Gauteng water, crime big concerns ahead of G20, admits Lesufi

But he has raised concerns about water shortages and crime, warning that they remain the two most significant risks as world leaders descend on Johannesburg later this year.

Lesufi spoke to the media on the sidelines of a seminar in Sandton on the role of sub-national government in global governance when he provided an update on the province’s readiness.

He noted that major road upgrades and infrastructure repairs were close to completion, while progress was also being made in electricity and sewer systems.

“In terms of infrastructure readiness, I think we are fine. Electricity, I give it 100%. Sewer, I also give it 80%. But the area that is not stable is water. We have serious water challenges in the city,” said Lesufi.

The premier stressed that G20 preparations should not only focus on central Johannesburg but also deliver benefits to communities across the province.

“It would be wrong to assume that what we are doing, we are doing for the G20 only. We want to take this beyond G20 and start to concentrate on townships, informal settlements and hostels, so that the entire province is beautified,” he explained.

On crime, Lesufi said Gauteng’s reputation was at stake, adding that delegates should not leave with negative experiences.

“We want people that visit our city, like the ones here today, to come back with their families next time. But we don’t want them to be confronted by criminals. We still need to do much better and a lot of work on crime fighting, so that people are not mugged, their cellphones taken, or their bags snatched,” he said.

Lesufi added that the province was adopting a cooperative governance model, meeting with executive mayors every Tuesday to coordinate resources.

He said this approach had already assisted in fast-tracking road upgrades, pothole repairs, and restoring streetlights. With roughly 80% of potholes on major roads already completed, he believes Gauteng is on track.

However, he admitted that unless water security and crime are tackled decisively in the coming weeks, Gauteng’s preparations for the G20 could be overshadowed.

“We find solace in the working relationship we have. But we must not ignore these risks,” he said.

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