Xhakaza unveils infrastructure, governance plans
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has outlined major infrastructure and governance initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and economic stability in the metro.
Xhakaza delivered his State of the City Address in Germiston on Thursday.
He said Transnet has proposed a 49-kilometre pipeline from Jameson Park in Heidelberg to OR Tambo International Airport to prevent future jet fuel shortages.
The project, estimated at R800 million, is crucial as fuel supply constraints are expected from 2028 due to the limited capacity of the Natref Refinery in Sasolburg.
"The pipeline will mitigate risks associated with supply disruptions, such as major floods or rail transport failures. During construction, the project will create up to 300 job opportunities benefiting both skilled and unskilled workers," said Xhakaza.
-Spaza Shop compliance crackdown-
The metro has registered 2,036 spaza shops, but only 76 met registration guidelines and received business licenses.
The compliance drive follows a nationwide foodborne illness outbreak in schools last year.
“Four-hundred-and-ninety-six were declined for non-compliance, and 1,464 are pending finalisation due to incomplete information. These figures highlight the need for greater intervention in this sector," Xhakaza stated.
-Road and stormwater maintenance efforts-
Xhakaza admitted that the metros deteriorating road infrastructure remains a key concern, with 506km of roads maintained so far, including pothole patching, road markings, and signage in areas such as Springs, Katlehong, Vosloorus, Bedfordview, Pomona, and Linksfield.
An additional 241km is yet to be repaired in the next quarter.
The city has also maintained 5,000 stormwater systems in areas such as Buhle Park, Spruitview, Boksburg, Nigel, and Brakpan, with plans to complete 2,000 more by year-end.
-Push for a clean audit outcome-
The mayor said the metro is working towards regaining a clean audit status after receiving an unqualified audit opinion with findings due to lapses in procurement and contract management.
The Auditor General released the 2022/2023 local government audit outcomes in August last year.
He said poor revenue management is the most significant cause of financial distress for local governments.
"The revival of Operation Clean Audit has instilled a renewed discipline in our financial and governance practices, leading to improvements recognised by the Auditor-General. We are optimistic that these initiatives will help us reclaim our clean audit status.”
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