Government has committed to enhancing living conditions and expanding economic opportunities in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in response to requests from residents to President Cyril Ramaphosa and government leaders at all levels.
Initiatives currently in progress and planned to achieve social and economic progress range from increased support for small businesses and security of tenure for those living and working on farms, to repairing major roadways that serve as economic lifelines and intensifying efforts to combat crime in communities.
The government outlined its plans for the district during a community engagement event at the first District Development Model Presidential Imbizo on Friday, 23 August 2024.
President Cyril Ramaphosa led the event at Tsakane Stadium in Brakpan under the theme “Enhancing cooperative governance and integrated delivery.”
Residents were given the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions to government officials, with President Ramaphosa urging quick responses from national, provincial, and local leaders in attendance.
Issues raised by residents and representatives of various organizations included unemployment, housing shortages, agriculture funding, water scarcity, and illegal businesses.
Government leaders, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, outlined their efforts to address these issues and improve the economic outlook for the district.
Mayor Xhakaza reassured residents that the city’s Water and Sanitation Department is working diligently to ensure reliable and sustainable municipal services.
The department has allocated funds for key projects in 2024/25, including the construction of a new reservoir, sewer pipeline, and water pipeline in various locations.
To address power cuts, the city is installing backup generators at water supply infrastructure sites to ensure continuous service delivery.
In collaboration with the provincial and national governments, the city is undertaking large-scale human settlement projects to provide integrated housing solutions and improve transport services.
Various housing projects and infrastructure developments are underway across the district to improve living conditions and meet the community’s needs.
Additional actions being taken or planned in the district include public employment projects, the establishment of shared facilities for small businesses, revitalization of industrial parks, and the provision of solar panels to create job opportunities.
Residents were also informed of initiatives to fast-track land claims, relieve water shortages, and improve infrastructure in the district.
The President emphasized the government’s commitment to job creation through partnerships with the private sector and reassured residents of efforts to address housing shortages and combat crime.
During Public Service Month in September, the President called on public servants to prioritize the upliftment of the people of Ekurhuleni.
Various government departments, agencies, and non-governmental partners offered onsite services at the event, covering a range of needs from documentation services to support for substance abuse disorder.
The President applauded residents for their openness in sharing their experiences and ideas with government officials and reiterated the administration’s dedication to improving the lives of the people of Ekurhuleni.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.