City of Joburg mayor Dada Morero met with the residents of Soweto as part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) on Saturday.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero, has unveiled the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), designed to ensure that all municipalities in South Africa effectively address key issues such as spatial planning, disaster management, financial oversight, performance targets, and economic development priorities.
On Saturday, during an assembly with residents from Region D1 in Soweto at the Dlamini Multi-Purpose Centre, Morero articulated the essence of the IDP's seven pillars as "a truly people-centred approach," which hinges on feedback and priorities set forth directly by the community members.
The IDP has been described by Morero as the city’s fundamental strategic planning tool, which dictates development priorities, guides budgeting, and influences infrastructure projects and service delivery programmes for the upcoming financial year. This annual process allows communities throughout Johannesburg to engage with municipal leaders, presenting an invaluable opportunity to influence the developmental trajectory of their wards and regions.
"This plan is indeed a people’s plan, encompassing the needs, challenges, and aspirations of our residents," remarked Morero.
The mayor also urged residents to voice their concerns regarding service delivery, pinpoint pressing issues, and suggest practicable solutions conducive to enhancing living conditions within their communities.
In addition to addressing community feedback, Morero outlined ongoing infrastructural projects that aim to bolster local resources.
"The refurbishment of the Jabulani, Power Park, and Midrand reservoirs, alongside the construction of a new reservoir in Snake Park, is expected to significantly improve water supply for communities such as Protea, Protea Glen, Lufhereng, and Green Village," he said.
However, the mayor called out the community of Soweto against the scourge of illegal dumping, saying communal efforts against illegal dumping must be used to ensure a clean, safe, and dignified environment in township areas.
"The fourth point is about delivering services that matter most to our people against a tight budget....We have a big problem with illegal dumping in Soweto, and the city remains dedicated to improving the day-to-day lives of our people; together we can make our communities not just cleaner, but places of pride for everyone," Morero added.
He acknowledged the challenges the city faces but assured residents that significant strides have been made towards addressing water, housing and electricity challenges.
"More than 82% of our people reside in formal housing made up of bricks and mortar. The remainder of that 82% reside in informal dwellings. But what we have done well for our people is provide access to water. We have now reached 99 % when it comes to access to water services in our city. When it comes to electricity, we are sitting at 92%," he stated.