DA looks forward to improved Roads and Storm Water infrastructure across the City
by Cllr. Tebogo Masenya — DA Party Whip of the Infrastructure Services in Ekurhuleni
Date: 11 April 2022
Release: Immediate
Type: Media statement
Residents of Ekurhuleni can be hopeful that the infrastructure within the City of Ekurhuleni will be improved after years of neglect and mismanagement by the ANC-led administration in the previous term.
In her maiden State of the City Address, Executive Mayor Ald. Tania Campbell, outlined the Metro’s plans to return to a maintenance-centred approach that will ensure the stability and sustainability of much of the City’s infrastructure. This includes the City’s road and stormwater network, which has suffered not only under the maintenance neglect of the previous administration, but also as a result of the heavy seasonal rainfall which has posed challenges to the relevant department in filling potholes and reinforcing storm water infrastructure.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni welcomes the Mayor’s announcement, which outlines the Multi-Party Coalition’s plans to exceed the storm water maintenance of 70% achieved in financial previous years, and increase the maintenance and repair allocation to the Roads Department by reallocating savings from the salary bill. In addition, the City plans to rehabilitate 80km of road and upgrade 1200km of gravel roads in the next financial year.
The DA also welcomes the work that has been performed to date under the Multi-Party Coalition, which has seen the Department of Roads and Stormwater patch 29 000 square meters of road during the first 100 days of administration. While there is a long way to go, residents can be encouraged that as per the recent Adjustment Budget the allocation for road maintenance and repair has been increased. In addition, the Department is actively pursuing private-public partnerships for innovative solutions to help alleviate the problem. Residents are encouraged to report potholes to the City’s Call Centre on 0860 054 3000.
The Party also looks forward to the completion of road and infrastructure projects such as the Daveyton/N12 Interchange by the end of the next financial year, as well as the construction of a 13km dual carriageway to replace the Barry Marais Road that runs from Vosloorus to the N17 at Carnival City before 2026.
The “Back to Basics” approach espoused by the Multi-Party Coalition means that residents can expect a more responsive approach from the Metro when it comes to service delivery. The DA looks forward to improve infrastructure across the Metro, which will encourage investment and ultimately improve lives for the City residents.
Cllr. Tebogo Masenya
DA Party Whip of the Infrastructure Services Oversight Committee in Ekurhuleni
