THE City of Joburg is likely to cite its R100-billion infrastructure plans, announced two months ago by mayor Parks Tau, as its main argument in its appeal against a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that its "World-class African city" radio advert was misleading.

The metro refuses to be drawn about its strategy but Sunday World understands that it will tell the ASA that its huge investment over the next 10 years will change the city for the better.

In his state-of-the-city speech in May, Tau said that, among other things, residents would be able to use an integrated coupon system to travel on a bus or train, and use the same card to buy bread, milk and newspapers.

The ASA ruled on the advert this month after a complaint by Joburger Steven Haywood.

He challenged the ad, saying its claims were untruthful.

The commercial says in part: "Imagine a city where you can rest assured, knowing that it is financially stable; that there is ongoing electrification of homes.

"A city that is saving the environment through different energy-efficient interventions.

"A city that continues to create new jobs despite the economic downturn. Can you imagine living in such a city? You do.

"These are just some of the City of Joburg's many significant achievements.

"Imagine what we're doing for you tomorrow. Visit joburg.org.za for more. Joburg, a world-class African city."

Haywood said the advert's claims were untruthful because the council had received qualified audits, the Pikitup refuse-collection company was bankrupt and the Joburg Roads Agency was unable to repair roads.

He said the council lost R1.2-billion worth of electricity each month and R800-million a month of water as a result of theft and failure to maintain the city's infrastructure.

Tau's office said lawyers were preparing appeal documents.

Asked on what grounds the appeal would be based, metro spokesman Fred Mokoko said: "It is important to wait for the appeal process to take place.

"It is only correct to subject ourselves to due process, after which we will be able to talk about the details of the appeal."

Announcing his grand plans in May, Tau said the council would introduce high-density residential developments along new transport arteries.

As part of turning Joburg into a truly "world-class city", he said, the emphasis would be on infrastructure that would change the urban landscape.

The plans include facilities that will discourage the use of private vehicles in favour of public transport, bicycles and walking.

New bicycle lanes and walkways are planned.

As part of the city's "Corridors of Freedom" project, high-rise residential complexes connected to major transport routes are to be developed.

The project will focus on six priority corridors and most of the housing will be for the rental market, aimed at all income groups.

Tau said the roll-out of a broadband data network for computers, which involved the laying of more than 900km of optical-fibre cable, had been completed by the end of May.

This will help bring fast and affordable internet services to local communities.

More than R30-billion has been set aside for new infrastructure and the replacement and maintenance of sewerage systems, underground water pipes and the ageing electrical reticulation.

Tau announced the implementation of a smart metering system - which has had its first setback . Alexandra residents have rejected the new prepaid meters in a series of violent protests.

Some claimed that, because of the meters, they were now paying exorbitant charges for power. Others said the meters caused their appliances to explode.

The council has partially responded to their complaints by embarking on a project to install solar-powered water geysers for residents to help them save on their electricity bills.

• tlhoaeleb@sundayworld.co.za