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The City of Johannesburg has embarked on a strategic, high-impact service delivery initiative, commencing its concentrated efforts in Region D, with the Jabulani precinct designated as the primary operational epicentre.
This programme highlights a resolute commitment to addressing long-standing urban challenges through a meticulously coordinated, multi-entity approach.
This comprehensive intervention mobilises key municipal departments and entities, including City Power, Johannesburg Water, Pikitup, the Johannesburg Roads Agency [JRA], as well as Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. Their collective deployment aims to systematically ameliorate critical service delivery backlogs within the Jabulani precinct, a vibrant and multifaceted urban node encompassing a diverse urban fabric, from high-rise residential units and traditional four-room dwellings to vital public spaces and burgeoning commercial zones. The operation specifically targets critical areas such as the Jabulani Swimming Pool, Jabulani Flats, Jabulani Hostel, Molapo Bridge, and the nexus of informal trading activities surrounding Jabulani Mall.
Operating under the thematic imperative, “Re-imagining Joburg through the eyes of residents,” this initiative is a direct municipal response to palpable community concerns. On-the-ground interventions are meticulously calibrated to confront issues ranging from pervasive vandalism and illicit dumping to precarious trading conditions, pervasive potholes, and systemic infrastructure degradation.
Public infrastructure under siege: The scourge of streetlight vandalism
A paramount focus of this revitalisation effort centres on the restoration and safeguarding of public infrastructure, particularly the extensive streetlighting network, which has been severely compromised by persistent theft and malicious damage.
“We are profoundly concerned by the impact of theft and vandalism on our streetlights,” states Executive Mayor, Cllr Sello ‘Dada’ Morero. “These acts frequently transcend mere criminality, often assuming the characteristics of sabotage, particularly in instances where light poles are deliberately felled without any material gain.”
In a proactive measure to counter this escalating challenge, the City is undertaking a strategic modernisation of its infrastructure. Mayor Morero elaborates: “City Power has initiated a programme to systematically replace conventional streetlights with resilient solar-powered alternatives. This upgrade ensures the integrity of street illumination is maintained even when individual units are compromised by vandalism.”
The Mayor issues a compelling civic appeal, urging residents to become active custodians of these vital improvements: “We implore residents to assume a protective role over these streetlights, safeguarding them against vandalism and promptly reporting any suspicious or criminal activity in their vicinity.”
Currently, City Power manages an extensive network of nearly 500,000 streetlights across the metropolitan area, including those within Eskom-supplied zones such as Soweto, Orange Farm, Cosmo City and Ivory Park.Operational scope and delivered services
The comprehensive service delivery campaign in Jabulani encompassed a diverse array of critical interventions:
Extensive repairs to road surfaces and the rectification of potholes.
Enhancement of crucial stormwater infrastructure to mitigate flooding and improve urban resilience.
Systematic clean-up operations targeting illegal dumping sites.
Restoration and beautification of communal areas.
Essential repairs and upgrades at key community assets, including the Jabulani Swimming Pool and Hostel.Regulation of billboards and decisive action against abandoned buildings.Proactive engagement on illegal utility connections and the strategic management of informal trading activities.
This initiative unequivocally signals the City’s commitment to collaborative governance, working in close concert with communities to deliver tangible results precisely where they are most acutely required. The City is poised to replicate these targeted interventions across other regions to promote safer, cleaner, and more dignified living and working environments for all residents.
SORCED FROM JOBURG WEBSITE.