Joburg mayor's turnaround plan: billions allocated for infrastructure and ‘bomb squad' for city's woes
Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero has promised a radical overhaul of service delivery and a renewed focus on infrastructure, unveiling a multi-billion-rand investment plan during his state of the city address.
Speaking at the Johannesburg Council Chamber on Wednesday, the mayor called for unity and accountability.
He delivered his speech against a backdrop of significant challenges facing the metropolis, including widespread service delivery failures, decaying infrastructure and a precarious financial situation.
The severity of the situation was underscored by the DA's motion of no confidence against Morero and council speaker Nobuhle Mthembu, filed just hours before the address, accusing the current administration of plunging the city into a 'state of total collapse'.
But Morero set a hopeful tone for the future of Johannesburg, stating that '2025 and beyond must be the year we see the Joburg we want to see'.
He acknowledged the current challenges but emphasised his commitment to a brighter future.
A significant aspect of his plan is a substantial financial commitment to infrastructure.
He said:
Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero
'The budget will be channelled towards under-serviced areas such as Diepsloot, Southern Farms, Ivory Park/Kaalfontein, Orange Farm, Soweto, Riverlea, Zandspruit and Eldorado Park.
The mayor specifically highlighted the Northern-Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant, noting its potential to 'generate economic benefits, create jobs and stimulate local businesses'.
'The City of Johannesburg has committed to contribute over R628 million to leverage and unlock the potential of the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works; a project valued at R4 billion,' he said.
'This substantial financial injection demonstrates the city's dedication to enhancing its wastewater management capabilities and addressing the growing demands for bulk infrastructure in the region.'
Addressing the critical issue of service delivery, Morero pointed to the impact of the service delivery war room.
He asserted that it has 'led to a decline in service delivery protests' and fostered 'improved collaboration between government departments and state-owned entities'.
Looking towards economic growth, Morero outlined an ambitious target: 'We are aiming for an average GDP growth rate of 3% over the next five years.'
He indicated that this goal would be supported by the inclusion of an 'economic workstream' within the presidential support package.
'Drastic measures' and 'bomb squad' to fix city's woes
A significant aspect of Morero's strategy is the introduction of a 'high-powered implementation impact team', which he referred to informally as the 'bomb squad'.
Led by ANC veteran Snuki Zikalala, this team will be responsible for 'removing constraints that impact the city's ability to create a better Johannesburg', signalling a determined effort to accelerate progress.
'This COJ bomb squad must remove constraints that impact the city's ability to create the Joburg we want to see,' Morero said.
The bomb squad will swing into operational from June.
The revitalisation of Johannesburg's inner city is also a key part of the mayor's vision. Morero spoke of creating a 'world-class African old town', with ongoing efforts to repair Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly Bree Street) serving as a concrete step in this direction.
The long-awaited repairs to this street were said to be on track and be completed by August 2025, with a budget of R194m allocated for the project. Lillian Ngoyi Street has been closed for almost two years after a gas explosion on that part of the road in July 2023.
Morero also addressed the city's financial sustainability, announcing a 'major reset' in revenue collection. 'We must behave in an unusual manner so that we can see and yield different results,' he said.
Additionally, he set a daily collection target of R200 million and tasking senior managers with close financial oversight.
Morero emphasised the shared responsibility of all stakeholders.
'We must all play our part so that we can have a functional city that is vibrant, liveable and resilient,' he urged, calling on residents to adhere to city regulations and support revenue collection efforts.
His ultimate aspiration is to see Johannesburg as 'the city of choice' by 2025.
Morero also called for political unity within the council.
'To all political parties in the chamber, let us not fight; use the state of the city address debate tomorrow to receive inputs from our constituencies,' he urged, acknowledging the potential for criticism but emphasising the need for collaboration.
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