Reinstated City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Mpho Phalatse announced on Monday that the multiparty government will start the major task of fixing Johannesburg, beginning with the rollout of the asbestos pipes replacement project.
Phalatse was reinstated as the mayor after last week’s court judgment confirmed the African National Congress (ANC) illegally removed her from the position, which she said was a win for democracy.
She highlighted that the Democratic Alliance (DA) had already begun replacing asbestos pipes in the greater Fourways area, and begun the upgrades of the Brixton and Crosby reservoirs.
Phalatse said Joburg Water has replaced 100.8 km of water pipes and 69.5 km of sewer pipes between April and June.
“But today I stand before you, as the executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg, a city I so dearly love, and I make a commitment that only a party with a proven track record of service delivery can make: using concrete solutions to real problems, the multiparty government will start the major task of fixing Johannesburg. Truly fixing, not merely sticking on a plaster,” she stated.
She stated that the ANC’s solution to the water crisis included Jojo tanks and boreholes.
“It can only be the corrupt ANC that suggests a plaster to heal a severe wound,” she said.
“Joburg Water has proposed medium- and long-term interventions and projects to ensure the sustainability of water supply to our municipality. Plans for a new connection from Rand Water to supplement supply to critical bulk water supply areas in Joburg are underway,” she added.
Despite the interventions, Phalatse claimed that maladministration remained in the City’s bulk water supplier, Rand Water.
She said the entity failed in the maintenance of electric infrastructure which now impacts its ability to pump water.
Phalatse highlighted that over the coming days, the party will also be working to ensure that urgent matters, such as the water and power crises, and the safety and security of residents, are attended to.
“I believe most residents of this City know that there is still a long way to go to turn around Johannesburg and will likely take many years to fix. But if there is one thing I know to be true, it’s that the DA can get it done,” she said.
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