Record revenue for City of Joburg

SOLUTION FOR BAD BILLING NEEDED TO IMPROVE RELATIONSHIP WITH RESIDENTS Almost 18 000 potholes repaired in mayor’s war on city’s poor roads.

Anew record was set with the collection of just over R3 billion in revenue in March 2017, Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba said yesterday. During the State of the City address at the new council chambers in Johannesburg, which cost the previous administration R360 million, Mashaba said that a long-term solution for erroneous billing was essential to improve relationship with residents and to improve revenue collection.

“During March 2017 we collected just over R3 billion in revenue. The reality is that we have to collect more revenue,” he said.

“The budget amount was R2.6 billion and it’s the first time the city has ever gone beyond the R3 billion mark.”

To combat the billing crisis, Mashaba said there were four focus points, including the development of the indigent list and the system that ensures that the poorest received free basic services as well as improving revenue collection.

Mashaba said he had declared war on the potholes in the city and was prioritising the repair of road surfaces.

The mayor added that 17 696 potholes were repaired in March alone, despite the R5.8 billion backlog in road repairs and maintenance in the city.

“Through our adjustment budget, we provided an additional R88 million in funding to Johannesburg Roads Agency.

“This was to procure the materials and personnel to address these vital repairs,” the mayor said.

As part of his 10 point plan, Mashaba said the fourth element focused on creating a professional civil service that served the residents of Johannesburg with pride.

“Soon after taking office we initiated an independent skills audit to ensure that every manager is in their position because of what they know and not who they knew.” – ANA

See Page 10