The City of Johannesburg has tabled its Integrated Annual Report for the 2017/ 18 financial year, which includes the findings from the Auditor General (AG).
“Since coming into office, our administration has focused on ensuring that our budgeting process supports those priorities which speak to communities’ most urgent needs through investment in our infrastructure, basic free services and our economy,” said City of Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba.
According to him, in the year under review, the city achieved an unqualified audit opinion with material findings, as it has for the past years reviewed. However, this was negatively impacted by Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) achieving a qualified audit in the period under review.
Despite the many challenges faced, the AG has found that the City remains in a position to meet its financial obligations, which will allow for continued service delivery to our residents.
The AG’s report to the City stated:
“The annual financial statements indicate a solvent position, highlighted by a net current asset position. This is an improvement from the prior year.”
Further, the AG notes that there was an improvement on the City’s working capital position, as well as cash flow from operating activities, which are both positive at year-end compared to the prior year’s negative position.
The City will continue in its concerted efforts to manage its cash flow and generate cash-backed surpluses to fund future capital expenditure.
The Annual Report for the 2017/18 financial year included the following:
Joburg Water
The entity managed to replace 45,4km of sewer pipes against a target of 33,5km, translating to a 135,5 per cent over-achievement.
In providing services to informal settlements, an additional 620 informal dwellings were provided with access to basic sanitation.
During 2017/ 18, an average of 1,55 billion litres of water complying with acceptable drinking water standards (SANS 241) was distributed to the households within the city on a daily basis. This is an increase of 2,5 per cent in the daily volume compared to the 2016/ 17 financial year.
The percentage compliance with drinking water quality standard (SANS 241) in terms of the presence of E-Coli was 99,9 per cent against a target of 99 per cent. This positive achievement will enable the City of Johannesburg to retain its Blue Drop Status.
City Power
In 2017/ 18, the entity installed 1 374 public lights against a target of 1 000.
City Power electrified 2 167 units in informal settlement compared to a target of 810.
Joshco
In 2017/18, Joshco delivered 1 159 housing units.
Johannesburg Roads Agency
Approximately 301,12km of roads were resurfaced against an annual target of 250 km, across the City.
A total capex budget of R162 million was spent on citywide road resurfacing.
JRA’s capex implementation programme created a cumulative total of 1 494 jobs against an annual target of 1 250 by employing 89 local emerging contractors.
“Our multiparty government has demonstrated the political will to address wrongdoing, and ensure consequences are meted out to those responsible. Under the capable leadership of General Shadrack Sibiya, our Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) has already uncovered an estimated R24 billion in corruption and dishonest administration, with over 4 000 cases requiring attention.
“I have endeavoured to discuss the further capacitation of GFIS and our internal controls so as to address challenges in resolving cases related to unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
“This includes improving internal controls for preventing, in particular, irregular expenditure, noting an increase in the current year of 27 per cent as opposed to the 300 per cent accrued in the 2016/ 17 financial year,” Mashaba explained.
He also stated that, “In the face of our many historic challenges, we will continue to drive efforts to reverse these challenges through progressively establishing governance structures within the City.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
