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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: City of Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau, with the speaker of the council, councillor Connie Bapela, left, and the mayor's wife Philisiwe Twala-Tau. PHOTO: ENOCH LEHUNG

 There is an urgent need for investment in the upgrading of infrastructure in the Greater Johannesburg area 

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Mayor Parks Tau said yesterday this was necessary to accommodate the ever-growing population - currently at 3.8-million residents and expected to rise to 4.1-million by 2015.

But Tau could not say when the city would finally resolve the problematic billing system that has seen thousands of residents receiving inaccurate and inflated bills.

He, however, said the municipality underwent an extensive 90-day community consultation initiative late last year to develop a new "growth and development strategy".

"There is an urgent need for investment in the upgrading of water reticulation systems, storm water, electricity substations, road infrastructure network and waste management plans in order for us to facilitate local economic activity and create an enabling environment for economic growth.

"We have identified key trade, manufacturing, construction, transport and tourism areas as engines for growth," Tau said during his state of the city address yesterday.

Soweto will see an investment injection of R1.2-billion with the Oasis in Soweto initiative.

"This project is focused on offices, residential developments, Oasis Heroes Bridge, a boutique hotel, retail opportunities, a convention centre and upgrading of Khumalo Street in Rockville," he said.

The mayor said a multi-million-rand mall would be built at Alexandra's Vincent Tshabalala Road.

"Alexandra and Ivory Park will benefit from new automotive industrial node developments. These initiatives are already supported by the city and national Treasury.

"The Poortjie Economic Activity Node will be developed so that basic retail services can be readily accessible to the Poortjie community," Tau said.

He said a regional development plan was in place for a northwest quadrant including Ruimsig, Cosmo City, Sunninghill and Diepsloot.

The city has worked with "relevant stakeholders" to create an economic node in Lanseria, which will be anchored by hotels, a conference centre, a research and development park, an agri-hub, a shopping mall and medical precinct.

A safety strategy had been developed where metro police officers would be deployed in wards throughout the city.

Comments

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Thu May 23 17:38:12 SAST 2013 ::

Mar 23, 2012

Pointman

These chumps have decided to spend - always bad news since it is our wallets that will be getting thinner. They are killing the tax base.
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Mar 23, 2012

MGEEZ

Joburg certainly needs an upgrade otherwise we may have a crisis in our hands; I just hope that the money will be well spent
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Mar 23, 2012

skhokho21

City of JHB, if you cannot sort out this billing problem just clear everyone`s debt & start from scratch. Pointman, stop complain for everything without thinking, they talking 10 years here, must things stand still, haiman.
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Mar 23, 2012

JajasQueen

@MGEEZ

Yes, the money will be well spent.

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Mar 23, 2012

Pointman

@skhokho21 - I got no confidence in the current administration - that is my problem. Of course you have to spend to build the city. I went to drop off my daughters friend in Rabie Ridge - I might have as well have been driving in Mogadishu - the potholes were huge and this lot is responsible.
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Mar 23, 2012

JajasQueen

I hope they also have a plan in place for more housing for the working force within the city metro. Would make life so easy instead of these stup RDP houses on the outskirts of nowhere.

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Mar 23, 2012

JajasQueen

@Pointman

Have you reported the potholes?

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Mar 23, 2012

Danisqo

...and yes 50% of the money will end up in beemer and merc dealerships @JajasQueen u living in denial u know we are ruled by tsosis who only give a rat ass bout themselves
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Mar 23, 2012

DJWinner

SA is the richest country in Africa and we ranked number 27 worldwide. There is a lot of money here, what is R100bn?

Problem? No problem.
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Mar 23, 2012

JajasQueen

@Danisqo

You will have to give proof to support your statement. When has money ever been used for the stuff you mention?

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