Ekurhuleni opens its service delivery purse
Millions set aside for informal settlement electrification
The City of Ekurhuleni has set aside R220-million to electrify all informal settlements as part of its plan to minimise electricity revenue losses due to cable theft.
Member of the mayoral committee for finance and economic development in the city, Doctor Xhakaza, announced yesterday that in the next financial year R220-million would be spent on the electrification of informal settlements.
He made the announcement when he tabled his R37.5-billion budget in Eden Park.
“We are giving better packages to the poor in terms of tariff. They too should not feel the need to bridge the system.”
Xhakaza said the city was engaging with DA-led metros Joburg and Tshwane to find a solution to electricity theft.
“We have taken our political cap aside. We have [sat at] a table. We are ready to take the issue nationally,” said Xhakaza.
Xhakaza allocated R70-million for the maintenance of hostels and rental stock.
“We have listened. This may look very minimal but we believe that it will go a long way towards improving the lives of those living in these facilities,” he said.
Other priorities include: R270-million for acquisition of land and properties for human settlements, R337-million for emergency services, R100million for a bursary scheme.
Xhakaza announced that the bus rapid transit (BRT) service, Harambee, which is behind schedule, has been allocated R1.4-billion.
“We have been able to unlock some project management challenges that we have experienced. The BRT is now nicely in motion. The bus is in the testing phase. We are now busy concluding bus stations and stream crossing,” he said. The Harambee BRT system will link cities and towns such as Boksburg, Kempton Park and Germiston in Ekurhuleni.
Xhakaza used his speech to also lay down the law.
He said there will be no room for financial mismanagement and corruption.
“We must continue to improve our coffers so that we have enough money to implement our programmes. We need a very strong backroom operation system anchored by relevant and reliable staff with skills to serve the people.”
‘‘ We are giving better packages to the poor in terms of tariff