaba added.
According to a press statement, there will be some major allocations within the budget, such as for providing housing and dignity to the residents.
“The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSCHO) has allocated an additional R87 million to continue acquiring buildings in the inner city. This will also help to alleviate the lack of student accommodation in that area.”
“R111 million is reprioritised for the provision of bulk infrastructure in Drieziek Ext 3, Elias Motsoaledi, Lehae Ext 1, Cosmo City, Diepsloot and Bram Fischerville Ext 12 & 13. This is coupled with a R21,4 million cash injection for the Lufhereng Mixed Development.
R8,1 million is allocated to City Parks and Zoo for the new Olifantsvlei Cemetery, and R11,8 million for the relocation and management of some of the informal settlements.
Also read: City Parks ready to deliver peak season maintenance
Improving transport, road and storm-water infrastructure
Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) will receive R62,8 million to tar gravel roads in Doornkop/ Thulani, Bram Fischerville, Tshepisong, Drieziek, Poortjie, Slovoville and Kaalfontein.
A further R34,7 million will go towards new storm-water management infrastructure and monitoring in the City; and allocations to the City’s Department of Transport increase by R76,4 million for the security and cleaning of public facilities and Rea Vaya bus stations.
Improving water and sewerage infrastructure
R23,8 million is allocated to Joburg Water as part of the Water Pipe Replacement Programme for areas such as Diepsloot, Orange Farm and Alexandra and Roodepoort.
An additional R58,7 million is allocated to the Sewer Pipe Replacement Programme as part of the City’s efforts to tackle the infrastructure backlog.
“As a City, we continue to be committed to ensuring that the best interests of our residents are served, despite our many challenges. With Council passing this budget, we will deliver on our promise to provide quality services to the residents of Johannesburg,” said Mashaba.
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